Slightly stronger bit for jumping *Recommendations needed*

D

Deltic Blue

Well-Known Member
Joined
24 March 2013
Messages
337
Visit site
Hello everyone :)

I'm hoping you can all help me with some suggestions for a bit for my new mare.
For flat work and hacking I use a simple snaffle, but for jumping I'd like something a tad stronger.
I'm not looking for anything too strong, but just a little bit more control when she decides she'd like to go a bit faster into the jump.

Her previous owner used a 3 ring gag, but I tried one on her a few weeks ago and she really hated it, she lifted her head so high to avoid to bit due to the poll pressure when any contact was asked for, so I finished the hack on a loose rein and she was fine.
So I don't want anything with any poll pressure.

Please no "you need to work on the flat work before getting a stronger bit" She is not a dressage horse and I don't want to force her into doing lots of flat work as she doesn't enjoy it. She is just a fun horse for me to enjoy now, without any serious pressure of competitions or going nicely round on the bit when schooling. She's a been there done it type that's never had any real focus on flatwork training, and I just want to enjoy having a bit of fun with her.
I just want a nice steady jump, or something a tad stronger if we go on a fun ride/XC etc.

Any suggestions gratefully received :)
 
My mare is super fussy & I jump in a running / Cheltenham gag
Still the snaffle mouthpiece she tolerates but a bit more control for me
To be honest she now basically just behaves as soon as it goes on now. You can't be too strong in your hand but I find if I stop her once in it when warming up I don't need to pull at all 😄
 
My horse was always in a snaffle, but got a bit excited when jumping and can be a bit strong. I got a Stubben Golden Wings Universal for him (as it is similar mouthpiece to his NS snaffle) and it is perfect!
It just allows me to give a little half halt before jumps and he responds!
Whereas in the snaffle he can sometimes (not always) just switch off to me and tank into jumps.
Universal bit has worked wonders for me :D
 
Thanks for the suggestions, I might try a cheltenham gag and go from there :)
I like the idea of the NS, but sadly that's out of my budget for a bit :(
 
Deltic Blue said:
Does this not have a gag action?
My mare doesn't really like poll pressure, so I'm trying to avoid anything like a gag.
Click to expand...

I think because the rings are set at different angles it is different and doesn't create poll pressure.. That's just what I've heard. Doesn't seem too strong, just gives a little more help!
 
If you're horse didn't like the action of the three ring gag I can't see the universal gag will make much difference.

Have you thought about a pelham, you can ride with two reins or roundings if two reins are a bit much for you jumping, it won't have the contradictory head lowering/raising action that a gag has. My horse hated the gag action but gets on well with the pelham whether I use two reins or roundings (which I do for xc)
 
I'm pretty sure the NS Universal is just a fancier 2 ring gag...?

Have you considered trying different nosebands? Our exracer gets strong but hates strong bits and we've found a snaffle and drop noseband very good for him
 
LouisCat said:
I'm pretty sure the NS Universal is just a fancier 2 ring gag...?

Have you considered trying different nosebands? Our exracer gets strong but hates strong bits and we've found a snaffle and drop noseband very good for him
Click to expand...

I haven't looked into that yet no, but definitely food for thought. I've currently got her in a crank noseband with no flash.
Her previous owner did have her in a grackle and a gag, so I might give the grackle a go.
It's hard to decide what to look at as she isn't overly strong, especially out hacking etc, I don't even need to hold onto the reins. It's just jumping I think we need a slight bit more control in the mouth.
 
Deltic Blue said:
Thanks for the suggestions, I might try a cheltenham gag and go from there :)
I like the idea of the NS, but sadly that's out of my budget for a bit :(
Click to expand...

You say you don't want poll pressure - that's exactly what the cheltenham does - it's designed to raise the head.

to lower the head - vulcanite or rubber pelham, d rings, rubber curb chain.
 
I had a lot of success with a kimblewick with my old boy who loved jumping that little bit too much! A wilkie might just give you enough too.
 
Suggest
Pelham or kimblewick
Cartwheel is just a step up from snaffle and I find a nice substitute
Stubben Eazy bit which is a snaffle but goes into a straight bar upon pressure. Sort of. Anyway I like it. I'll try and find its proper name.
 
My mare was super fussy in her mouth. She reacted violently to poll and curb pressure. I was very reluctant to try a Waterford, as I was sure she would hate the feel , but she surprised me by completely accepting it, and was amazing in it for xc and for sj on grass.
 
Bumping this up a bit :)

I'm going to try and get hold of a Wilkie, Kimblewick and a Waterford snaffle and see if they help.
Does anyone have any other suggestions?
 
What does the horse actually do that you're trying to avoid? i.e. does she put her head up, down, sideways, lean on the bit, back off the bit, open her mouth, cross her jaw, rush (flatten the canter), bounce on the spot, or a combination of things - each bit is designed to help with a specific behaviour.

What's her mouth conformation like? This is sometimes tricky to know if you've not looked into it, so what mouthpiece does she go well in? You say a snaffle, but that covers a huge variety of bits.

Certain bits get designated as 'stronger' but can actually make problems worse if they're not used with understanding of how they work. That's not a criticism of you, OP - you're asking for help to improve your knowledge. I'm just trying to explain why we need a bit more info :)
 
Maybe have a chat with a bit bank and try a few. I ended up with a Myler bit I would never have thought would suit my horse by having a few on trial. Saves a lot of money in the long run.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top