Nightmare day - so cross with myself (long, sorry)

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moneypit1

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Took Fly to a friends school where we had set up a decent course of 3ft jumps, a few tight turns but nothing to write home about. Warmed up and did ok, one stop but Fly was brave and really took them on. Rode him in a Kimblewick for first time in ages (instead of snaffle) as needed to establish some brakes and was careful to be light with him. THEN it all went wrong. We missed a stride and I jabbed him in the mouth, he refused to jump. I lowered the jumps to 2ft after many refusals and got him happy again. Instead of leaving it on a good note I tried a 3ft upright and he refused many times. I know it was me. I had a fall on him 2 days ago when he ran out and it was fresh in my mind. In the end I free schooled him and he loved it. (Thank god). He showed off something shocking as if to let me know it was my fault. Just feel so guilty that I didn't leave it earlier. He needs rider confidence to take the jumps on and I was lacking. Hope this hasn't put him off. sorry for self indulgent post, just had to get it out really! xx
 
I don't really feel a kimblewick is right for either of you, why not try a two ring gag type bit with two reins, using the bottom one only when you need it?
Lower the jumps to mini height, stick a gentle bit on him and jump him like that a few days, then give him a break.
When you come back you should find he's ok.
Oh and get a good instructor, jumping on your own is fatal if you lack confidence, you need expert help..
 
Dont worry, We all have our on/off days, Im sure itll all be ok
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Thanks for that. I have a great instructor who helps me a lot. I have always jumped Fly in a very mild loose ring snaffle with a lozenge but as he has got fitter he has got naughtier! He can be very strong and as he has a very full tongue so a gag is not the best bit for him. He is "mouthy" and evades a single joint bit. He tends to over bend as well and I tried the Kimblewick after getting in touch with his old owner who jumped him in it all the time. I agree it is not for him. Recently we went clear at 3ft 3" and we were placed 2nd although he refused and threw me in the practice ring. He did a blinder of a jump off and was really in the mood! I suppose its just a case of knowing when to "let it go", something I need to be aware of! x
 
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Thanks for that. I have a great instructor who helps me a lot. I have always jumped Fly in a very mild loose ring snaffle with a lozenge but as he has got fitter he has got naughtier! He can be very strong and as he has a very full tongue so a gag is not the best bit for him. He is "mouthy" and evades a single joint bit. He tends to over bend as well and I tried the Kimblewick after getting in touch with his old owner who jumped him in it all the time. I agree it is not for him. Recently we went clear at 3ft 3" and we were placed 2nd although he refused and threw me in the practice ring. He did a blinder of a jump off and was really in the mood! I suppose its just a case of knowing when to "let it go", something I need to be aware of! x

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Re the gag/kimblewick, don't they both come in different mouthpieces? So you could get a gag with the same mouth as the kimblwick you're using now/
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I find the whole bitting thing a nightmare. What works for one may not work for another and it is only by trying it for myself that I see how we do. I want to stay mild as Fly is so much more forward going but at the same time I need to be able to shorten him and get him off the forehand. I am very aware that i do make mistakes and "grab" him sometimes so have to bear that in mind as well. Thanks for the advice, much appreciated,keep it coming! xx
 
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