Bit advice

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matildahill

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I have the lovliest boy, currently in a double jointed snaffle and listens to me perfectly well when flatting, at home and out hacking, even when galloping flat out on the hills. He goes in a beautiful outline on the flat without any struggle in his current bit, occasionally near the end of our flat sessions he starts to lean on the bit but I suspect that’s just him getting tired and overall seems to be happy (he mouths it, doesn’t have his mouth open when riding etc.)

However he loves a jump and can become a bit strong when out xc or when we jump a course of show jumps (I still have control but as we jump 1m+ at shows it’s important to have collection before fences and that’s the part I struggle to get in a snaffle).

So I’m considering swapping him from a double jointed snaffle to a double jointed bevel bit or universal bit. Reason being both of these have the option to have the same leverage as a snaffle when I don’t need any extra control but I can also swap the reins to have more leverage in situations when he gets more exited.

From the research I’ve done they both seem to be in between a snaffle and gag bits. But I’m new to biting and any advice/experience anyone has with these bits or any other recommendations I haven’t found yet would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance 😊
 
I like a bevel as not quite as much leverage on the poll IMO - nothing wrong in that if you need it but I've found if horse is used to a snaffle, a universal can cause them to brake rather abruptly if you need to give them a check 🤣
 
I watched a tiktok yesterday from a bit lady (who seems to be incredibly fair and knowledgable, I really enjoy her content! I think she's equine bitting solutions on tiktok?) and she suggested using a snaffle where the mouthpiece locks as a step up, then perhaps onto a wilkie. I'm currently rehabbing my horse who has a double jointed snaffle with copper for everything apart from jumping and hunting. When I first got him, I experimented with stronger bits but found that the stronger the bit I put in, the more he would fight me and protest, but I still didn't have enough control to make it safe. As part of his rehab, I'm aiming to do some re-training and perhaps see if I can trial one of these locking snaffles for when he starts jumping.
 
If you’re in a standard snaffle that doesn’t cost the Earth then I would pick up both options on Marketplace and try them. Sell on whatever doesn’t work. I tend to go from snaffle to Dutch gag (same mouthpiece, a little poll pressure) but that’s because I always have one lying around. Some horses ignore them, for most it gives just a little more politeness as it were. I never use the bottom ring though so it’s basically a universal. I’d try that first but second hand in case it’s not quite right. You only lose the postage that way.
 
matildahill said:
Because I know me horse and I’m pretty clued up on the basics of animal behaviour?
I’m sorry but if you’re not offering me any advice why bother commenting 🤣
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OP I think you are reading too much into that comment, the commenter is (I think) relatively young and inexperienced and may well have been asking a genuine question out of curiosity.
 
Albus15 said:
I watched a tiktok yesterday from a bit lady (who seems to be incredibly fair and knowledgable, I really enjoy her content! I think she's equine bitting solutions on tiktok?) and she suggested using a snaffle where the mouthpiece locks as a step up, then perhaps onto a wilkie. I'm currently rehabbing my horse who has a double jointed snaffle with copper for everything apart from jumping and hunting. When I first got him, I experimented with stronger bits but found that the stronger the bit I put in, the more he would fight me and protest, but I still didn't have enough control to make it safe. As part of his rehab, I'm aiming to do some re-training and perhaps see if I can trial one of these locking snaffles for when he starts jumping.
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I’ll give her videos a look thanks!! X
 
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