A little more brakes on XC- Jointed Kimberwick? Bit Gurus PLEASE chime in.

[Robby_Johnson]

Permanent Fix

If you want to fix it permanently, you’re going to have to put and keep your leg on her even though she’s curling up on you. Heavy/curling/leaning at a gallop is essentially the same thing as being on the forehand on the flat.

I fought this battle with a mare for years and have a big bag of bits you’re more than welcome to shop from, seeing as how we’re both in Alabama!, but I didn’t really fix the problem until I figured out how to move her shoulders while keeping my leg on. Just ask her to move over a step as she’s curling, and see if that gives you 1 or 2 unlocked “up” strides. If so, keep reinforcing and refining that aid.

The reality is that you’re probably not going to get them to actually move over as they’re galloping, but the effort to do so does kink the otherwise kinetic chain of energy (the locked and loaded feeling), giving you a trainable moment.

As far as straight-up bit recommendations go … I have 2 Waterfords … a loose ring and a Baucher. I didn’t find the loose ring to be too effective, but the Baucher seemed to do the trick.

[CindyCRNA]

[QUOTE=Golden Pony;7717671]
Try this one, NOT a jointed!
http://www.doversaddlery.com/uxeter-kimberwicke-bit/p/X1-01108/[/QUOTE]

This is what we run in. My 17.2 mare is a freight train that ran right thru a 3-ring elevator. The non-jointed Kimberwick was perfect for her. She is much lighter and responds better. And it has taught me to be lighter because she needs less.

[Cruiser12]

[QUOTE=Robby Johnson;7718695]
If you want to fix it permanently, you’re going to have to put and keep your leg on her even though she’s curling up on you. Heavy/curling/leaning at a gallop is essentially the same thing as being on the forehand on the flat.

I fought this battle with a mare for years and have a big bag of bits you’re more than welcome to shop from, seeing as how we’re both in Alabama!, but I didn’t really fix the problem until I figured out how to move her shoulders while keeping my leg on. Just ask her to move over a step as she’s curling, and see if that gives you 1 or 2 unlocked “up” strides. If so, keep reinforcing and refining that aid.

The reality is that you’re probably not going to get them to actually move over as they’re galloping, but the effort to do so does kink the otherwise kinetic chain of energy (the locked and loaded feeling), giving you a trainable moment.

As far as straight-up bit recommendations go … I have 2 Waterfords … a loose ring and a Baucher. I didn’t find the loose ring to be too effective, but the Baucher seemed to do the trick.[/QUOTE]
Yes, of course you are absolutely correct! I am old and weak and lazy, there is no doubt. Your advice makes a ton of sense. How be a try your method in dressage and change bits for now while jumping? Then perhaps between the two of them we can get things straightened out. I really like this little mare, but she can be a real tank!

[_Tradewind]

You might look into a Waterford Baucher. It combines the action of both types of bit. They are not very common over here; I had to order mine from the UK. I guess they are used a lot more over there. I think you can get them through Dover or one of the big suppliers but it is much cheaper to order them from overseas.

I am also a big fan of the Lever noseband. You can order them through Nunn Finer and they have been surprisingly effective on the strong horses I’ve had the last few years that tend to lock their jaws. The lever is also a nice compromise because it gives more control without increasing the severity of the bit.

http://www.nunnfiner.com/Nunn-Finer-Adjustable-Lever-Noseband-p/280b.htm

[Larbear]

I used to event on a Fjord and I found the Uxeter Kimberwicke bit worked pretty good. I used it for both stadium and x-country.

[scubed]

I went to a Myler D-ring with hooks for my guy who tended to want to run “nose to toes” https://www.smartpakequine.com/myler-level-2-dee-w-hooks-8412p

He has improved as he has gotten stronger, but what I find with this bit is that when I half halt, he lifts his shoulder, making for a lovely uphill approach to the fence

[Cruiser12]

[QUOTE=scubed;7720699]
I went to a Myler D-ring with hooks for my guy who tended to want to run “nose to toes” https://www.smartpakequine.com/myler-level-2-dee-w-hooks-8412p

He has improved as he has gotten stronger, but what I find with this bit is that when I half halt, he lifts his shoulder, making for a lovely uphill approach to the fence[/QUOTE]

A couple of people have suggested this one. I think I’ll be ordering a few and then going from there. A lot of good ideas and advice.
Thank you to all!

[Come_Shine]

[QUOTE=equiniphile;7717305]
For what it’s worth, I switched my mare to a Wonder bit (“Beval” bit) french link from her KK loose ring french link. Love it.[/QUOTE]

I was going to suggest the same thing. I believe you can also get the wonder bit with that mouthpiece.