do you change bits for xc?

[Binkybex]

If he has a tendency to run out then maybe a bit with cheek pieces would help.

Also sometimes a different noseband can help, I took a horse that has been treated as "strong" to a HT last week in a myler snaffle (which are fab btw and lots of horses love them) and a grackle noseband and he was as good as gold, so sometimes strapping up the nose can make all the difference.

If he tucks he head in to his chest and ignores you then poll pressure from a gag would probably be of no use, the pelham or perhaps a Dr Bristol might work.

It sounds like he gets very excited at XC parties, I know what its like having no transport, but try to go to as many as you can and hopefuly in time he will calm down

Hope that gives you some ideas!

 

[wench]

well he is actually in a full cheek myler bristol snaffle atm. last time I went to a HT he was in a ordinary jointed snaffle.

Having said that the myler snaffle is a bit thinner than normal one, so that may help brakes a bit!

 

[I_A_P]

i have a french link for dressage and a waterford sj and xc.

my horse does get stronger xc..shes a very gallopy horse and finds xc really fun

there is no reason why you cant change you bit through the phases!

i stated off doing everythin in a snaffle but since shes been getting the hang of it theres no stopping her!

 

[Binkybex]

Well I hope it all goes well, you can only try these things and work out what is best for you and your horse. Good luck

 

[MillbrookSong]

interesting one i have always wanted to ride song in a snaffle for all phase but that physical isn't possible so im not even going to try it!!

Hes in a loose ring snaffle for dressage and love it and is very responsive, a mler low ported snaffle with hooks for SJ and i dare anyone to try him in anything else and get a 1/2 decent result - trainer rode him once and ignored instructions to use the myler which resulted in 3 down as he was rushing to to his fences and sticking his head up which the myler greatly reduces! And XC hes in a 3 ring gag on the bottom ring with a leather curb strap. and i will be honest he doesn't need to be on the bottom ring as before gatcombe he had really started to no his job XC and not be strong because i had the confidence to kick him on but its always nice to no if your being pissed off with or nee them to come back to you quickly that its there!

and gogs is in a myler snaffle for dressage (hate the nutcracker action!!) a similar SJ bit to song and then he was in that for XC but was a little strong for me so i tried him in a waterford at mount ballen but he just wasn't in the mood so didn't really work!! Lol

 

[trefilan]

i use the same bit xc and sj

i use a neue schule loose ring snaffle for dressage and a wilke big ring for sj and xc, the person who has my horse before me used to have problems at skinnies and she went in a snaffle but with me so far he is fine

i tried him schooling xc in his snaffle but it was a bit of a disaster, he took hold and there was not a hope in hell of getting him over a skinny

 

[MagicMelon]

I ride in the same Myler snaffle for all disiplines on one of mine, my other one show jumps and XC's in a kimblewick. Depends on the horse.

 

[magic104]

Yes, for jumping Mo wears a Pelham.

 

[henryhorn]

Sorry Binkybex but you made me chuckle too, one of CCJ's horses can be galloped round the farm bareback and in a headcollar, it will do a super test like that too, but add the excitement of an actual event and yes, she does change bits from SJ to a XC one.
The sheer arrogance of implying that "everyone" should be able to control their horses with just their seat and legs is astonishing, and shows a distinct lack of experience. We have horses like the current stallion who has a nylon fleximouth snaffle for all three phases, his daughters' have similar brakes and steering. Change to the original stallion (now dead)'s offspring and they can see a fence and go "Let me at it!". I would far rather see someone change their bit and have control than be run away with. It's a fact some horses have more sensitive mouths than others, and if you are lucky enough to have one great, but don't criticise others for having harder mouthed horses.
What you should do is find whatever bit suits your horse best for every phase, that may be one or three. You can't look down on people who need more than seat and leg aids, I'd love to see you control a former horse of ours Monty, who could score 75% in a test in a KK but XC was a powerhouse...trying to do the XC in the KK would have been lethal...