Bitting advise please - boring but needed

[debradley]

As the title suggests I'm lost as to what to do next. I'm trying to find a bit that my daughters pony will be happy in.

She's fine in a snaffle doing flatwork, but we need something stronger for jumping. To give you an idea we have her in a 3 ring dutch gag soft straight bar; she's on the bottom one and still has no brakes.
The pony has a habit of going behind the bit in order to take the brakes away and we have now found out that she goes even head higher if you put anything with poll action on it.

Has anyone got any other suggestions please - was thinking of trying a waterford but only because I've got a spare one, but any other suggestions would be greatfully received.

 

[Ezme]

try something with a curb like a kimberwick (i know i keep going on about them) its just you'll have some poll pressure but its also distributed over chin.

 

[kerilli]

have you tried a cheltenham gag? otherwise kimblewick is a good idea, waterford because it might stop her leaning has to be worth a try.
have you tried a hackamore, too? (in an enclose space obv!)

 

[debradley]

My problem is, which is why I think the waterford wont be any good, is that she doesn't lean she actually comes behind the bit, but thought that as it would remain fluid in her mouth she might not try to avoid the contact!

 

[hellybelly6]

A cheltenham gag needs two reins and has an awful lot of poll pressure which the pony does not like.

I agree that a Kimblewick is a good option or the waterford. I used to ride strong ponies in a Kimblewick. They are not as strong as they look.

 

[OrangeEmpire]

if she lifts her head, try a pelham as it has a lowering action.

 

[SouthWestWhippet]

Agree to try kimberwick, I really love them for strong ponies. They seem to give you lovely soft brakes without having to pull and pull.

 

[Ezme]

Wooo! I've said kimberwick enough time to take over the world! LONG LIVE THE KIMBERWICK!

 

[saddlesore]

What about a nelson gag? SImilar to a Cheltenham but with smaller rings so less leverage? (and better steering lol) This group of gags (unlike dutch/american gags) is designed to raise the head so should stop problem with going behind the bit. You could then play about with the mouthpiece? shop4bits let you trial bits before you buy them so it would let you try and few and see which suits best.
Also, maybe teeth/back check? Sorry if you have already done this, just a suggestion.