different behaviour at shows..HELP

[EventingRed]

When i take my eleven year old TB to an event, espcialy in the stadium stage he tends to become overly excited a nurvous. HE also dosent listen to the bit i use at home. Before i got him he was a hunter jumper and i am gusing he was gunded at the fence beacuse of how he acts in the show ring AWAY FROM HOME. At home he is fine. my question is, i jump in a loose ring, slightly thick beacuse he will "curle" if u know what i mean. (he also has a running martingale) at shows however he runs streight through it and instead of being at a steady pace the whole time it takes my full body strength to keep him balanced. have any sugestions for bits or training??

thx
Red :)

[Avid_Rider]

I am not a believer in switching to stronger bits if a horse does not listen... however, a lot of horse do need a bit that is a "step up" from the bit you use at home.
Also, you should see if it is possible to go to a show and just walk your horse around the grounds, and maybe do some work in the warm up rings. A lot of horses get nervous or excited at shows, you just have to figure out what will calm them down. SOme just need different equipment, or a different warm up, some even just like having a barn buddy close by.
Unfortunately, all I can say is that it'll just take some time to see what system or tack and warm up suits him best.