Bit for strong, sensitive tongued horse?

[GreenEyedMonster]

Hi all,

Looking for bit suggestions for my mare who cannot stand tongue pressure but gets very strong to jump.

When i bought her 4 months ago i started in a NS D-ring but the links made her almost head shake and upset in her mouth with lots of stinking tongue out and leaning etc.

She is now in a Bomber Bit Happy Mouth Eggbutt Snaffle and is much happier, lots of schooling has made her 100x bette on the flat and she's shaping up to be a lovely little horse.

Jumping is where it changes, i'm finding the more confident she gets the stronger she is getting and i am now looking for something stronger as at present i struggle to even get a response in half halt let alone attempt to "school the strong tendency out of her".

so pleased, without telling me i'm bitting up and doing it wrong or should never move on from a snaffle, what are people's recommendations?


I'm currently considering the Bomber Bit Universal Gag with a HappyMouth and cherry rollers on the side. I'm considering also with two reins so that i'm not always using the bottom rein.

Other suggestions would be great please.

I don't want something that will lift her too much in front so that we can't see where we are going nor something that will be so strong it will prevent her moving forwards.


(I am making these changes following a XC schooling session earlier this week where i had to limit the jumping as safety was becoming a concern!)

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

I find a Universal with 2 reins works extremely well for my strong mare. I use NS which she likes but the principle is the same. I ride on the snaffle rein most of the time but can bring the curb rein into play when necessary. I would try what you have sugested, you will soon know if she doesn't like it.

 

[Chinchilla]

Maybe something like this?
It's a nathe mullen mouth combination bit....thinking mullen mouth + nathe might be more comfortable for her but so far as I can tell it's like an american gag with a hackamore thing. So you could have two reins 1 snaffle/nose action and the other leverage/nose action for when she gets strong?

 

[Shay]

Give the bit bank a call. There are so many hundreds of possible combinations available these days. You can have a long chat and explore your preferences. You can also hire a bit for 30 days which avoids a very expensive mistake!