What bit to use?

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CharlotteEC

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Hi

I have a TB Gelding, aged 14, i ride him a bog standard snaffle on the flat just fine with no issues.

When out jumping he gets strong and picks up alot of speed around the course which i find very difficult to contain once he has got going, he has previously had a dutch gag on the 2nd ring which i no longer use, i found that he would just draw his nose into his chest and go at the same speed! I then went back to my snaffle which for some reason, i feel like i have more control in as i can give it a good tug to get him to take notice however it isnt as strong as i would like as we are still taking out strides between jumps as i havent got enough of a pull. I have tried a pelham with a loose curb chain but have found that this is too much.

Any other suggestions are welcome :)

Thanks
 
I have just switched to a copper D roller snaffle. He seems to really go well in this bit and have a bit more in the way of brakes if needed without it being a massive difference from the loose ring snaffle he was in previously. I didn't want to go down the Waterford or gag route just yet especially as his main rider is only 13 and mine had a tendency to grab the bit if he got over excited or just didn't want to do something.
 
why was the pelham 'too much'? action on the poll is very similar to a dutch gag. Is he tucking his head in and leaning on it? If so, a waterford mouthpiece is often useful for horses that tend to put their heads down, cross their jaws and lean hard as it 'breaks' when the contact is released giving the horse nothing to lean on. It can be a harsh bit in the wrong hands however, so be sure you have good hands before trying one. A cheltenham gag might be another option. The ns combination bit is very good, but pricey.
 
How about the obvious... a lot more schooling so he listens to your seat more? Or as you go round the course bring him back to trott for a few strides then ask for canter just as you approach the jump. If he is tucks his nose in behind the bit then going for a harsher bit wont really do much as he'll do the same. Have you tried a half moon bit or one with a slight port? The difference in the action might work.
 
hanging cheek snaffle or a wilkie? then you have slight poll pressure but not as much as the gag or pelham to make the horse avoid the contact? worth a shot :)
 
Thanks for the replies. I found that the pelham made him back off too much and also have his head in the air, he seemed agitated. He also has a tendency to stop and always has which is why i dont want something too strong. I do as much schooling as i can with him however i do let him get used in some lessons at the yard so its difficult to keep consistency. Trust me i sit bolt upright constantly trying to slow him down lol. I dont want a harsh or very strong bit. I am relatively strong but just need something a little stronger than a snaffle.

I will have a look on the net at some of the suggestions.

Thanks
 
Sounds very similar to my TB who is strong but finds some bits too much when jumping(hacks in a Pelham but hates jumping in it) He's a lot less strong now but I used to find a Neue schule universal was perfect for jumping & also had success with a Waterford Wilkie.
 
A hanging cheek/baucher is a lovely bit as it's very stable in the horse's mouth, but it doesn't give poll pressure.

Did you try using a leather curb with the pelham or a kimblewick?

If you can, borrow different bits from your friends to try. In the end that was the only way I found one that my mare liked (and gave me control) without spending a fortune.
 
When we got Lily she tanked at every jump & although not particularly strong, was very forward. She was in a wilkie snaffle & despite countless people telling us to 'slam her in a Pelham or a Waterford' we didn't think this was she way to go. She was rising 5yrs at the time. After a lot of research & discussion with D's instructor, we went for a loose ring sweet iron with a copper lozenge & a drop noseband. This coupled with lots & lots & lots of schooling both on the flat & polework has just about cured the issue. She is still forward as she is naturally fast,but doesn't launch herself like a crazy idiot anymore at fences & is very responsive xx
 
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