Bit for strong horse xc? Butterfly flip bit?

charlie76

charlie76

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My horse is pretty strong XC and I am looking into different bits to aid control a little( I know in an ideal world he should go in a snaffle but sadly my world is less than ideal!) He tends to get 'on your hand' and runs on a bit.
Some one sugested a butterfly flip bit but I have no idea about this bit.
He is quite sensitive and will tend to bounce if the bit is too strong.
Any ideas?
Thanks
 
What have you tried so far?

I've recently had good sucess with a drop noseband & Cheltenham Gag, and prior to that a lozenged pelham.

A Universal might be a good one to try too?
 
A butterfly flip bit is a fancy kimblewick generally with a nathe mouthpiece, although you can get them in waterford etc

Have you tried a standard kimblewick?
 
I have tried a dutch gag, pelham, kimblewick, normal snaffle, copper roller and magenis. He wears a grackle noseband.
Haven't tried a cheltenham gag though.,
Seems which ever I go for is not going to be cheap!!
 
I use a Tom Thumb from Shires on my cob-x who, when cantering/galloping, like to just set the pace to "fast as possible" and sets her neck against me! It has a sweet iron mouthpiecer and copper rollers on the centre lozenge. A bit of leverage but small ring at the mouthpiece, so doesn't "travel" on the leverage the same way a dutch gag would. (if that makes sense?!). She goes well in this- I can steady without a fight but it doesn't back her off too much.

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I use a cheltenham gag on both my eventers (cob and tbx). I find them very very effective and especially when ridden with two reins - though not necessary.
I used to use a Tom thumb on the tbx but he got wise to that!
 
I'm having a similar dilemma! Normal tranz-angled loose ring not sufficient for jumping outside in, though fine indoors. Been trying the Tom Thumb bit posted above, but I'm still not able to slow down much, and I get a lot of wild head-flinging - which is his thing. We have even managed (twice) to do both the last 2 strides before a fence with nose beyond parallel - i.e. I can see both nostrils above his ears. Amazingly he still clears the fences. He did this when I tried him out, in a snaffle, so I think it might be a long-term schooling fix needed. Would be easier to sort if he did it more often than say once a month. I think I might try one of those Dalehead bits in the horsey magazine this month. Or a Universal.

I have used a Neslon gag but your horse might find that too strong and start to bounce? trial and error I think...
 
Been having exactly the same problem recently. He hates any kind of poll pressure and will stott on the ground, refusing to go forward (to the extent of standing on his back legs if really unhappy). Tried old horse's waterford and it was great as could not set his neck against me, was happy to go forward, but steering was lacking. Have just got hold of a Neue Schule waterford with full cheeks and was great - could turn him far easier and didn't have to set up nearly as much. This weekend at Hutton had a few combinations on curving lines and they were fine. Also used to use a cheltenham gag on an ex-racehorse and he went very well in it.
 
hi, I ride in a butterfly flip bit with a metal mouthpiece with a large barrel in the middle. was a lifesaver XC as I was really struggling.

Equiport made it for me within 48 hours but it was £110 or something like that. (I had previously borrowed my trainers) It has three levels of severity and can be used with or without a strap under the chin.

Funnily enough my other horse goes very well in his tom thumb with a leather strap under the chin!!

I think you need to play around a bit.
 
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