Bit advice

[Sauerkraut]

Hi everyone,

Hope I can have some advice. My cob goes really well in a kimblewick rubber mouth like this one:

https://www.horsebitbank.com/rubber-mouth-kimblewick-slotted-cheeks-518.phtml

I needed the extra out hunting but find that in the summer for hacking, schooling etc I don't need it that strong.

What alternatives would you recommend?

Dutch gag I don't like and he pulls his head down when cantering or getting naughty.

Hanging cheek with low port maybe?

Many thanks

 

[Annagain]

I'm a big believer that the horse chooses the mouth piece (i.e. you have to have one he is happy with) and the rider chooses the cheeks to achieve the requisite amount of control. In your case, that means I'd go with a solid mouthpiece - probably with a port as you know he's happy with that. A kimblewick is probably only one step up from a snaffle so you could just try some sort of snaffle cheek. I like the hanging cheek and it's probably the most similar to the kimblewick in terms of the stillness of the bit. My boy goes very well in the Myler mullen mouth hanging cheek. It doesn't have a port but the curve of the mouthpiece is very pronounced and gives a lot of tongue relief.

 

[pennyturner]

The Kimblewick isn't a particularly strong bit, and your horse is telling you it's comfortable. If you don't wish to use, or don't need the leverage, then attach the rein on the top slot, or keep the curb chain so loose as to not be engaged, even when the rein is taught. That way it's essentially a Cambridge snaffle - about as mild as it gets!