Kimblewicks

[ClaireBear_nz]

I'm thinking about changing my XC/gallop bit to a kimblewick.

Currently when I'm jumping or going fast I use a pelham on Tally. He's not exactly hard to stop but when he puts his head down and charges, it basically feels like you're on a bolting rhino. Therefore I like having the curb action so in dire emergency I can make him stop.

Show-jumping I use a mullen mouth (metal) pelham with double reins which works fine, I do the same for beach gallops and it's usually okay. XC I use roundings because trying to regain two sets of reins after Tally's done a dramatic death-leap into the water is not an appealing prospect. He goes okay with the roundings, but I don't really like using them.

Would a kimblewick work in the same way? Mainly, would I be able to stop?

[Jobi-Wan Kenobi]

a kimblewick would really only have the same action as the roundings. if you get the results with the roundings and Tally in comfortable in the pelham than I wouldn't worry about changing. All roundings do is dilute the curb action.

[ClaireBear_nz]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v665/ClaireBear_nz/20071110_5008tally.jpg

Oh he's very happy. I look a little less thrilled, mainly because I had no plans to jump that big :o

I might hold off trying to find a kimblewick then, my bit collection doesn't need expanding really.

[Jobi-Wan Kenobi]

he's a sexy beast!! :D And he's obviously happy in his work which is testiment to you as his rider :)

I think a lot of people overcomplicate things and change things when they don't need to. I've been guilty of it in the past when I had my first horse. For everyday riding we used a flash and loose ring snaffle. Then we did xc and I had her in a pelham, flash, martingale...... But that's part of growing up and learning I guess :)