Your thoughts - to change bit or not?

[Vikki89]

Bit of background, when i got Mystic he was in a 3 ring gag (use bottom ring), i continued to ride him in this as he was strong, still to strong in this, had been off jumping for a while.
He loves his jumping and when i started jumping lessons we were having to use the fence to stop
We improved but he could still be rude at times so we change bit to a waterford gag (use the middle ring, bottom for XC).
But now a year later i can jump in the field at home in a snaffle (he can still be rude but i can get him back), haven't tried at a show, i don't think i would get him back quick enough for a good course.
My instructor says i am a polite rider and am light with my hands so i don't yank on his mouth or anything, if anyone heavy handed get on him his head goes straight up when any bit is used.
So i was thinking should i change his bit again to something less harsh? also what bit would you suggest?

 

[Eriskayowner]

Have you tried an actual, proper pelham? At least with a harsher bit, you wouldn't be hauling on his mouth, and, if you are anything like I am at competitions, when more nervous my stylish (!) riding goes out of the window and all I'm focusing on is the jumps!
It might be worth borrowing a range of bits to see what actually works, as you want to be pulling on the mouth as little as possible.

 

[lauriali]

Why not try a pelham? I usually school my Intermediate and Show Cob in a pelham as I can use the top rein most of the time but I know the curb is always there if they start to pull, or just half halt on a bend.
My eventer used to need to do XC in a martingale and a breastplate that way I knew he was unable to really get away, but let me use a bit of a softer bit.
Hope this helps

 

[kitkat86]

How about trying two reins on your current bit (one on the 'snaffle' ring and another on a lower one). This would mean that you would be using it in a similar way to a pelham so that the stronger action is there when you need it.

 

[Vikki89]

I tried him in a french link pelham with two reins when i was trying bits before and he didn't like it/didn't go as well in it, i know there are different pelhams so i could maybe try a different one.