Help

[luckly]

Hi can any one help me i have a 15.1 cob and he been jumping very well but today i was jumping him and he kept taking the bit like leaning on it, so some one said y dont you try him in a water ford do you think that will bring him back im very worried as i got a show sat

 

[tasteofchristmaschaos]

Don't try a new bit out at a show! Recipie for disaster.
Waterfords are designed for horses that lean on the bit and can be VERY strong in the wrong hands.
What does he do when you are jumping him? You say "takes the bit" but does he put his head up or down? Can you control speed but not direction, vice versa or neither? What bit is he ridden in at the moment?

 

[luckly]

i ride him in a dutch gag he puts his head rigt up and fills like he taking the bit and have no control of the speed and had teeth done a month ago

 

[tasteofchristmaschaos]

A three ring dutch gag? If so, which ring do you have the reins on, normal, the one below normal or the bottom one?

 

[luckly]

yes a 3 ring 1 and on the loop under the normal 1

 

[tasteofchristmaschaos]

Do you ride in a different bit or on a different ring for flatwork? Have you ever ridden him in any other bits? If so, are there any he particually liked or disliked? Sorry about all the questions!

 

[luckly]

No i ride him in the same bit and i did try him on the top ring but thats no good as he took of with me he goes really well over the first few jumps the starts putting his head up and really leaning on the bit and i have no control,do you think i should try roundings on the bit

 

[tasteofchristmaschaos]

I don't really like roundings on bits tbh, stops what the bit was designed for. I think a Kimblewick may be worth a try. The chain gives you that extra bit of control that you sound like you need. If you don't ride with one already a running martingale may also stop him getting his head up whilst jumping. I hope this helps.