best bit for steering when jumping

wench

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19 December 2005
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just been to local show doing few little jumps, and had some steering issues with horsey... ie he went which way he wanted to go not mine.

Was thinking about trying a different bit? he is normally in a single jointed snaffle, so I was thinking maybe a full cheek version may help him?
 
Would try full check or half (though not that experienced with bits) We ended up working thought all the saffles with two show jumpers who now both in pelhams which for five year olds is quite serve but it was getting dangerous and they now are gentlemans so rider can be be very quite with their hands and hardly use them rather then arm ache for days. But this was bitting advice from a very decent rider and trainer at a very good tackshop. once they go well in this bit we will work down the snaffles again.

However please don't replace bits for schooling. It sounds like he needs plenty of flatwork schooling (around jumps too)
 
I wouldnt put a strong bit in his mouth, I know thats not the solution to the problem. Although hes no dressage superstar he does get a fair amount of schooling, and does go where I want him to, i think its more at shows that he turns towards where he came in the arena (hes not in pain btw!), as he would rather be eating the nice juicy grass on the other side of the fence. I thought a full cheek may help him from doing this.
 
I had a very good piece of advice from my instructor once - horsie was slighlty napping towards the gate & I tried to steer him round a bit more - I just heard a shout saying 'PUSH DON'T PULL!' Meaning to use my legs to push round the corner rather than the reins to pull!
 
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