Pelham

I ride my share horse in a pelham when hacking, but its a loose curb chain. It just helps if he gets a little strong in company.
 
I've recently put my steam-train cob in a Swales Pelham after trying virtually everything else and she's now as light as a feather in my hand. The only time any real pressure gets put on her mouth is if she tries to lean. I'd much rather ride her in that with a light, sensitive contact than haul her round in something like a Waterford which she'll just lean on :).
 
The only to fix that is to improve your communication and you can only do that by lots of schooling. Dressage helped us heaps. So much so I ended doing xc in a snaffle and I wasn't doing that the year before let me tell you that!!!!

I can't say enough how important dressage is for jumping. You get out what you put in! Be patient, it might take you a year but you will both be better for it. Aim to ride with your seat and to be tuned in to each other and you can't go wrong.
 
I've recently put my steam-train cob in a Swales Pelham after trying virtually everything else and she's now as light as a feather in my hand. The only time any real pressure gets put on her mouth is if she tries to lean. I'd much rather ride her in that with a light, sensitive contact than haul her round in something like a Waterford which she'll just lean on :).

I was always under the impression that the whole point of a Waterford is that the horse cannot lean on it - it can be a severe bit in the wrong hands (i.e. a rider who pulls and yanks on it) but the horse cannot pull or lean on it because it is so flexible.
 
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