Bitting help please

S

Spangles

Well-Known Member
Joined
29 February 2012
Messages
570
Visit site
We have a fabulous 14.2hh jumping pony who we absolutely adore, she's quite sensitive and and very affectionate but is quite keen when jumping. She doesn't dive at her fences or tank off but she is a little more forward than my dd's last little pony. We've not had her for long so they are just learning to get to know each other.

I know she was jumped in a dutch gag with her previous rider who was a much older and stronger rider but we have her in a snaffle at the moment and I don't really want to put a really strong bit in her mouth as my dd's hands are obviously not as established as the pony's previous rider and I'm worried that a strong bit in the hands of a less experienced rider could be very damaging and potentially dangerous.

I've been advised to put a flash on her as she has opened her mouth a little, would this help ? Or can anyone suggest a bit which would offer a little more control without being harsh & would be safe in the hands of my dd ?
 
A flash will only help if she opens her mouth in an evasive way. gaping or the like. You could try it though, it may help.
What about getting a little wilkie or something like that? Then you can mostly have it on the snaffle setting and just put it onto the slightly stronger setting if/when you judge it may be necessary.
 
Thank you, yes I did think about a Wilkie but didn't want to influence any replies. The pony worse a grackle before but I've been told they are more of a 'fashion' at the moment ?
 
I don't know if this will help but I can share my experience.

Pony came from hunting home in Ireland. Ridden in 3 ring gag, I tried him in a gag (as that's how they tacked him up) & on second viewing when I made my offer I asked him to be ridden in a snaffle which they did with a flash.

Once home he was too much for me in the snaffle but felt the flash didn't make a difference therefore took a step back as I'm not competitive & didn't have transport so it was all about fun for me & getting to know my new pony. Once I'd gotten to know him I tried a few bits for the hire shop & found a loose ring maker comfort snaffle worked for us.

He is native so big tongue small mouth & this bit is slim with no fuss.

I have since hunted him in this bit.

I think going back to basics & him learning about me & vice versa really helped. It took time.
 
That makes a lot of sense. We are taking things slowly with this mare as I think she is special and can teach my dd an awful lot, she has such a lovely temperament and so amenable. We are planning lots of pole work, flatwork with transitions etc first as my dd needs to feel secure and happy. We have great coaches and they will help enormously. I want to do the right thing by the pony and not jump into what most would consider the easy option ie stronger bit
 
Hiya just an idea but have you contacted the bit bank they use to give lots of advise on which bit they think would be best for the horse and rider and you can then hire the bit so you can see how you get on with it before you buy
 
Wilkie could be a good option. Also would recommend lunging and teaching pony to get used to the sound of your voice commands. You could get your daughter to help you and give the commands as you lunge so she learns and pony knows her voice :)
 
I would try a drop noseband before a flash, easier to fit, more effective and I have found they accept it better.

I have used a hanging cheek with an elasticated curb before - might this give her more control without using a sharper bit.

Tbh one of the ponies we bought was ridden in a kimblewick, we didn't change it straight away and tbh my children were not jumping back then and once my daughter got used to the pony we gradually came back to a snaffle.
 
I'd try a french link before the flash + snaffle or wilkie... She may be less inclined to open her mouth with that and it's not harsher.

The pony doesn't sound strong. I'd be inclined to focus on training the pony with lots of groundwork and flatwork and getting her rider to rely less on the reins to keep her under control rather than going for a stronger bit.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top