Any suggestions on bits for a horse that can get heavy on the forehand going XC or when hunting? We school in a mild French link D ring, which works well until the adrenaline kicks in and he tends to bulldoze. In general, he’s pretty sensitive to my seat, leg and voice. We’ve tried a rubber mullen mouth pelham, which is too strong, and a kimberwicke, which I also don’t love. A slow twist doesn’t seem to make much of a difference compared to the French link. Any other recommendations for an in-between bit?
Have you tried a waterford? I’ve found that helpful for horse that get heavy because they can’t really lean on it. Your horse may find it preferable to a pelham – I had one horse who hated it and another who liked it a lot. Keep in mind with the Waterford that you need to order one 1/2" larger than your horse’s normal size because of the way it drapes over the tongue.
I hunt my big draft mare in a two-ring gag (happy mouth) and that also is just enough to catch her attention without pissing her off. Other bits that have worked for me are the Neue Schule Universal with a Demi-anky or tranze-angled lozenge mouthpiece.
https://nsbits.com/product/tranz-angled-lozenge-universal/
https://nsbits.com/product/waterford/
Note: Neue Schule bits are way expensive but there are other bits out there that are similar. I always wait until they are on sale as the quality if very good. When I’m looking for a bit, I’ll borrow them or use one of the bit rental programs.
Maybe try a 2-ring elevator bit or a slightly milder Wilkie bit. Both bits can be found with various mouthpieces like plain snaffle, french link or lozenge 2 piece snaffles. Both bits can be found for about $30 online.
I second the Waterford. I rode my big guy in one after suffering trying to use a number of different bits. He loves it. Looks like a torture device from a dungeon :winkgrin:, but can be very effective on certain horses. Mine had no aspirations of ever going anywhere fast, as he’s the laziest horse I’ve ever ridden, but he had the “lets lean on the reins until the riders arms wear out” down pat when I first got him. Well, that just wouldn’t do for me. I’m just sorry I waited so long to try it… the trainer I had at the time really objected to using one - as in strenuously objected. Totally different horse once I switched.
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Have you tried a straight Kimberwick, or an Uxeter? Did you try the rubber pelham with double reins. or roundings?
What about a French-link pelham?
Waterford, especially a Boucher ring one.
if a Pelham was too strong then a 2 ring likely will be too.
I’ve hunted my horses in everything imaginable, but my favorites were a slow twist gag and currently a low port kimberwicke. I only have to tell them once and they listen. My seat and legs do most the work, the bit is just back-up.
This! Mine is the same way! Lol
I may try to find a Waterford to borrow and see how he does.
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Dr Bristol slow twist
i use a 3 ring elevator on mine. works like a charm!
Another vote for a Waterford. My mare is 4LeafCloverFarms’ gelding; she’s not overly forward but gets heavy. I started her in a D ring Waterford and now she goes in a Boucher Waterford. The boucher just had a little bit more oomph then the D, which is perfect for her.
