Brakes for XC

[sueandtoto]

My 13yo daughter has had a go at a ODE riding her 14.2hh pony (he is v fit at mo and a solid type) he was fine doing dressage but became a bit strong for her doing SJ and more so doing XC , he was in a tom thumb with copper rollers and a grackle but can anyone suggest something which might give her abit more controll,he tends to lean down on her hands and rush off . He's fine at home so I think he gets excited when he goes out

 

[christian]

If he's a leaner then waterfords are fab because they move around so much, so it is very difficult for the horse to lean on the bit and take control... it has worked wonders on my mare!

You can get various types- loose ring, full cheek fulmer, or a dutch gag waterford may be good if the pony is stronger.

hope this helps!

 

[Thistle]

ditto a waterford. try just a loose ring initially as the poll pressure from the tom thumb maf be making him bear down.

 

[georgiegirl2]

if he leans down on the bit pulling then i would suggest a 3 ring gag, or possibly a loop ring snaffle - something with a little bit of leverage which could allow her to just say 'oi come here' when setting up for a fence. 3 rings seem to get a lot of bad press which saddens me as im a massive fan of them used propely with good hands

 

[sueandtoto]

Thanx for advice,suppose it's a case of see what works, he's as good as gold at home and not too strong for her but it was his first time at xc and I think they were both excited!I think I will get someone to give her some lessons at a xc course as well. Best get on ebay then and get bidding on bits!!!!

 

[Coffee_Bean]

Same as the others with waterford Dutch gag, here's one on equestrian clearance:
http://www.equestrianclearance.com/_vari...bits/index.html
Or you could try a hanging cheek waterford
http://www.equestrianclearance.com/_vari...bits/index.html

 

[Hattikins]

Agree that waterfords are good, dont put him in a three ring/dutch gag if he leans on her hands and bares down as it will only make him get deeper in front (we've just taken my mare out of a three ring for that very reason and funnily enough put her in a tom thumb and it seems to have solved the problem!) Cheltenham gags are brilliant , they lift the head and can be as soft or as strong as needed because of the sliding cheekpieces

(big fan of cheltenham gags when in the right hands

) neue schule do a "jumper bit" which is specifically designed to lift the head and stop them running off and leaning - that might be an option?

 

[MagicMelon]

Yeah, another one for waterfords.