Stronger bit for jumping?

[Ginger Bear]

I've been riding for years but very new to showjumping/competing. We're going to our first SJ show on Sunday & have a question about which bit to use. He's currently ridden in a snaffle for schooling & hacking & was fine on a cross country ride (with XC jumps) last week but I'm a bit nervous about it being our first show with just a snaffle. I had a lesson this week & then popped a few jumps after & he was fine but tonight when i put the jumps up he was really up for it, he was jumping well but pretty fast & although I can hold him, I'm a bit worried about him getting excited at the show & being hard to control..any advise would be great..thanx

 

[fitzaud2]

I think he'll be ok in the bit he has at the moment. If he's behaving that well, I think he'll be more reluctant than forward going, and a stronger bit would hinder him. I would keep him in his bit, different out hunting, but for show jumping, I think he'll do well in his ordinary bit.

 

[FunkyFilly28]

I'm no bitting expert but my horse is usually in a snaffle but gets a bit keen jumping like yours. He used to be in a dutch gag but he didn't like the pressure it put on his poll. Now he's in a waterford and goes really well in it and happily. It is basically made up of lots of linked balls which prevent the horse from leaning on or taking hold of the bit. I usually find that I just have that bit extra control and the brakes are more reliable!

Best of luck with your jumping and I hope this helps!

 

[Kat]

If he is ok xc then he is unlikely to be a problem showjumping, you say yourself it is your nerves, so why not leave the bit alone and get yourself some rescue remedy. There is no reason why your horse shouldn't do everything in a snaffle, you don't have to bit up for fun stuff.