Bit ideas for jumping a strong but sensitive horse

[katiebalmer]

My boy is currently in a 3 ring gag (happy mouth straight bar) but I jumped him yesterday at BSJA and I struggled. He really grabs the bit and runs, where I'm a small girl with no muscles it was a challenge!
I'm thinking about trying him in a Neue Schule 'Tranz Angled Lozenge Evelvator'
but don't want to spend out near on £100 if it's pants!
He's strong but incredibly sensitive!
Any ideas on other bits would be fantastic too. Thanks!

 

[MegaBeast]

You can get the above bit on trial from the bit bank.

Otherwise, look for something with a joint or links as a straight bar is easy for a horse to grab hold of and lean on. I personally really like to jump in a full cheek or universal gag waterford, and you can get these quite cheaply. Horses seem to really accept the mouthpiece and can't lean on it because of the links.

 

[Loulou2002]

I hired mine from the horse bit shop then bought it. Trial price is £8.50. Ive got the waterford version. Must admit though she was lovely in it for about 6 months but is now very strong in it. I have to change bits a lot!

 

[RachelFerd]

I've actually always preferred going down the Pelham route rather than the gag route with sensitive horses. Big fat rubber mouthpiece, but the action of the curb chain really creates a lot of a respect without upsetting them in the mouth. Also easier to steer than in a dutch gag!

 

[LadyRascasse]

Works well on my strong but sensitive guy, I can actually round him into a fence rather than him bolting with me!

 

[L&M]

I trialled one for my new horse that has similiar issues and he hated it - made him very overbent and reluctant to go forward!

Will be interested in any replies.

 

[Nosey]

Mines a bit like that..i flit btwn a 3 ring snaffle or a full cheek waterford

 

[suzysparkle]

Mine is very strong but also has a very soft mouth. Best bit has been a Hilary Vernon (informed designs) ported dalehead bit. Been in that bit for a few years. He couldn't tolerate a thick mouthpiece.

 

[frannieuk]

I have a big strong WB mare with a very soft mouth, and I've found that the Tom Thumb was like a miracle for her! I went from a pelham with 2 reins to the TT, and it's been a revelation.

ETA UK Tom Thumb, not the American version!

 

[whizzer]

My horse used to be very strong jumping but he considered many things too strong & just crept along & cat jumped. I found a NS universal was the answer,gave me brakes & steering but didn't make him back off it.

 

[ShowjumpingPrincess]

DEFINATLY buy the elevator!!! It is brilliant and really makes a difference to the jumping and flatwork (though it isn't allowed for dressage competition) as it REALLY sits them on their hocks and helps turning.

 

[ShowjumpingPrincess]

If your horse has a large mouth or a small tongue, I would consider the rubber mouth Pelham, but if not, defiantly go for the elevator. The Tom thumb however, is a definite no no for me as it is a lot harsher than the elevator due to less movement and a lot more pressure.

 

[Countrychic]

I would go for the universal rather than the elevator. The elevator was too much for my sensitive mare. My little mare was in a Mullen happy mouth 3 ring like your horse as i wanted to teach her to take the contact but she began taking it to much and running through it. We swapped her to the universal and she was amazing. Love both the elevator and the universal but I've found more fussing in the elevator on a sensitivenhorse