Bitting suggestions for faster work

[scats]

I’ve been having a fabulous time on the stubble with Millie and now that we have walked our lines and know the ground, we have been having some nice blasts, which we are both thoroughly enjoying.

Only thing I have found is that once she’s having a fast canter or gallop, she’s a little less responsive to being asked to slow and stop than I’d like. She doesn’t ignore me completely, but I feel it’s more of “ok Mum, I heard you and I’ll slow a bit but I’m just going to carry on til the end”... A combination of voice, hand and sitting up does work, but it’s largely on her terms when we finally stop, which is not acceptable.

She’s currently only hacking in a snaffle as that’s all we need in the school so plenty of leeway for something a bit stronger, but equally I don’t want anything too harsh. She doesn’t pull downwards, nor go above the bit. She just chooses to respond in her own time.

Plan is to get out to some Farm rides but I do feel like I need a bit more than the snaffle is giving me. My go to is usually a kimblewick, but I’m open to suggestions? I must add that she never tanks off of her own accord and only goes when she has been asked. She’s just rather overkeen once we are going.

 

[Bernster]

My go to tends to be a neue schule Universal - bit like a milder 3 ring gag. I just put the rein on the lower ring. You can use a curb with it but I only needed that with my stronger TB, F doesn’t need it, it just brings him back that bit quicker with less effort. I only use it for hunting. Not great if your horse curls in I think but it’s been effective for me.

 

[Pearlsasinger]

Another vote for NS Universal, I prefer to use it with 2 reins, so that the curb only comes into play if necessary.

 

[ihatework]

I like kimblewicks so would run with that suggestion.
Another I like is the Myler MB04 eggbut with hooks

 

[CrazyMare]

Mine all have totally different brakes. I've got one in a jointed Pelham and two reins. One in a teeny three ring gag with sweet iron and a copper lozenge. The third has a Cheltenham gag and two reins with a Kineton noseband.

Very different horses, and very different choices!!

 

[scats]

Thanks everyone, I’ll have a little play around with bits this week, might start with a jointed kimblewick and see how we go.

Mine all have totally different brakes. I've got one in a jointed Pelham and two reins. One in a teeny three ring gag with sweet iron and a copper lozenge. The third has a Cheltenham gag and two reins with a Kineton noseband.

Very different horses, and very different choices!!

I know this feeling! Diva is arguably the strongest out of mine, but she tires easily so brakes have never been a major issue- apart from the couple of times she has actually bogged off when spooked! I did go through a period of time of having to ride her everywhere in a kimblewick when she was younger, school aswell, but she’s now in a French link snaffle all the time.
Polly is built like a little racehorse and has an incredible turn of speed, but she is so polite that you can practically just think stop and she does. I have never needed anything other than a snaffle in her.

 

[scats]

Opted for a kimblewick this evening and went out for a stubble ride and she was polite, came back with the slightest touch and was generally a delight. Now I know why I always keep a few of these in my tack room!