Which Bit?

[Free Spirits]

I am currently riding in a simple egbutt snaffle. I have started jumping and have noticed everytime i land from a jump, as i'm gathering myself back (literally within a split second) my horse sticks his head down to the floor, pulling the reins from me, and tries to bomb off bucking at the same time. I've had him checked from a vet and all is sound and have been advised by simply up-grading his bit, will pull him up and have more control from an excitable behaviour.

Can anyone please advise of a bit, which is not too strong, as i hack and school him in a snaffle and have no problems. I have been told a dutch gag is good, maybe even a happymouth version.
Please help?:confused:

[StormyJ]

A lot of horses are ridden in Dutch Gags, because they offer a lot of variety as to their severity. If your horse only requires a snaffle for hacking and schooling, you can just put the rein on the large, snaffle ring, and then move it down for jumping.
You could also try a rubber pelham. They look severe but a lot of horses really like them, and they are good because they are soft but you have plenty of brakes! :D

The mods will probably close one of your threads as posting in more than one area is against the rules ;)

[Free Spirits]

I have seen there are a variety of dutch gags available, which is where i need more information, i.e. happymouth version or link or jointed?
My horse also has a large mouth for his size and a thicker than average tongue. Are there bits to compensate for this also out there.

What i wish to achieve is a quick pull-up action where i'm not fighting with him, but not severe enough for me to hold him back.:o

[DavidH]

Have a look at the Neue Schule Universal. A little like the dutch gag but more refined. I will be using one on Ed (when it arrives) combined with a leather curb strap fitted to the top ring. Have used the dutch gag on him and find the main ring too mild but the first ring down too severe resulting in a jerk upwards of his head when I want to power him up on approach.

[Showjumper]

I'd recommend getting your saddle fit checked.