Wanting advice on bits for show

[Eloisee]

I'm taking my boy out to do some showing classes this spring and I'm looking for advice on a bit of a stronger bit than what I normally use. He can get strong, and especially strong when excited/nervous ie a show. At home we ride in a hanging cheek snaffle with cooper lozenge and out hacking I use his grackle and a lose ring Waterford which gives me some breaks. I'm not really looking for anything as harsh as a Waterford but I'm stuck as to what may work. A friend suggested a Pelham but I'm not sure if I want to use somthing that harsh as at home he's very soft in the mouth when he's working well

 

[be positive]

You cannot really use a waterford or grackle in the show ring, except for working hunters where anything goes, ideally unless doing novice classes or some RC horse classes you should be in a double or pelham, they are not harsh bits, it is the hands at the end of the reins that define how harsh they will be, they are used to refine the way of going, a well schooled light horse will become lighter if ridden correctly in a double, thus giving a better overall impression in the show ring and a better ride for the judge.

The bit you choose should be used to enhance his way of going and allow you to show him off to his best, show horses should be mannerly and not get over excited, borrow or hire a few different bits, a pelham or double set to start with and see how he goes, if he likes them at home you have time to spend putting some work in on getting him more settled so he does not get too strong when he get out, go to a show and spend time trying to get him to totally relax even if you don't do a class and ride him round most of the day letting him take it all in with no pressure, it is worth doing as you will see an improvement if you do.

 

[SpringArising]

If you want to get into showing then I would personally switch to something like a French-Link Pelham for hacking (if you absolutely must) and ditch the Waterford. I hate Waterfords with a passion and in the right hands a Pelham is a useful bit and not out of place in the showing world.

 

[WelshD]

A pelham would be a good idea, these are commonly seen in showing classes (as opposed to a double)

If you use a loose curb chain with perhaps a guard fitted you'd be fine, the curb rein after all should not be constantly in play

 

[Tnavas]

I'm taking my boy out to do some showing classes this spring and I'm looking for advice on a bit of a stronger bit than what I normally use. He can get strong, and especially strong when excited/nervous ie a show. At home we ride in a hanging cheek snaffle with cooper lozenge and out hacking I use his grackle and a lose ring Waterford which gives me some breaks. I'm not really looking for anything as harsh as a Waterford but I'm stuck as to what may work. A friend suggested a Pelham but I'm not sure if I want to use somthing that harsh as at home he's very soft in the mouth when he's working well

A Waterford is far harsher than a Pelham - its action is quite nasty which is why most horses stop quickly in it!

A Pelham on the other hand is relatively mild, its action when used with two reins is a snaffle on the top rein (unjointed, so mild) and a curb when the bottom one is used. Make sure that the curb chain is fitted correctly - that is brought through the rings, not taken straight behind the bit where it will pinch the corners of the mouth whenever used and also ride up the jaw bone.

Placed through the rings it places the chain correctly in the chin groove where it will work correctly - also remember the height of the bit in the mouth is snug with no wrinkles.

 

[Shay]

Check the rules for the classes you are thinking about. Some PC / RC classes specify a snaffle. Very few lower level classes will require a double bridle - and they do require some refinement to use correctly. Either way the grackle and waterford are definitely not permitted (unless this is very local low level in which case you might get away with it.) You could try a drop noseband in place of the grackle (our Eventer uses a drop for dressage and a grackle for XC / SJ.) Personally I don't find Pelham's a benefit - especially if the class requires they are ridden in roundings - and would rather opt for something like an NS Baucher. But bitting is very personal to both horse and rider! You could try calling the bit bank and see if they have any suitable suggestions.

 

[Eloisee]

I wasn't planning on using the grackle/ Waterford for the showing anyway, I just didn't know if that would help anyone answer. My options are open and if I didn't find anything suitable I was going to use my hanging cheek and pray for breaks!
Would I have to use a double bridle with the Pelham or can I use single? Ive also never had to fit the curb chain either, though I can get someone to show me and others have said its not easy if you have never done it

 

[sheep]

I showed in a pelham last year, used with normal bridle but double reins.

 

[Eloisee]

Ah okay thanks

 

[conniegirl]

Check the rules for the classes you are thinking about. Some PC / RC classes specify a snaffle. Very few lower level classes will require a double bridle - and they do require some refinement to use correctly. Either way the grackle and waterford are definitely not permitted (unless this is very local low level in which case you might get away with it.) You could try a drop noseband in place of the grackle (our Eventer uses a drop for dressage and a grackle for XC / SJ.) Personally I don't find Pelham's a benefit - especially if the class requires they are ridden in roundings - and would rather opt for something like an NS Baucher. But bitting is very personal to both horse and rider! You could try calling the bit bank and see if they have any suitable suggestions.

Showing classes forbid roundings. They are never correct!

 

[Tnavas]

I wasn't planning on using the grackle/ Waterford for the showing anyway, I just didn't know if that would help anyone answer. My options are open and if I didn't find anything suitable I was going to use my hanging cheek and pray for breaks!
Would I have to use a double bridle with the Pelham or can I use single? Ive also never had to fit the curb chain either, though I can get someone to show me and others have said its not easy if you have never done it

It's not difficult at all. You just need to ensure everything is flat.

Type of bit
Go for an unjointed Pelham with a Cambridge mouth (small port) this allows for the tongue, and drops the bit more onto the bars of the mouth

Put bridle on
Height of bit - snug to the corners of the mouth, but no wrinkle, unjointed bits sit lower in the mouth.

Fitting the chain
Bring curb chain through the ring on the off side
Twist the chain clockwise until all the links are flat
Feed chain through the bit
Place chain onto hook on the near side
This is the tricky bit, you need to hook the bottom of the link onto the hook, not the top. (This effectively gives the chain a further half turn and ensures that it stays flat.)

Tightness
Curb chain should come into action when the shanks of the bit angle to 45º. Usually about two fingers between chain and chin.

 

[Eloisee]

Thank you for such a detailed reply! I'm going try this out this week