Bit to rasie head

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Libbyn1982

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I have problems especially when jump schooling. Horse tucks his head in, over bends and doesn't see the fence till late. What is the best bit to elevate the head? He is ridden in a loose ring french link and goes lovely on the flat in it. He has a dutch gag for xc but this is too much action for SJ. Also, in competitions he can get a bit strong and the opposite happens whith him flinging his head up. Would a different bit and martingale be best??? Help!!
 
We love our wilkie, Beau is just as fast (working on control) but pulls less than in dutch gag and doesn't overbend, as she's not pulling so hard she doesn't tip on the forehand so she finds it easier. I have no greater amount of control but a calmer horse with no mini rears or going sideways and my horse looks at the fence, she is also standing less far back (jumps everything 3.5 ft high and 3.5 ft wide in the gag which is inconnvenient when the fence is higher than this and catches me by surprise when it isn't!) and rounding nicely as a result of not being overbent.

Theres a seller on ebay sellin 'anatomical' ones (Happytack tack or something) which is what I have, quite chunky and mild on her mouth, french link.
 
Might give a Wilki a go. I think Cheltenham gag defo going to be too much. He is quite soft mouthed really. Now can anyone tell me where I can get a 7'' one??!!!!
 
My boy would lean on my hand, curl under and lean on his forehand. I have just tried the Neue Scheule Nelson Gag with Waterford mouth piece and it was PERFECT for my boy. I wouldn't have even looked at such a bit, but Heather at Neue Scheule recommended it and she was spot on.
 
Stating the obvious, but grid work will help in time. He needs to be going forward, taking you to the fence. By dropping his head, he is evading contact and making it very difficult for you maintain a rhythm to the fence. How is his flat work? I would certainly go with a running martingale just to protect you! The head throwing is just another type of evasion.

If you change to a harsher bit, don't forget that as he progresses and becomes easier to ride, you can revert to a softer bit. And rule out any physical problems too. :)
 
Grid work is working but when we go back to short courses we have issues again. Flat work was a problem with him being behind the bit bit over the last 3 weeks this has improved so well to the point that he now has a reasonably vertical head carrage. I did notice on Monday that he isn't nearly so bad in the outdoor school and did some fantasic jumping in a lovely rythm. Perhaps he just isn't going to go as well in the indoor and thats his little thing??? Looked at video from weekend and defo doesn't look as bad as it feels either, I think there is hope!!
 
My old horse bucked for england and the only way I could keep his head up was with a loose ring waterford in his mouth...

Edited... Ive just read the OP and it has nothing to do with bucking. Sorry, I jumped to the reply button a bit too quickly there :o
 
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