Bitting Help

[Waiting Game]

Hello,

I am wondering if any one can help me with a bitting problem I have.

I have owned my horse for 7 years (most of this time I was a child and went with the flow). We started with a few variations of snaffles; loose ring, french link and hanging check etc. However he has always been strong (but very well behaved) and we quickly realised we needed more control so for the last 4 years I have ridden in a dutch gag on the 2nd ring.
He had also always had a habit of getting his tongue over the bit which unfortunately I was instructed to solve by tightening his flash and whilst this worked, I now realise tighten flashes doesn’t fix anything.

He’s such a sweet boy who I love with all my heart and all I want is him to be happy and comfortable.

So I’ve recently been on a quest to find the tack that he will be the most comfortable in.

I just switched him from a regular flash bridle to the collegiate ComfiTec bridle, which I do believe he is more comfortable in, however he can once again get his tongue over the bit. I noticed in our last lesson he was opening his mouth more and almost locking his jaw.

I think he has a big tongue and low pallet so I’m wondering if a thinner bit might be the way to go?

I would also now like to go for something a little kinder like a universal over a dutch gag, but I definitely still need control.

Please let me know what you think!

Many Thanks

 

[Waiting Game]

p.s. I forgot to mention that we only really do hacking and jumping now, however it would be great if anyone also has any bit suggestion that are dressage legal that may help him soften and become lighter, but also has some control cause he can be super strong and fast whilst doing dressage!

Thank you again!!

 

[Cortez]

What kind of a horse is he? Is he a cob by any chance?

 

[Waiting Game]

he’s a small ISH type but is quite cobby

 

[Cortez]

It's hard to recommend things without seeing the horse (and rider) in the flesh. Horses that consistently put their tongues over the bit have obvious contact issues, which are generally solved with training rather than equipment, but you could try a kimblewick or other pelham-type bit for jumping, etc, but that won't help you for dressage.

 

[Waiting Game]

It's hard to recommend things without seeing the horse (and rider) in the flesh. Horses that consistently put their tongues over the bit have obvious contact issues, which are generally solved with training rather than equipment, but you could try a kimblewick or other pelham-type bit for jumping, etc, but that won't help you for dressage.

I do completely understand that and I probably should have said that I know it is most probably an issue that will be solved through training, however I just wanted to find a bit/or bits that he is comfortable in to start with, and then I would feel happier in training knowing that nothing is hurting him etc. Would it help at all if I attached photos?

 

[Cortez]

Yes, it probably would.

 

[Waiting Game]

Yes, it probably would.

Here are few, does this help at all? Sorry they’re not great images

 

[Cortez]

He looks a great, go-go-go type. Honestly? No bit is really going to solve your problem; it's all down to training and tact (on your part). In the meantime I would experiment with something like a kimblewick (snaffles are NOT kind, especially when you have to haul on them), or other mild curb-action bit to see if you can get out of his face. The bits he is wearing here are all leverage snaffles with fat cannons (mouthpieces), which means there is a lot of pressure on his bars and tongue.

 

[Waiting Game]

He looks a great, go-go-go type. Honestly? No bit is really going to solve your problem; it's all down to training and tact (on your part). In the meantime I would experiment with something like a kimblewick (snaffles are NOT kind, especially when you have to haul on them), or other mild curb-action bit to see if you can get out of his face. The bits he is wearing here are all leverage snaffles with fat cannons (mouthpieces), which means there is a lot of pressure on his bars and tongue.

Thank you, he is, absolutely loves his job!

I will look into them, thank you!

Do you think a thinner mouth piece would suit him better?

 

[CanteringCarrot]

Possible training issues aside, you could play around with some bits from the bit bank. My last horse had issues similar to what you describled and a Neue Schule Verbindend was his bit of choice that eliminated his problems with the bit.

I've also watched my younger horse change his bit preference over the years as he moves along in his training.

Edited to add: Or a bit set up with double reins to give you more methods for direct communication. Just throwing that out there though.

 

[Waiting Game]

Possible training issues aside, you could play around with some bits from the bit bank. My last horse had issues similar to what you describled and a Neue Schule Verbindend was his bit of choice that eliminated his problems with the bit.

I've also watched my younger horse change his bit preference over the years as he moves along in his training.

Edited to add: Or a bit set up with double reins to give you more methods for direct communication. Just throwing that out there though.

Thank you very much, i’ll look into those options!

 

[Griffin]

I would get a bit specialist out (I used Horse Bit Fit https://www.horsebitfit.com/ but I am sure there must be others). You get to try several bits out in one go and you have someone who can accurately assess your horse and their way of going in each one. It may seem expensive to spend £50 on but it will save you money in the long run.

ETA: most importantly, you'll have a horse who is comfortable and happy.