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Advice please re bits

10 replies

logincard · 10/07/2021 20:19

I’m wondering what the best thing is to do and would be grateful for any thoughts. I bought my pony last November, I’m a reasonably competent novice who does a bit of low level (non afilliated) competing , mostly jumping or ODE,

My pony, who is a 14.2 warm blood was bred to be s show jumper, but didn’t make the height . She is really strong when showjumping - easier x country , but showjumping she’s fast and very strong. Her previous owner ( much more experienced rider than me) jumped her in a 2 ring gag, and used a snaffle for flatwork. I use a hanging cheek snaffle for flatwork and jump in a kimblewick as I cannot control her in the SJ ring in a gag.
I hate using a kimblewick, any other suggestions? She does go well in it and it’s much safer for us both if I have good control ….

OP posts:
Naaaaah · 10/07/2021 20:21

Did her previous owner have success in the gag?

logincard · 10/07/2021 20:25

Yes, I bought her from a lady who buys horses, schools them improves them, and then sells them on. a dealer , but a low level dealer. She also does schooling livery/ breaking livery etc. She’s a much much better rider than I am ! So yes, she took the pony to shows and did fine with the gag …

OP posts:
lastqueenofscotland · 11/07/2021 00:30

I like playing around with mouthpieces ar bit, have you tried a Waterford? It’s slightly harder for them to take a hold of.
Pelhams can work very well too.
If you want to break the bank I’ve heard of a lot of people really get in with the Butterfly Flip for horses that get strong jumping. They were really fashionable about 10 years ago but I think premier equine still sell them and you can pick them up second hand

Terrysmyorange · 11/07/2021 09:27

I would try a Waterford as they can't grab it and lean on the forehand

Floralnomad · 11/07/2021 20:34

Get a bit specialist to come out and see what they suggest , that way you can also try a few without having to buy .

Polkadotties · 11/07/2021 20:43

I second getting a bit specialist out. They will be able to tell you which mouth piece suit best and can then work from there.

CeliaCanth · 11/07/2021 21:00

Agree that a consultation with a bitting expert would be ideal, or get in touch with the bit bank and get their advice. Maybe ask them about the Neue Schule range. They do a jumper bit with either a normal jointed mouthpiece or a Waterford mouthpiece. They also do something called an elevator which is very popular with SJers and is apparently useful at getting them back on their hocks and under control.

logincard · 12/07/2021 14:18

Thank you, that's really helpful. I will see f I can find a bitting expert - as I'm improving and better with my core I'm hoping she will also get less strong ...

OP posts:
Bryonyshcmyony · 15/07/2021 08:52

We have a 17hh ISH who was a nutter sj. Dd had to start riding him when she was 13 as her pony went lame. We had a Cheltenham for a while, then discovered that he hated tongue pressure. Tried a bombers happy tongue universal - game changer. Jumps really sweetly and she can hold him together very nicely (this is 2 years on she's 15 now!)

user1471505494 · 16/07/2021 10:11

If your pony goes well in a kimblewick why would you change it. It could be that they are happy with the mouth piece

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