Bitting advice please!

[horseychick86]

I have a 7/8th thoroughbred ex-eventer who tends to 'run off' after jumping a fence. She isn't unstoppable, she just tends to dive onto her forehand thus making it difficult to re-balance ready for the next fence. I currently ride her in a very thin loose ring french link snaffle for both jumping and flat work. Although she can be on her forehand she is never as strong on the flat as she is when jumping. Can anyone suggest a bit that might help?

 

[rrose]

try the hanging cheek snaffle as it will put presure on her poll, which might help. how badly strong is she?

 

[Rambo]

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try the hanging cheek snaffle as it will put presure on her poll, which might help. how badly strong is she?

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Why would you want to put additional poll pressure on a horse that is already on the forehand

Sounds more like a schooling issue to me...

 

[rrose]

o i did not remeber reading that!

 

[Kelly1982]

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Why would you want to put additional poll pressure on a horse that is already on the forehand

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Thats what i was thinking

Have you tried grid work with her etc to stop her rushing after the fence??

 

[lillie07]

Hmm echo Kelly1982 Best thing to try would be lots of gridwork

 

[horseychick86]

Hi, everyone thanks for your replies !

I realise that she might benefit from grid work so thanks for suggesting that. We have tried it before in lessons but it didnt seem to help that much. perhaps its worth perservering tho! I do feel that I could use a little extra control in the mean time as I don't have eunff pole and wings for grids at home! Perhaps a bit with a bit more leverage?? don't think poll pressure is the way to go as she tends to stick her head down in order to lean on the bit

 

[lillie07]

Hmmm it may be worth trying a waterford loose ring, I have had no personal experience with one but believe they are very useful in the right hands

 

[LEC]

I use a hanging cheek french link on my 17hh TB who certainly does not need any more help at going on the forehand and have to say it works a treat he has stopped pulling me out of the saddle downwards as he becomes unbalanced on the forehand and is a lot lighter. I do not believe it has any poll pressure contrary to popular belief. It is certainly worth trying as mine hates jointed snaffles which rules out a cherry roller and I would rather wait to use a waterford as he is not strong.

 

[Ferdinase514]

I use a waterford loose ring on Finni who legs it all the time XC! Some success with it. Also a nice step up from french link.

 

[MillionDollar]

Yep definitely a Waterford Loose Ring Snaffle they are fantastic at stopping horses leaning on the bit, works with all mine.

 

[welshiewhiskers]

I would say more schooling and a bit that doesnt put any more pressure on the poll! sounds like the waterford LRS is good!