Bit advice please!!!!!

[caz81]

I have a 4 year old horse who has just started jumping etc this year. He is going so well and schools lovely, very light and responsive but as soon as we jump he sticks out his nose and I have trouble stopping him. He was ridden in a french link hanging cheek which we swapped to a waterford hanging cheek to see if this would stop him taking hold of the bit and running off but he still does it. Obvioulsy he is still young so nothing will replace schooling and experience and as he is so soft in his mouth i don't want to go putting a really harsh bit in there, but by the same token I can't stop him and I am always aware of not wanting to pull on his mouth to stop. Does anyone have any ideas on something with a little more stopping power?? Bit or noseband??? He doesn't throw his head up or anything, just sticks out his nose and off he goes!!!! Any advice really appreciated.... i have spoken to a proffesional who suggested a neue schule universal.... has anyone any experience of these bits as obvioulsy they are much more expensive and I don't want to fork out for one if it's not going to work.......

 

[StickyToffee]

I would check his back and teeth first for discomfort before changing bits if it's only happening when jumping. Saying that, my mare schools well and then has a personality change when jumping. She jumps great but at 100mph!

 

[caz81]

Yep had back and teeth checked, all fine. I know he will probably calm down with more experience and schooling but in the meantime it's making life so difficult as don't want to be yanking on his ppor mouth to stop but on the other hand don't want to shove a harsh bit in if he doesn't need it..... mmmm what to do!!!! ?????

 

[KatB]

Universals are great bits. However, my 4yr old was jumping in a french link but was throwing her head about coming into a fence, and running into it as when she naturally lifted her head infront of a fence, the french link dug into her tongue. I have wrapped her bit in Latex now so there are no "edges" and she is now polite, soft and not half as strong as she was..... so I would try that or a lozenged snaffle first, before going down the universal route. However, I am a HUGE fan of the universal, just would be weary of putting a 4yr old in one just yet.....

 

[caz81]

thanks for all your advice..... have changed his bit to a fulmer french link, to aid with the turning etc.... and was advised to try a grackle with it and he is fab!!!!!!! So fingers crossed we've cracked it!!!!