cross country bit

[AFlapjack]

I know there's been an awful lot of 'What bit?' threads and I understand that using a stronger bit doesn't stop the problem but evade it and that any bit can be harsh if in the wrong hands but I REALLY need some brakes round XC.

At the moment Jack is in a pelham and it needs to be changed because he throws his head down and obviously the pelham also makes him 'tuck in and down'.

Any ideas? I also ride him in a full cheek french link snaffle but have been riding him regularly in the pelham recently.

Any ideas much appreciated.

 

[kerilli]

well, i'd want to use an elevator type of bit to get his head up so that he's not leaning down on your hands and going on his forehand.
IF your steering's good, and he's not the sort to do a cheeky run out at 1/10 of an opportunity, then a good old-fashioned cheltenham gag can work wonders on giving them manners, making it uncomfy for them to try to bore down on you.
tbh though it is trial and error, what works perfectly for 1 horse, another won't like.
good luck!

 

[AFlapjack]

well, i'd want to use an elevator type of bit to get his head up so that he's not leaning down on your hands and going on his forehand.
IF your steering's good, and he's not the sort to do a cheeky run out at 1/10 of an opportunity, then a good old-fashioned cheltenham gag can work wonders on giving them manners, making it uncomfy for them to try to bore down on you.
tbh though it is trial and error, what works perfectly for 1 horse, another won't like.
good luck!

He doesn't and hasn't (touch wood) run out at fences but sometimes just stops(!) but I don't have any steering issues in that sense so definitely worth a go. Thank you xx

 

[kerilli]

He doesn't and hasn't (touch wood) run out at fences but sometimes just stops(!) but I don't have any steering issues in that sense so definitely worth a go. Thank you xx

well, impossible to say without seeing how he stops, but if he's clever then it may be because he gets to the odd fence so on the forehand (because he's pulling with his head down) that he suddenly thinks he can't jump it safely from there (and tbh i'd rather have an intelligent one that does a 'safety stop' than a loony brave one that tries to chuck itself over from anywhere anyhow), so getting his head up, and then being able to use your legs to keep him balanced, might be the solution to the stopping problem too...