Do you think show jumpers over-bit their horses?

Well firstly I think there are eventers who use strong bits x-c...plenty of cheltenham gags and the like out there.

Secondly I think the assumption that eventers are just as strong is probably wrong. From those that I see most seem to be fairly small light athletic types rather than the big powerful SJ'ers. Add that to the fact that they usually have much longer to pull up coming into a fence and I think you have the answer.

Obviously there are exceptions to the rule and you do get big eventers, and you do get lighter SJ'ers, but not all big horses are necessarily strong
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In a field of 26 that started the Derby I think we're talking about 2 horses wearing unusual bits...the rest were pretty mainstream
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I wouldn't argue that XC at the top levels doesn't require a lot of precision, but it is generally ridden at a more forward pace, and the fences aren't as high nor do they fall down. You often see top eventers getting striding slightly wrong and rapping/scrambling over fences - you can't get away with at the top level of showjumping.

Maybe some people do overbit, but I'm inclined to think its simply a different ballgame to eventing, hence the difference.
 
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Grade D?? Whats a Grade D?

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What, they don't call them Grade D any more? It's a showjumper of a certain level - I forget what, been a long time since I paid any attention to showjumping.

Oh and it was a 17hh horse, not a pony!
 
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Grade D?? Whats a Grade D?

[/ QUOTE ]

What, they don't call them Grade D any more? It's a showjumper of a certain level - I forget what, been a long time since I paid any attention to showjumping.

Oh and it was a 17hh horse, not a pony!

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It's the Irish Grading isn't it? Don't they start around Grade E?
 
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