Bitting advice for dd10 and pony

[Hotchpotch6]

Dd10 has a 12.1 Gypsy cob. He’s definitely not liking his bit and I could do with a little advice on what to try. He goes behind the bit and evades it by setting his jaw, he will also try and drop his head. Dd is a good little rider, though lacks confidence at times. She’s doing really well at setting her hands rather than pulling back all the time when he drops his head so this has reduced. So I’m thinking something that isn’t jointed to avoid the nutcracker effect. However, very occasionally particularly when jumping (because he loves it) he’ll become strong. We’ll be borrowing bits from saddlery to try them out. He’s up to date with teeth and saddle.

Should have said he’s in a single jointed egg but snaffle. Martingale when jumping but that’s not really doing anything as he doesn’t poke his head out

Our pony used to be like this. We tried a rubber snaffle but not a jointed one. She is a lot better with it.

gsequestrian.co.uk/products/shires-rubber-covered-overcheck-bradoon-615

I had a ping similar to this for evading the bit.
I put him in a loose ring straight bar snaffle and he was much more accepting. Might be worth a shot?

We used a 'magic' but on our little cob and he went really nicely in it. I think it can be called a Cambridge Snaffle. It's a straight bar with a small port. Cheap and worth a try. We also used a kimblewick to go xc. Good luck.

We used a kimblewick which worked really well, with no or loose chain

I would get a professional bit fitter out. They assess the conformation of your horse's mouth plus ability of rider + what type of work you want the horse to do. You can then usually try before you buy also.

Before you do anything get his teeth checked.

I really don’t like single joints and don’t think there are maybe they suit. I’d not be whacking anything too strong in yet. AFTER his teeth are checked maybe a NS lozenge loose ring? Most of mine love them. Or if a bit more budget sensitive a loose ring French link

Waste of money
They are usually aligned with one or two brands that they push whatever. Get teeth done and ask dentist if any unusual mouth confirmation and what size bit to get
Then buy a few cheap bits and try them

That may be your experience but it's not mine. We have an excellent independent bit fitter in our region, she came out to see my boy and the result was that she said to keep him in the bit I was already using. No hard sell and definitely not affiliated to any brand!
Bitting needs someone who understands the action of each bit especially in uneducated hands such as with kids. So many people just don't have this knowledge and end up over bitting kids ponies which then leads to them having hard mouths etc.
An good instructor will be able to advise better as they can see the issue in person and also advise the child how to correct the problem.

I'm sure they are all different. I've always used my dentist for advice then trialled a few. It's worked for us so far.

@Thepleasureofyourcompany yes dentist should always be the first port of call

Cob types tend to have a short mouth and thick tongue and lips. Personally I'd avoid joints and loose rings which can pinch and discourage acceptance and go with a mullen moth eggbutt with a mouthpiece that isn't too thick, cobs don't have heaps of room for thicker mouthpieces.
A mullen mouth kimblewick could be tried if the pony is tanking xc.

Cambridge Snaffle has always worked for little cobs

Get an independent bit fitter to visit and help you. There are plenty who are not aligned to a particular company, and they will carry a range of bits from different makers. They will examine the pony's mouth, recommend a bit and should also watch your daughter ride. We're really lucky that there are an increasing number of bit fitters in the UK, so we can do the best for our horses and ponies, rather than taking advice from people who have never seen the animal in question.

Get a bit fitter out. Even if they are associated with a particular brand you can always take their advice and buy a non branded bit elsewhere