race horse to riding horse bitting advice

[Pharphar!]

i'm hoping to start showing my exracer in the ror classes, only prob is i dont know what bit to use! he's very strong and i currently ride him in a universal gag for jumping and a cartwheel/wilkie bit for schooling but im conscious these arent allowed for showing and for eventual dressage. I do try to use the wilkie as a snaffle bit also as dont wnt to be hauling on his mouth. He leans on the bit which is another problem and he has quite a sensitive mouth so i dont want anything too severe. Anything with a lozenge would prob be ideal too. Ive looked at the hanging cheek snaffle but theres a big conflict between whether or not it encourages poll pressure or not, and he does have a tenadancy to throw his head when he starts to canter!

Please please help, i need a bit of control with some slight poll pressure and somthing dressage and ror class legal!

Also, does anyone know in the ror classes what they're looking for conformation wise? my lad is very heavy set, described as old type TB so wondered if there were seperate groupings for finer and heavier/hunter types.

Thanks

 

[bumblelion]

I'd be interested to know what people say here too as in similar situation! I'v PM'd you!

 

[Kokopelli]

Sorry no idea about the showing side but if your plan is to dressage:

Try to keep it loose ring so wouldn't use a hanging cheek. Perhaps a loose ring snaffle with a French link, lozenge or copper rollers. The last one isn't dressage legal.

Or dare I say it a myler, pricey but I have found they fit best in the horses mouth and work with the horse. My boy doesn't lean on his as much as he did a 'normal bit.'

 

[nomad]

you may like to try him in a myler pelham for ror classes.you can keep the curb chain quite loose.i have found with mine he softens alot in it and its easier for him then putting him in a double.in ror classes they are judged as type ie,hunter,riding horse or hack.but they are not judged seperately its just what the judge perfers