Help! Need a SJ bit?!

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Hollyhorse

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I've been having some problems showjumping my horse. He's 5 and this has been his first season eventing. I've finally found a dressage bit he likes (flexi happy mouth straight-bar loose-ring) and one for XC he likes (three-ring gag with happy mouth n revolving mouth-piece, with biscuits so it doesn't slide through his mouth, ridden on the bottom ring), however he doesn't showjump well in this.
He has a very high head carriage and normally I don't make him round when jumping and let him have his head so as not to interfere too much. He will hold his head high but usually doesn't affect his jumping - won at his last BSJA
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However, sometimes when he's more excited (and as he's getting fitter and fitter he becomes more and more excited) we've started having some problems. Basically it happens when I try to half-halt him and collect him because I've seen a short-stride. Instead of steadying he sticks his head high (he doesn't change his speed or rhythm) and therefore jumps with his head still up and hollows over the jump and knocks it down with his hind legs. Because he's built so uphill he is really quick with his front end and rarely hits a fence with his front feet, it's only with his back feet when he jumps with his head up and doesn't 'follow through' - his hind legs just go straight through the jump!
He has a really soft mouth so I don't want a harsh bit, definitely no horrid mouthpieces, I'd like to keep him in a happy-mouth, straight-bar or simple link, I just think I need a new action? I know bubble bits give leverage and so raises his head which I guess I don't really want...what lowers their head? I'm starting to school him rounded when jumping so when I half-halt he stays on the bit, in the hope that that will help but I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions?
Sorry that was a long post but I'm getting a little desperate as we're getting more SJ faults each time we go out and that's what's letting us down. Thanks!
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Try Neule Schule (google) - they have a bitting help line with a really helpful lady called Heather who knows her stuff and a great selection of their own bits too that young horses in particular seem to be very fond of (yummy metal compositions and all that jazz).
 
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I believe a Pelham has a downward action on the head. Gags have a lifting action I think. My friend rides her horse in a Pelham now as he tended to throw his head in the gag he was in. HUGE difference. The mouthpiece is a straight bar. Hope this helps!

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i agree - i would suggest a pelham also. my mare did a similar thing (also as a 5 year old!) and i managed to find a Happy Mouth flexi mouthpiece pelham - lovely bit! it had the desired poll action, but was not what i would consider a 'harsh' bit.

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in fact, im considering putting it on ebay, seeing as i no longer jump..........................
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[ QUOTE ]
I believe a Pelham has a downward action on the head. Gags have a lifting action I think. My friend rides her horse in a Pelham now as he tended to throw his head in the gag he was in. HUGE difference. The mouthpiece is a straight bar. Hope this helps!

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That's me! I asked Mary King about it when she did the Q and A session at last years Your Horse Live and she recommended I try switching from the gag to a Pelham. I got it from neueschule - I also had a good conversation with Heather there who backed up what Mary said and told me to try the mullen mouth slightly ported version (Henry takes a 6.5 inch bit!). I have found it very helpful. Click here and scroll down to Mullen Mouth Pelham: http://www.neueschulebits.com/acatalog/Pelhams.html

However I would suggest you also carry on with your schooling as there really is no substitute for decent flat work carrying you well in your jumping phases!
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I have been using a Tom Thumb on Fly and found that it helps to get his back end under him and make him use himself. He is ridden in a loose ring snaffle other times but find that he flattens if I use it jumping and is heavy on his forehand.
 
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