Bits... when do you try something stronger?

[ShadowFlame]

Just interested as to what your 'switch' is in regards to changing bit?

Reason I ask, I have a 5yr old cob who is still very green. He's done limited schooling and a reasonable amount of hacking, and while he's calm he listens brilliantly. However, the minute he starts to get excited, our brakes go out the window and it's like battling with a steamtrain. If there are horses jumping in the other school, we end up cantering round like a loony toon. So, continue to school, or up the bit a level? For reference, he's in a hanging cheek NS at the mo.

 

[AmyMay]

So, continue to school, or up the bit a level? For reference, he's in a hanging cheek NS at the mo.

Continue to school, quietly until it becomes less 'exciting'.

 

[AJ & Kiz]

now theres quite a debate over this but heres my view not saying its right or wrong.. my mare was out of control when i bought her and ill be honest i couldnt hold her if i went any faster than trot she was off so i thought rather than yanking her mouth out if up her bit and carry on schooling, i can now ride in a snaffle but need something a bit stronger for jumping

AJ x

 

[sbrownshowhorses]

I would try him in a little Pelham ride him on the top rein works exactly the same as your hanging cheek and then ou can pick up the bottom twin if he gets too strong

 

[evj]

Mine is in a hanging cheek for schooling and hacks in company. Schooling whilst hacking out alone means he's 90% of the time fine in his normal bit. Recently we've been riding on fields solo which resulted in him turning into a tank so he's got a Pelham which I use with two reins just till he realises fields really aren't that exciting.

 

[Elsbells]

Mine is in a hanging cheek for schooling and hacks in company. Schooling whilst hacking out alone means he's 90% of the time fine in his normal bit. Recently we've been riding on fields solo which resulted in him turning into a tank so he's got a Pelham which I use with two reins just till he realises fields really aren't that exciting.

But they are!!!!.....spesh stubble ones.

 

[Hannah140]

I too am having this dilemma, What would you all suggest for a horse who gets over excited and strong while jumping? Currently in a hanging cheek snaffle, what would be the next step up for slightly more control?

 

[Ginger_ninja]

I too am having this dilemma, What would you all suggest for a horse who gets over excited and strong while jumping? Currently in a hanging cheek snaffle, what would be the next step up for slightly more control?

My Warmblood is very excitable jumping as he is a showjumper through and through and always competed by men! So my miniscule weight hanging on for dear life is nothing to him; after a whole summer of clinging on round a course I invested in a Neue Schule Universal with the tranz angled mouthpiece and he is a completely different horse! Best £90 i ever spend

 

[Pearlsasinger]

You don't have to go for something 'stronger', sometimes just slightly different will be enough of a change to be more effective.
In your position, I'd probably ring and speak to Heather Hyde at NS.

 

[ShadowFlame]

Thanks guys... will seek out some advice. Having attempted to school him in company today he was ridiculously strong in trot, and I don't like having to yank on his mouth Would it be worth looking into a Kimblewick as a next stage?

 

[Hannah140]

My Warmblood is very excitable jumping as he is a showjumper through and through and always competed by men! So my miniscule weight hanging on for dear life is nothing to him; after a whole summer of clinging on round a course I invested in a Neue Schule Universal with the tranz angled mouthpiece and he is a completely different horse! Best £90 i ever spend

Thank you!