Bits .....

[eventing09]

I know some bits dont work for somehorses blah blah blah but i can try

Basically i need a new bit for my thoroughbred. Shes very strong when jumping but the problem isnt too the jump its after the jump as it takes me about 6 strides after the jump to re-gain control. I have her in a drop noseband atm with just a eggbut french link (not strong i know you dont need to tell me that) and i have alot more control but still need more. I was considering putting her in a 4 ring bubble bit but i know that is quite severe and can put there poll out. So any ideas???
Thankies

 

[martlin]

does she pull away with you diving onto the bit or head in the air and giraffe-like?

 

[eventing09]

Head in the air giraffe like haha!!

 

[WhiteHorseWendy]

Try a french link hanging cheek

 

[eventing09]

Ok thats great thankyou

 

[martlin]

I would try the dutch gag then - bubble bit that is, or maybe hanging cheek if you are worried about the bubble bit.

 

[eventing09]

Yeah i think ill try both. Thankies everyone !!

 

[lynsey1808]

I've just put my TB in a dutch gag for exactly the same reason, and he loves it

 

[eventing09]

Arr so it works then

Im gunna give it a go

 

[lynsey1808]

Definitely worked for him, he's also much quieter in his mouth now. Go for it

 

[KatB]

Just to throw a spanner in the works, dutch gags can cause alot of horses to raise their heads...

Best thing to use is something like a wilkie, cartwheel gag or a Universal (not as much raising action)

 

[jumptoit]

Ditto the wilkie or loop ring snaffle as they are often called. Just make sure it doesn't have a very thin mouthpiece as that can make them very strong, if your horse likes the French link then try and get a triple jointed one.

The mouthpiece is really thin on this one but can't seem to find the one with the revolving link that I've just ordered!

http://match.shared.hosting.zen.co.uk/newdesign/cottagecraft/home.aspx

Here it is . . . near the middle on the right hand side:

http://www.ejeffries.co.uk/Bits/Revolver.html

 

[suzysparkle]

I'd be more inclined to find out why she's doing that. First thing would be the usual teeth, back and saddle fit check. Then, go back to basics with small jumps and gridwork. There are loads of exercises you can do for problems like this. My Horse is more of the enthusiastic into a jump type and I have worked on this through schooling and training sessions. Putting on a stronger bit may help in the short run but more often that not they end up fighting it more. Sometimes (especially for XC and hunting etc) you do need something more to help curb the excitement - and for safety. However, for SJ I'd always look to try and solve the issue another way. Previous owner used to jump him in a single jointed dutch gag on the bottom ring and flash. I now use a myler comfort snaffle (hanging cheek) and a cavesson most of the time. I use a high ring grackle for really exciting stuff.

I have experimented with bits - french link, KK, loose ring and so on. Found the myler suits his fleshy mouth the best. Hanging cheeks I think are good. Have you had any training sessions? Often a good trainer can pinpoint what's going wrong. Do you have any clips you can post?

Sorry if you have done all of this already but it's not been mentioned.

 

[eventing09]

haha no no that all really great

I do have a very good trainer,, has previous trained with keith clawson or what ever his name is haha however ive had no good enough weather to be able to have lessons yet

will be starting soon
and shes recently had her teeth checked and was vetted when i bought her which wasnt long ago. I started with small jumps, trotting poles ect and now im onto gridwork. But i suppose part of the problem is shes just not getting enough work in but shes naturally fizzy so cant complain haha

Im hopefully going to get a lesson soon wen the arenas dry up

ill see what he suggests

ill keep you all posted ,, watch this space haha