Bit suggestions

Vikki89

Vikki89

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I have a 14.1hh Irish sports horse (well pony) who is a very keen jumping pony which is great but... I am having problems with brakes while jumping and cantering out on hacks.
I have been riding him in a dutch gag on the 3rd ring and have tried a cheltenham gag but i dont seem to be able to keep control in either.
My instructor has suggested trying a pelham but just wondered what others would suggest?
 
Not overly keen on the dutch gag - IMO it seems to hinder steering! but its very hard to make suggestions not knowing you or your pony so how about approaching a bit bank for a selection of bits and advice? there are so many variables to take into account but if you go to a bit bank you will be given a choice and can try out a few. Good luck - I have never yet been able to bit one horse the same way! even if in theory, they have the same requirements!
 
Or back to basics with a french link snaffle and schooling?
I had bit problems with Bear last year, tried all sorts, but in the end went back to a snaffle and loads of schooling
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If not then agree with monkey bum, waterfords are good, you can get a waterford gag.
 
IMO the waterford gag is severe - yes
Maybe try a waterford snaffle, poss hanging cheek as this has some poll pressure??
As has already been said lots of schooling is good and try a bit bank for a large variety of bits
 
but you dont have to have it on bottom ring
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My mate rides her tb mare in one all the time, she has it on snaffle ring for hacking, and she drops it down one for XC/SJ.

A bit is as harsh as the hands make it
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We are trying the going back to basics with schooling but he is 16 and my instructor thinks it is habit and he also know how to get away with it now. If you fight with him he fights back and if you dont he goes anyway, so she thinks a different bit would help.
He is not like this when we go to shows though, he goes round very nicely then.
 
nope a waterford is really no more severe than having a french link mouth-piece... the lots of little joints make it very hard for the horse to hold the bit. Try it, it might be worth a shot, if not try copper roller for another option maybe?
 
Some would say that a bit is as severe as the hands that hold it, or something along those lines
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I'd rather be able to touch a 'harsh' bit lightly and get an instant reaction, than haul a horse around on a 'mild' bit and actually be doing more damage!

I guess even with a waterford gag, you can start off on the top ring and work your way down depending on how strong he is? Lots of schooling is also good! heheh
 
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A bit is as harsh as the hands make it
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Iv been told i am a polite rider, too polite sometimes so my hands are not harsh
 
If he's 16 then back to basics is prob out the window lol!
I borrowed bits off friends, otherwise you spend a bloody fortune, when you borrow one that works go buy one
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Hi has your instructor checked to make sure that the bit is sitting in the mouth high enough. Too many people use this bit without success as it is placed too low in the mouth so the bit doesnt have the desired effect. Ask your trainer to watch how the bit sits when you are using it to slow etc.
Hope this helps.
I bought my mare 2 yrs ago and she was being ridden in a waterford and jumped in a tom thumb gag. I spent time re-schooling her and within a couple of months I could ride her round a course of fences in a loose ring french link. Tho is was a little quick, with her getting fitter and more eager, we now use a universal just for jumping. Whilst I was having a first lesson using the universal, my trainer told me the same as I have mentioned above.
Since we have been going to the shows he has pointed this out to me about other riders, and they too were struggling with their horses. The couple that had them fitted correctly, were doing fine.
If this fails, try a different mouthpiece like someone has already mentioned. Perhaps something with a small port in it?
I would definately go down this route before changing to a harsher bit or you may find that you have to keep going stronger and stronger.
Good Luck. x
 
Hate dutch gags anyway, as alot of horse pull against them as they give such a woolly signal!! Although adding a leather curb strap through the top ring may help stabilise the action and give a clearer signal and give you more brakes! I would try a rubber pelham, or a universal with a curb (magic bits!)
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Double bridle? And some schooling.

I agree with KatB about dutch gags, not often a great solution, better with two reins though.

A pelham with two reins would be another option.

Or try a twisted snaffle, stops them grabbing hold like a cherry roller does. Doesn't have to be harsh, feel the mouthpiece for sharp edges before you buy. You could use the twisted mouthpiece with other jointed bits but often you don't need to. I've been amazed by the difference it has made with a couple of horses who many would have put in a dutch gag.
 
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