Struggling to find a bit..

[showjump26]

Heya, I’m looking for advice of bitting/tack for my mare. She is 11 and up until a year ago when I got her she had only been jumped by men and more often than not in speed classes. We went back to basics and her flatwork is very good, however she is so strong into a jump and every bit I have tried she throws her head around in. Back/teeth etc all fine!

It is so hard to keep rhythm when jumping her because of this, she is much better than before but I still haven't found the right bit.

 

[WindyStacks]

Can you double-check the wolf teeth? Sometimes during removal (young age) they don't get the whole lot and as they keep on growing...

Tbh I wouldn't be keen on "just trying different bits" until you can be sure there's not a wolf tooth problem.

Well done on the flatwork - she must be enjoying this new manner of working!

Personally I like gold old-fashioned jointed egg but snaffles and Pelhams (could you use one just for jumping?) - but I'm keen to experiment with neue Schule.

 

[PaddyMonty]

She is 11 and up until a year ago when I got her she had only been jumped by men and more often than not in speed classes.

Was she successful?
Is it possible you are trying to slow the pace too much? Some horses just prefer a more onward bound stride and if allowed to work within their zone become much easier to jump.
I had one that had to be ridden in every round as if it were the jumpoff. Doing that she pretty much always went clear. Slow things down and poles would tumble.
Perhaps look for a compromise pace where you still feel in control but mare is jumping more how she preferes.

 

[showjump26]

When we got her she had very sharp teeth so we had the dentist out a handful of times for her, my cousin who is a vet has also had a look but they can't find anything wrong at all since the initial sharpness. She doesn't chuck her head around on the flat or out hunting so I think it's just her not liking the fact she can't gallop into jumps!

I have tried a few pelhams..they definitely slowed the whole thing down but she hated them. At home I ride her in either a snaffle or a gag, the gag is ok but she is still too strong in it. She needs something strong but not harsh, its so hard haha!

 

[showjump26]

Was she successful?
Is it possible you are trying to slow the pace too much? Some horses just prefer a more onward bound stride and if allowed to work within their zone become much easier to jump.
I had one that had to be ridden in every round as if it were the jumpoff. Doing that she pretty much always went clear. Slow things down and poles would tumble.
Perhaps look for a compromise pace where you still feel in control but mare is jumping more how she preferes.

She did ok, had a lot of poles..which she hasn't done at all since we have had her. The problem is she can put in a very dirty stop on occasions, so it is finding the balance. Once the jumps are 1m15 plus, she naturally backs off and the whole thing is a lot nicer, however I still don't feel in control of her speed if you see what I mean.

 

[Tarandes Bear]

I'd be interested in following this post as I too am having similar probs. One of my horses is an ex eventer and likes to take every jump at full gallop. Happily hacked and schooled in a neue schule hanging cheek with lozenge but jumping, well, it's flat out and hold on. Not something I'm entirely happy with! I'm thinking about trying the NS Universal hoping this will give me more control. Tried a pelham and he didn't like it at all.