Bit advice.

[Vicky1978]

I’ve recently bought a new pony for my 11 and 13 year olds. When he came to us he was ridden in a gag and we’ve continued with this whilst we’ve got to know him.We usually ride him on the snaffle ring, but sometimes when jumping we have to drop it down to the lower loop as he gets quite excited and can be very forward in to the jump.
I feel that the bit is too strong for him and sometimes causes him to do mini rears.
I was thinking of trying a Wilkie on him but have heard that they are quite harsh also. Any advice on snaffle options to try please. I want him to be comfortable but also ensure he has brakes.

 

[Lucky Snowball]

Depending on what he currently has, you could try the snaffle with a different noseband, maybe a grackle or flash.

 

[vhf]

What mouthpiece is it? It might be that the gag cheeks are less of an issue than the mouthpiece itself. There are a lot of mouthpiece options out there, and they will all affect the pony differently.

If you can, maybe getting a bit expert out might be a good use of money, and interesting education for your young riders.

 

[KC31]

Be careful with a bit expert. There is one local to us who everyone raves about and having seen the bits that have been fitted, i would consider it a huge waste of money. Especially as they have failed to take into account the hands on the ends of said bits!!

I have found the bomber bits very nice and both mine have gone very happily in them. Have you spoken with the Bit Shop? they do hires so save you money if you find it doesn't work.

 

[blitznbobs]

A Wilkie and a Dutch gag are essentially the same bit. If it is too strong what happens if they just ride on the snaffle ring?

 

[vhf]

Be careful with a bit expert. There is one local to us who everyone raves about and having seen the bits that have been fitted, i would consider it a huge waste of money. Especially as they have failed to take into account the hands on the ends of said bits!!

Mm. Was going to caveat that with a similar statement but opted for being more neutral! Good idea to do your homework and choose wisely might have been a sensible addition.

 

[Vicky1978]

I

What mouthpiece is it? It might be that the gag cheeks are less of an issue than the mouthpiece itself. There are a lot of mouthpiece options out there, and they will all affect the pony differently.

If you can, maybe getting a bit expert out might be a good use of money, and interesting education for your young riders.

It’s a lozenge mouthpiece. He holds his head quite high so was thinking the gag action and poll pressure may be causing it.
Also had a few disapproving comments from people on our livery yard for riding him in a gag.

 

[Vicky1978]

Be careful with a bit expert. There is one local to us who everyone raves about and having seen the bits that have been fitted, i would consider it a huge waste of money. Especially as they have failed to take into account the hands on the ends of said bits!!

I have found the bomber bits very nice and both mine have gone very happily in them. Have you spoken with the Bit Shop? they do hires so save you money if you find it doesn't work.

Thank you, didn’t know about the bit shop. I’ll take a look.

 

[suebou]

If you need a little extra for jumping, you could try roundings on snaffle and lower ring. Still with single rein, but a bit more when required without totally on lower ring of gag.

 

[Wishfilly]

I

It’s a lozenge mouthpiece. He holds his head quite high so was thinking the gag action and poll pressure may be causing it.
Also had a few disapproving comments from people on our livery yard for riding him in a gag.

If his head carriage is quite up in the air, could a martingale help? If he goes nicely in the bit most of the time, I wouldn't worry about what people are saying!

Do you have an instructor involved? If so, I would ask their advice- if not, I would consider finding one because it may be a training/riding issue as much as a bit one!

 

[saddlesore]

A kimblewick might he a good option. Fager do a number of nice mouthpieces with a kimblewick cheek as do Myler. I agree about the bit bank

 

[Kaylum]

Do you use a strap with the gag otherwise they are pretty useless without one as they just slip through the cheek pieces. What's your bridle fit like?

 

[Peregrine Falcon]

I'd suggest a kimblewick too. Put my son's pony in one as recommended by his instructor. Made a such a difference.

 

[Vicky1978]

If his head carriage is quite up in the air, could a martingale help? If he goes nicely in the bit most of the time, I wouldn't worry about what people are saying!

Do you have an instructor involved? If so, I would ask their advice- if not, I would consider finding one because it may be a training/riding issue as much as a bit one!

Yes we had a lesson with a different instructor today and she suggested a kimblewick. Also seen that previous owners had him in a grackle and sometimes a flash, so may try that as well. He’s in a running martingale currently.

 

[Vicky1978]

I'd suggest a kimblewick too. Put my son's pony in one as recommended by his instructor. Made a such a difference.

Thank you our instructor suggested a kimblewick today.

 

[Jellymoon]

Kimblewicks and pelhams with roundings have always been used on kids ponies with good effect.

Many Ponies seem to like them, maybe the straight bar and fixed sides are more comfy in the uneducated hands than a jointed bit sliding around in their mouths.

The mouthpiece material makes a big difference too. Soft or hard rubber, vulcanite etc…and then you can adjust curb chain. And a Kimblewick can have diff settings.

Try to block out the disapproving liveries! Your pony, your kid. Just politely thank them for their suggestions but say you are going with your instructor.