Bitting Problems...

[horseart]

At the moment I am riding 2 novice showjumpers which I have had trouble bitting...

One is a 17.2 hano/ID and is very heavy in front and leans very heavily. I have tried everything from waterford links to the metal pelham he has in atm. However, I find that although lighter in a stronger bit, he is reluctant to go forward into it and will often jump hollow.

The other is a 16.1 warmblood. I currently have him in a lozenged loose ring snaffle and a market harborough. Again he wants to work slightly on the forehand, though when I try and correct this he throws his head up and carries it over-high. He is not strong or particularly fussy.

Both horses have regular back/teeth/saddle checks. Any advice on some slightly different bits would be great

 

[spacefaer]

my initial response is that they both need more flatwork to get them lighter in front and using their quarters more - then they'll move forwards and up into the bits (whichever you're using) rather than leaning on them.

They don't need to be in an outline to jump - they need to be light on the forehand and sitting on their hocks to be able to spring lightly off the ground.

 

[bathmat]

i agree with spacefaer. Also depends on the horses mouth conformation as to what bit might suit the horse. the riders ability needs to be considered as well.

Personally i think that if a horse leans then it is either on its forehand, not strong enough behind, the rider pulls or the bit is uncomfortable. Horses dont lean for no reason and most are most comfortable in thin mouthpieces with a link/lozenge and no poll pressure