Kimblewick for TB?

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Violet555

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Hello,

Wondering if anyone here has any success with a Kimblewick and a strong TB?

My boy goes happily in a no joint happy tongue for flatwork. Using a universal comfy barrel for faster work like cross country however he hates any tongue pressure and tends to fight me more as he tries to evade pressure.

I have used the happy tongue for showjumping and he’s very happy in it however at times I have no breaks so definitely do not want to use it for cross country.

Wondering has anyone tried a Kimblewick (ported no joint) with their TB and how they found it for them? I feel he will like it as it’s a similar mouth piece to the flatwork bit, but with some more control and leverage. I’ve also heard it helps with horses who put their head up and tank off which he certainly does! Just dubious as it looks a bit on the harsh side but if it makes my boy happier then I don’t care!
 
Being a curb it should encourage him to lower his head, (although not all horses will respond as expected to different bits!).
I'd say it's definitely worth a try, they're pretty common, so you may be able to find one to borrow/buy second hand, that way if he doesn't like it you're not out of pocket.
As curbs go they're about as mild as you can get- there isn't a very long shank so you won't get much leverage compared to the curb rein on a Pelham or double bridle, but you also don't have the choice of a snaffle rein.
I've used one on a pony that was inclined to stick his head up and charge off when out doing exciting things and found it worked well for him.
 
What about a three ring happy tongue with a backstrap rather than a curb chain? My TB goes well in one of these (although brakes can still be an issue when he's really keen!).
 
Kimblewick can be a very useful bit for when you just need a bit extra. If he's fussy in his mouth have you tried adding a Kineton to his normal bit? Mine hates a curb but goes well in his Happy Tongue + Kineton for jumping and fast work, gives me the bit extra I need without him fighting it like he does a stronger bit.
 
KikiDee said:
Kimblewick can be a very useful bit for when you just need a bit extra. If he's fussy in his mouth have you tried adding a Kineton to his normal bit? Mine hates a curb but goes well in his Happy Tongue + Kineton for jumping and fast work, gives me the bit extra I need without him fighting it like he does a stronger bit.
Click to expand...
I have never used a kineton before but can understand why it may work and reduce that tongue pressure! One to add to the “to try” list!
 
SpeedyPony said:
Being a curb it should encourage him to lower his head, (although not all horses will respond as expected to different bits!).
I'd say it's definitely worth a try, they're pretty common, so you may be able to find one to borrow/buy second hand, that way if he doesn't like it you're not out of pocket.
As curbs go they're about as mild as you can get- there isn't a very long shank so you won't get much leverage compared to the curb rein on a Pelham or double bridle, but you also don't have the choice of a snaffle rein.
I've used one on a pony that was inclined to stick his head up and charge off when out doing exciting things and found it worked well for him.
Click to expand...
We are hoping to do some showing so a curb is something he’s probably going to have to get used to anyway! Good to hear they’re relatively mild as I don’t want to bit up too quickly.
 
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