Bitting but without poll pressure

[ElleJS]

I am looking for a bit that is stronger than a snaffle but with minimal effect on the poll? I'm sure I should know one and I have searched but alas not found, so any wise bitting experts out there please! Thank you

 

[LEC]

Waterford snaffle. cherry roller snaffle. twisted snaffle?

I have good results with a copper scrob snaffle.

 

[deskbound]

*disclaimer - no expert* - what about a waterford, mcginnis (sp), copper roller etc?

 

[ElleJS]

yes in waterford snaffle with cheeks already just need a step up from that and a waterford dutchgag is too much poll pressure. copper/cherry roller could be worth a try! thank you, so should have thought of that!

 

[KatB]

What about putting a curb strap on the dutch gag? It will stop the top ring rotating, so therefore almost eliminate poll pressure.

 

[ElleJS]

KatB genius idea, my mother suggested it too and I was trying to work out if it would eliminate poll pressure but as you said as the ring won't rotate it should do the trick

 

[deskbound]

hmmm... Dr Bristol, kineton noseband, together or separately?

 

[deskbound]

Other thing you can do is put roundings on the dutch gag, which evens the pressure a bit, would be fine in combination with back strap I think?

 

[ihatework]

In addition to the above a Dr. Bristol could go on the list.
A kimblewick might also be worth trying

Also play with noseband options (rope/kineton)

 

[deskbound]

Oh, and, (I'm clearly having a very slow afternoon) - you could always try one of those W type bits with two snaffles?

 

[ElleJS]

I was thinking a different noseband like combo/kineton... i think roundings and back strap will be next to try. thank you all!

 

[flyingfeet]

What about a waterford nelson gag with two reins?

Its a true running gag, so lifts the head and acts more on the lips than the poll?

Basically what you have, but with an extra rein for the 'whoa'. Also there are now affordable ones about!

 

[Kat]

I'd try a twisted snaffle first, I've been dead impressed by how useful they are recently.

If you need more stopping power I'd go for a Dr Bristol, they can be adjusted two different ways one more harsh that the other depending upon the angle of the centre plate so you don't have to go dead severe.

Or a kimblewick can be brilliant on a strong horse and again has a few adjustments if you get one with slots so you can have more or less leverage, you can also change and adjust the curb (elastic/chain/leather) for more flexibility.

 

[ElleJS]

That also crossed my mind, I have a nelson gag NS bit in my collection but it doesn't have the waterford moiuth piece which seems to work well.... may see if i can borrow one

 

[Fiona]

Do you use the waterford full cheek with fulmer loops, as a master saddler told me that the loops slightly increased the severity of the bit.

It worked for our IDx, OH's hand was numb after her first hunt (in waterford) but the addition of the fulmer loops really did improve her manners greatly. We were all ready to buy whatever bit the saddler suggested (had roller snaffle and dutch gag in hand ready to buy) but he sold us the loops instead (at £2.50) and 'job done'

Hope you get sorted soon.

Fiona