Universal vs Jumper Bit - What Are The Differences?

[kaya842]

I am wanting to try a new bit for jumping on my newer mare (she flats in a Stubben anatomic loose ring) and have arrived at either the universal or jumper bits with roundings and a curb strap (per NS’s research this set up with either bit does not exert any poll pressure, which is the goal). I have used a universal in the past, albeit not with roundings or a curb strap, but have never used or even seen one used a Jumper bit. I am wanting to learn a bit more about the differences between the two to try to make a more educated purchase (and hopefully get it right the first time). Can anyone tell me more about the mechanics of the Jumper or how the two differ?

Mare came to me in a full cheek rubber Mullen gag which I don’t think is right for her at all. She has a very sensitive poll and pops up in front of fences with that bit. She also seems to prefer a sweet metal material and a broken mouth piece vs a Mullen. I am looking at trying whichever of the two I decide on in a 3 piece lozenge style with a copper or sweet iron or “gold” (aurigan, Salox, etc) material.

Pony is being reschooled to the bit but I don’t think she will ever be one of the ones that goes around in a loose ring for jumping, there is just a bit too much baggage and learned behavior there. But we are working on it and she is improving on the flat so there is hope! I mention this to avoid any “it’s not the bit it’s the training” comments.

[onlyTBmares]

This isn’t really answering your question, but I finally bit the bullet and forked over the $200 and bought the Herm Sprenger universal bit and it’s really great. Never used it with a strap but it was great because I flatted one way which is basically just a loose ring and added a little leverage to jump. She was really picky and head tossy and loved the mouthpiece. I think the NS is pretty similar.

[Words_of_Wisdom]

Could you please include photos of the bits? Thanks-- what I am pulling up on Google by those names look like they would have pressure on the poll.

[kaya842]

Sorry about that! Probably should have led with that. Here are photos of each and link to NS’s poll pressure study and a screen shot of the bits from their study with the descriptors.

https://nsbits.com/article/neue-schule-poll-pressure-guide

[IPEsq]

With a curb strap, the Jumper bit will work like a pelham. If she doesn’t like poll pressure, I’d probably go with the Universal first, 2 reins, no strap, and see how she responds. It’s already a muted 2 ring, and so I’d either use one rein on the bottom or two reins, but not roundings/converters.

Both will provide some gag-like leverage, with the Jumper bit being more pressure because of the length of the shank. If you think she’d respond better to a curb type bit, then I’d probably start with a short shank pelham. Again 2 reins and with standard curb chain.

What does she do when jumping that makes the snaffle inappropriate? Knowing that and her reaction to the gag would help figure out a bit alternative. For example, some horses don’t like the leverage type bits at all and would prefer something like a slow twist for jumping for a little more control without the leverage. Or maybe one of the Bombers bits with some port to it in the sweet iron. You could try a fulmer or full cheek for a little better steering and stability.

[kaya842]

No steering issues (partly why I thought the full cheek gag was an odd choice) thankfully!
In general she gets heavy and is hard mouthed. I am working on the hard mouthed portion and she doesn’t get heavy while jumping but will grab the bit and surge (also working on this as much as possible). She is a forward, sensitive and hot jumper. I have not tried jumping in the loose ring yet as I don’t think I’ll have brakes (like at all).
The jumper looks like it would be maybe more of a gag action than a Pelham with a long “shank” between the mouthpiece and where the cheek pieces attach. Right?
She is still super strong with the gag but hops up in front and blows through the aids.
This may resolve with the work I’m doing on the flat, but I’m not convinced it will entirely resolve and would love to have something to use in the mean time.

[IPEsq]

Yes I think it would put more poll pressure on like the gag but also have a long shank curb effect. Based on how you describe the gag, I would not choose this bit.

I really dislike the evasion you describe. I like gags and elevator bits on the right horses, but one they responds like yours, that’s a no. In that case I’d go with a twisted mouthpiece or a Waterford or maybe a smaller pelham with whatever mouthpiece she likes.

[Words_of_Wisdom]

Echoing this. Would try a twisted snaffle. You can try the Universal bit, but my hunch is that the Jumper bit is going to be similar to the gag.
My experience with the mullen rubber gags is that the mouthpiece is frequently too thick, and many horses don’t like it because of that (and will try to put the bit between their teeth, as you’ve described). Potentially worth trying something with a thinner mouthpiece.

[kaya842]

Definitely too thick! She has extremely fleshy lips and a fat tongue and naturally keeps her mouth slightly parted because of it (her teeth do not rest on each other). I did try a Mullen leather loose ring (much thinner than any of the flexi rubber bits), which has been popular with all my other horses, and she doesn’t hate it but really does seem to prefer the metal 3 piece (which is thinner than the flexi rubber gag but thicker than the leather bit).

I was thinking about a Waterford as well.

I did have my other mare in the universal for a time. She had the same evasion style as this horse but wasn’t as strong (newer mare is a freaking hulk) and went well in the elevator and eventually ended up jumping in the leather loose ring.