bit for a strong 14.2 showjumper

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rustyroo

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im having some issues showjumping with my pony but only at shows when she runs out of a jump she tanks off and i dont want to hurt her mouth but i really do need a new stronger bit as she is just being to strong to deal with and i really dont want to have to sell her as she really is a good pony help!!!!!!!!!!!
 
three ring gags are strong but I don't like seeing show jumpers in them as they can really hurt their mouths over the jumps. Have you had her back checked? Its normal for ponies to run out occasionally but not to tank off always. how old is she.
 
If she only behaves like this at shows then a bit isn't necessarily going to solve the problem: it looks like there's something to do with being at a show that makes her behaviour deteriorate, probably from a mixture of excitement, nerves (on your part as well as hers), there being lots of distractions with new horses, sights and smells etc. No bit will calm her down - if anything, a stronger bit may make her more tense and agitated.
Therefore it might be a better idea to take her to as many shows as possible to get her more used to them. Also, if you think she may be being very sensitive to your own nerves and excitement then it'd be worth finding ways to keep yourself calm as well as her. Working out and sticking to a warm-up routine that settles her whilst getting rid of any surplus nervous energy, maybe having a coach on the ground to keep you both calm & focused, could help, as could a calmer and giving her lots of time before your class to settle and calm down. Also, some advice from an instructor may help you to manage your pony's behaviour as effectively as possible.
 
Hi,she is 6 but we brought her from Ireland and and we think she may have been rapped (where when a horse is jumping 2 people will lift the pole up and bang the horse legs)as she can be nervous around certain kind of people especially if they are carrying anything. Her jumping is amazing and she will happily jump 3ft6 courses at home its just at shows she seems to have a mental block where she will jump really well until 1 jump spooks her a then when that happens she seems to just go in to shut down and either try and run away or she will happily carry on jumping depending on her mood. Her back was done 5 weeks ago and her teeth were also done and she had the Saddle fitter out about 4 months ago where she got a new saddle so she is no pain :) if you have any advice I will really appreciate it :)
 
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