Irlanda, I hope you have found bit info by now. There are lots of publications and internet info on the subject. But I could not agree with you more on the comment that the numbers of types of bits are out of reality. Bit makers like boot makers have to keep changing things so folks will put the old ones up and buy new ones. Lots of riders that think the horse is acting poorly to a bit may learn that you ride a horse with your legs, seat and hands not the head stall. All the high dollar bits you can buy will not help a rider that has bad hands and does not sit right in the saddle.

So much said about bits. But, I really would like to suggest someone above the average vet., check the teeth. Nothing against nor do I mean vets are average. It is just that so many are not specific to the teeth. Check around and find one that comes highly recommended for checking. I have seen it several times where it has nothing to do with the rigging but rather the condition of the mouth. I have a mare now that was high headed. Within a few days of having the teeth properly prepared she was back to dropping the head naturally. Not always but so many times it is one of two issues. The horse bracing for what it is conditioned to with less than soft hands, or it is the teeth. Just looking at them won't validate their condition. Spurs, chips, cracks etc., occur just as it does with ours.

In my opinion, you can't beat a rawhide bosal or hackemore; it lets the horse rest and relax and there is nothing in the mouth. It promotes flex at the pole and gathers up the back too. I switch back and forth between the bosal, a snaffle, and a curb or sometimes a spade, depending on the horse. I've found by starting a colt with the bosal and riding with just the bosal for a couple of years there is never a problem with a high head or head tossing or pushing out the nose. I'll follow the bosal with a snaffle and then finally, a curb. When using the bosal, horsehair reins, or Mecate, are essential as is rigging the bosal correctly. Instructions on how to rig the bosal can be found in "How to Make Cowboy Horse Gear" by Grant. Best Wishes, Fremont

forgot to add.. if you are one that has to try new things one of these might do it its still soft not harsh but a lil more .. also a running martingale but help. but supple her down ,work on ground basics again. some have to go back 2 steps to progress.. http://www.doversaddlery.com/herm-sprenger-kk-conrad-d-ring-snaffle-bit/p/X1-01768/cn/1459/

Single Filly is correct, your problem apparently started when you let some else ride your horse. Assuming all the previous advice about the condition of the bit does not apply and your bit is in good shape, I would start going back to getting the horse "Soft" ie; a lot of bending, serpentines, two tracking etc: until the head starts coming back down with just a simple snaffle. I want his/her head coming back into my Stirrup with the lightest of rein pressure while at the same time making sure I have control of the other parts of the horse, shoulders, rib cage and rear quarters. You didn't mention whether you use a Martingale. Personally I don't. I have both roping horses and cutters and anytime I feel them stating to stiffen up I immediately go back to the snaffle and bending exercises. It works for me. Of course you may ask what does Ropers or Cutting Horses have to do with jumping....I started out some 30 years ago on WB's and it worked for them as well. Another major benefit of having a soft jumping horse, you will use very little apron coming off the jumps as there will be no struggle gaining control and therefore use less time during the round. As you get to the higher levels, this is a big time advantage. Anyway that's my 2 cents worth. Best of luck. Ken

your new rider may be overfacing her. she may not be ready for it . I would NOT go to a stronger bit for this problem. check like someone mentioned sharp edges on your bit. right where the ring is.The KK Bits are top bits . if the mare just started this I think it has alot to do with she feels overfaced possibly or the rider using to much hand possibly? alot of time they rush the jump and pull head up when they feel anxious about it.. go back a level and see if she fixs herself after a few weeks.give her the benefit of the doubt. harsher wont solve it. try suppling her down and round and go back to some basics with her.. ask another trainer to in your area.. good luck

Extremely helpfull advice. thank you all very much.

Parelli's website is www.parelli.com RFD-TV is only in USA. We can't even get it up here on satellite in Canada.

My personal favorite, Clinton Anderson, can be found at www.clintonanderson.net or www.downunderhorsemanship.com If you get satilite then you can see him and Parelli on RFD-TV quite a bit. Hope you find what you are looking for

Thank you for all your suggestions, I never used to have this problem with her, in fact, she used to roll her neck under instead of up, but recently another person has been competing her in a higher level, and she is really acting out this habit...I would love to see the Pirrelli or other trainers webpages, can anyone tell me where to find them? And thank you for the wonderful tips, highly appreciated.