English leverage bits for the trails?

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Saddlebred_Kisses

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Hi there! I just got a new bridle for trail riding and I need a bit to go with it so I'm not constantly taking my current bit on and off of my lesson bridle. I mainly ride english (saddleseat and huntseat) and typically ride in a twisted sniffle, however, I rode Western once (not a fan at all lol) and rode in a western curb bit. Spook (my horse) did phenomenal in this bit! I had perfect leverage and he responded extremely well to it. I have naturally light hands so tugging on his mouth wasn't an issue. Since I mainly ride english, I was wondering if there were any English bits out there that would give me the same leverage. I tried a pelham straight bar with a very short shank and didn't quite get the results I was hoping for. Are there any other options?
 
You don't state what mouthpiece your curb had. Was it broken or straight?

I'm not a fan, but wouldn't a bubble gag substitute for a jointed western curb?
If you're after a straight english curb, I'd try a military elbow bit, depending on your horse - it's too much 'furniture' for a lightly built horse IMO - looks like you've left the dental gag in!
 
Personally, I'd try him in a cambridge mouth snaffle first, just on the off-chance that it's just the straight mouthpiece he likes. The leverege shouldn't be necessary if he's light in the hand without.
 
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