Bit suggestions for a strongish horse XC

[Michen]

Yet another bitting thread from me but not hunting this time! Bar hunting and fast group hacking B is schooled, hacked, jumped, XC comps in a NS verbindend snaffle. The only time I did xc school in a stronger bit (dutch gag on ring below the snaffle) as he was still buzzy from hunting he backed off the fences quite a bit and didn't jump as well.

However we did a hunter trial on Sunday and whilst we weren't out of control I did need some more brakes and a bit more steering, this was his second XC and now he knows what it's about he was super keen. I had to circle before a sharp turn to a double as I just couldn't bring him back in time and it was downhill and slippy and not worth the risk.

I'm thinking of trying a hanging cheek, or possible a bevel? Essentially something with a little bit more brakes than an ordinary snaffle but not something that's going to make him back off the fences. Any suggestions?

 

[LeannePip]

i dont think you will have much more luck in a hanging cheek as essentially its still a snaffle with no other pressure anywhere. I have mine in a beval for XC and its just slightly more than a snaffle, we still lack a bit of breaking power but when i took her in the universal she ducked behind and ran round with her head between her knees so we are just working through it with the beval, which you could step up to a wilkie. I've also seen someone with a chin strap on a wilkie and a beval so this might be another experiment

 

[Goldenstar]

I always try the doctor Bristol first .
If he's heavy in the hand a Waterford is worth a try .
It he puts his head up I try a Tom Thumb and I always try the sprenger kk universal with a leather curb strap to help with steering .

 

[Wimbles]

One of my tb's gets quite strong hunting/xc and hates any sort of poll pressure. We use a fulmer waterford and he's fabulous in it.

 

[LouisCat]

If you were happy to ride with 2 reins I've had a lot of success with a Cheltenham gag or the Nelson gag for a bit more steering. I ride on the snaffle rein as usual with the gag rein loose (not flapping around!) and then if your brakes are coming up short you can then use the gag rein as extra brakes and then drop it again when not needed