Bit for show jumping....

[wench]

just after some adive really.

I have changed my horses bit from a thin french link snaffle to a sweet iron single jointed bit, which has helped immensly with the dressage side of things.

However, he would appear not to like jumping in the sweet iron one, so I will be changing it back to the french link one.

However, the french link bit does not give me the same "feel" he does when jumping XC in his NS universal.

Just wondering if anyone has some bit suggestions to try (he doesnt like waterford snaffles or NS snaffles (odd horse!), neither do sweet iron come in a french link full cheek snaffle!) I dont want to be SJ in the universal!

 

[hellybelly6]

How does he show he does not like jumping in this bit? I ask because if he is good on the flat with it, logic suggests he should be happy jumping in it too.

 

[wench]

Throwing his head about, and generally not cantering very nicely.

On the flat he will canter very nicely with the same bit!

Back teeth etc all fine, just have an odd horse!

 

[KatB]

Have you tried the universal just on the main "Snaffle" ring? What do you want the bit to do? What does he do to suggest he doesnt like the sweet iron one?

 

[Cyberchick]

Why don't you want to jump in the universal?

 

[wench]

I would rather not SJ in the universal, as hes not strong, and I dont want him to get to used to it, and start ignoring me xc!

Although I could try it on the top ring (I use it with roundings atm.)

 

[KatB]

It's unlikeley he would get used to it and get strong... it may actually help you keep him together more and get a better jump, aswell as preventing him running out

 

[wench]

Thats a good thought - might try him in it next time I am jumping, definatly needs something different to the sweet iron snaffle. Never thought of trying it, as I have have tried the NS snaffle and he absolutly hated that (odd horse!)

Hes being good at the minute and not running out or stopping!

 

[Cyberchick]

If you know he likes the bit and accepts it then I would be inclined to try it for SJ. You might find you are able to drive him forward in the canter without the horrid head tossing thing that they can do (mine included). Give it a go at home with just a few poles and have a little play and see what works.