Bits for Jumping, any suggestions?

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SG_Bunny

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Hello, I need some advice on a bit to use for jumping please.

My horse used to be a Grade C showjumper but had not jumped for a few years when I bought him. When I first had him I fell off and fractured my spine, so therefore decided to do dressage and some side saddle!

For the past few years I jumped him a little bit at home but now I would like to do some low key SJ but I could really do with using a bit that gives me a bit more control as I don't know how he will be when I take him out.

I currently use a KK training bit, I didn't want to use a strong bit on him when I first started jumping again as I was nervous and didn't want to upset him if I jabbed him in the mouth by accident. But he tends to put his head down and charge off after jumping a fence so I need something that will help me bring him back, otherwise I end up charging into the next fence!

The only other bit I have ever used on him is a double bridle for dressage and side saddle. But tend to use the KK at home. Any suggestions for a bit that is not too harsh but stranger than a training bit? Thanks
 
Honestly I would go back to basics at home - lots & lots of gridwork etc to slow him down & make him think! Make jumping less exciting by popping a couple of jumps inbetween schooling sessions, go out & rent a couple of venues & school around the jumps before popping couple of fences... after that get to some training shows where organisers are usually understanding about taking time around a course - If after all that still the same issues them ask your instructor about Bitting up...:)

SG_Bunny said:
Hello, I need some advice on a bit to use for jumping please.

My horse used to be a Grade C showjumper but had not jumped for a few years when I bought him. When I first had him I fell off and fractured my spine, so therefore decided to do dressage and some side saddle!

For the past few years I jumped him a little bit at home but now I would like to do some low key SJ but I could really do with using a bit that gives me a bit more control as I don't know how he will be when I take him out.

I currently use a KK training bit, I didn't want to use a strong bit on him when I first started jumping again as I was nervous and didn't want to upset him if I jabbed him in the mouth by accident. But he tends to put his head down and charge off after jumping a fence so I need something that will help me bring him back, otherwise I end up charging into the next fence!

The only other bit I have ever used on him is a double bridle for dressage and side saddle. But tend to use the KK at home. Any suggestions for a bit that is not too harsh but stranger than a training bit? Thanks
Click to expand...
 
Have a look at the Tim Stockdale videos on YouTube. We have a big DWB who is very enthusiastic. He is schooled in a KK but jumps in a kimberwick. We got over the rushing problem by trotting around the course and getting him to understand that it is sitting back and lifting that gets him over a jump and not speed. It raised a few comments initially but he went clear and within the time. Once he had adjusted his ideas we did a very slow canter around and it worked a treat.
 
showpony said:
Honestly I would go back to basics at home - lots & lots of gridwork etc to slow him down & make him think! Make jumping less exciting by popping a couple of jumps inbetween schooling sessions, go out & rent a couple of venues & school around the jumps before popping couple of fences... after that get to some training shows where organisers are usually understanding about taking time around a course - If after all that still the same issues them ask your instructor about Bitting up...:)
Click to expand...

Hi, yep I have already done all of these! Although grid work makes him go faster and explode at the end. I have been jumping him at home for nearly two years often leaving a jump up in the school and popping it during dressage schooling. My lessons at the mo are schooling to start and jumping to end. I've taken him to venues and had jumping lessons there and been round a XC course. The bit I have in at the mo is the softest one you can get so I just wanted something the next level up to give me a bit more control.
 
If he's been ridden in a double before, try a kimblewick or rubber pelham. As long as you have very soft hands this bit can be very good for keeping the horse a bit more collected.
 
Hi thanks for your suggestions, I'll see if I can borrow these from my friends to try. Even though I've had horses all my life I don't really know anything about bits as I've always had lazy horses so only ever used snaffles and double bridles for showing! Thanks
 
NS Universal bits are also a good compromise giving you more control without being too severe and can have different mouthpieces depending on what your horse likes.
 
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