Bitting help needed for xc/sj...

[wench]

been out today, and tried him in a waterford full cheek snaffle. Was dreadful in sj, but seemed fine in xc.

I need something that I can control him in xc, which the waterford seems better than his normal snaffle, but still doesnt seem the right solution. He normally fixes his head in xc, and then runs off and wont go at the speed I want, altho he was better today (I know more competitions will help this as well)

Will try sj again in normal bit (altho can be a pain at tumes in that as well). Back/teeth/saddle fine.

Need some recommendations for what to try next as xc bit? he hates dutch gags, and I cant ride with two reins.

 

[hellybelly6]

When he fixes his is head held high or low?

If high, consider a kimble wick, if head goes low consider a NS universal with a translozenge.

What is his normal bit?

 

[wench]

he more fixes his neck than raising or lowering his head, if that makes sense. He is normally ridden in a thin french link full cheek snaffle

 

[kerilli]

sometimes it takes a few goes for a horse to accept the new feeling in its mouth and give a clear and honest reaction too it (rather than a "what's this new thing" overreaction, i mean.)
i'd prob try the full-cheek waterford again once or twice, try moving your hands much less (to make up for the movement in the bit itself) and see if the horse reacts any differently, tbh.
otherwise, prob a kimblewick next, much less mobile mouthpiece, which he may prefer.

 

[wench]

Well I am going to try at home with it in (we have used it a few times). Will try some sj practise and see what he is like with it. I dont move my hands that much anyway, at least I try not to!

 

[kerilli]

sorry, wasn't meaning it to come across as criticism!

 

[wench]

it wasnt taken that way!

 

[kerilli]

okay, cool!