Bit help for showing please!

shell1978

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22 April 2008
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Can anyone recommend me a bit for showing. Last year I just rode her in her snaflle as it was only local shows, but want to aim a little higher this year! When I had her she came with a double bridle, which I did try in one class (wish I didnt!!!). She kept bobbing her head and really leaning on the bit.
She has quite a small mouth and fleshy tongue. What do you think about a tom thumb weymouth?

Many thanks
 
Why don't you try her in the school first in different bits before going in the show ring?
A pelham with two reins / rugby pelham with a slip head or a double bridle are the norm for showing at higher levels, however if she goes well in an ordinary snaffle leave her in that.
 
As her previous owner used the double I assumed she would be ok in it. But yes of course I will try any new bit in the school!
 
Higher levels are:
DOubles (obviously not for your horse!)

Pelham/rugby pelham (rugby must have a slip head!) - 2 reins, if your horse is happy in a snaffle, then just ride off the snaffle rein and put hardly any pressure on the curb! :) school her for a couple of sessions in it before going to the show :) I use a french link rugby pelham and most horses I ahve tried it in have been quite good in it! :)

There is another post just further down about pelhams and showing etc I think its by Glosgirl.......... and there are a ocuple of suggestions on there too! :)

Also, it depends what classes you are entering?!
 
A pelham is fine for high levels but don't use a rugby pelham, instead if you want to use a pelham and a sliphead, then a loose ring show pelham looks far nicer - you can get them from Flyde Saddlery.

My cob has a short fleshy mouth, but this year is going in a low port, sliding cheek weymouth which he very much likes, more so than the pelham as I can ride 90% of the time just on the top rein with a squeeze on the bottom if he gets too fast or needs a reminder to flex.
 
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