Bitting the Show Jumper with The Saddlery Shop

This month’s edition of Absolute Horse Magazine featured a fabulous article written byThe Saddlery Shop’s very own Lucy Nicholas. Taking a look at bitting, show jumping and bit options available from The Saddlery Shop. Read more below or pick up a copy of Absolute Horse Magazine today!

Lucy says…

“The concepts of harmonious bitting are the same whatever the horse’s discipline, however it is natural that the faster the horse goes and the quicker the reactions required of him are, the more targeted the bit may need to be.

Before we look at what you may need to consider when bitting the showjumping horse, let’s consider some bitting basics –

The bit is simply an aid that passes on requests from the rider to the horse regarding speed and direction. The mouthpiece of a bit is selected to suit a horse’s requirements – what fits their mouth conformation, and what they are comfortable and happy in – and the bit rings, or cheek pieces, help the rider communicate their requirements to the horse. Finding the right bit for your horse should be a blend of seeking obedience through correct schooling, tempered with the rider’s understanding of the horse’s welfare.

Now let’s look at some trouble-shooting points first, e.g. working out if your bit needs updating-

• It obviously hangs too low, or the bridle cheek pieces are ‘floppy’ or loose.
• It creates too many lip wrinkles, or the bridle check pieces appear tight.
• The horse chews or mouths the bit uncomfortably.
• The horse carries his head to one side, or raises his head uncharacteristically when ridden.
• The tongue is ‘squashed’ – look inside the mouth when the bit is fitted – does the tongue sit comfortably under the bit?
• The horse evades bridle fitting.
• The horse evades the contact when ridden, or his behaviour or way of going noticeably changes.
• You see obvious physical issues, like rubs or sore sections.

Bits for jumping

Whatever your discipline, you should always choose the ‘kindest’ bit that meets your needs and your level of riding experience. You may see some riders jumping in more complex bits than a standard snaffle – this is often to help them give more accurate commands at speed, or to help control fit, excitable or strong horses – but as generally a bit is only as strong as the hands holding it, these should only be used by riders with a steady, elastic contact. Here are some of our best-sellers for show jumping:

The Ringed Continental is very popular with adult jumping riders and is generally available with three or four cheek rings; it is often referred to as the Continental or Dutch Gag. It is available in most of the commonly seen mouthpieces, in several materials. Continental bits like this aim to emulate the effect of draw reins in the ring, and help to keep the horse between hand and leg.

Pelhams are also popular bits for jumping riders. They feature elements of both a curb and a snaffle, and are available with various mouthpiece styles. Synthetic Happy Mouths and Vulcanite are both superior to rubber, which can rub. The bit is good for over-enthusiastic horses that lean; however, as with many bits with some leverage action, it should be used only by riders with good hands.

Kimblewicks are similar to Pelhams in their action with the use of a curb chain, but milder, due to the lack of shank, so they do not have the leverage of a Pelham. However they can help to keep the horse’s head up, eg. to avoid leaning, and are popular with pony showjumpers.

Common showjumping evasions

• Head shaking. When pressure is applied to a horse with a sensitive tongue, its response may be to shake the head, or poke the tongue.  You may need a ported bit that doesn’t give tongue pressure, or one designed for horses with large or sensitive tongues. The Neue Schule range has a range called ‘Ultimate Tongue Relief’ that give generous tongue relief without causing upper palate interference.
• Raising head. The horse may lift the head if he objects to tongue pressure and also consistent bar pressure – a bit that allows independent side movement, such as the Myler range, may help – I like the Myler wide barrel snaffles, which don’t have a nutcracker action, and do have independent side action.
• Leaning down on the bit. Continuous pressure may lead some horses to lean their head down or ‘yank’ the reins – something that encourages some ‘play’, such as a Waterford, may help, while something with a roller like a Loose Ring Cherry Roller may help, as the rollers encourage the bit to roll further into the horses mouth, and being a fairly thick bit, this is quite kind to the bar areas.”

Remember dental checks by an equine dental technician or vet are recommended at least once a year, to ensure the horse is comfortable, and to avoid longer-term mouthing and bitting problems. Visit www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk for details of bit hire or purchase. Email advice@thesaddleryshop.co.uk