Sorry bit advice again

[loopylou]

I am after some advice, my new chap, was by his old owners and up till now by me, ridden in a 3 ring gag. I have to admit, after going on a sponsored ride, i will use the gag for events like that, as we do seem to need the extra breaks and he doesn't seem to object to the gag at all.

For every day hacking i would like to use something else. I have a hanging cheek french link, which i have been schooling in, but i find out hacking this isn't quiet enough breaks when needed sometimes. Has anyone any ideas what might be worth trying???

[shell]

Whats the saying "if it aint broke don't fix it" If he goes happily in the 3ring why change? I had one in my first Dales, i rode him on the top snaffle ring for everyday riding and would drop down a hole or two wen we went across country. I'd personally keep him with what he is happy and just vary the rein positions or try riding with 2 reins so u have the back up brakes should u need them.

[greydales]

I would say if he goes well in this bit and has good brakes, then don't change. The bit is only as severe as your hands, despite which ring the reins are on. Our first pony mare had a mouth like iron and this was the best bit for her out on hacks, and we tried many others.

If you intend to try dressage or do classes at shows where this wouldn't be accepted, then of course you need to try another type of bit. Perhaps a hanging cheek with a more solid mouthpiece might be better than a double jointed - but it's impossible to say as all horses and ponies are different! I have a hanging cheek with a mullen mouthpiece and independent side action, which he goes very well in, but I couldn't say whether this would suit your boy. All a case of trial and error I suppose!

I'm also a fan of pelhams as you can then get the pony used to a type of mouthpiece but you also have the backup of the curb effect for brakes, although you would need to ride with two sets of reins.

[shell]

Just to back up wat Gill has said. I too am a fan of pelhams, i have a mullen mouth rugby pelham that my first horse went superbly in with hardly any contact but always use 2 reins roundings really confuse the aids! As said before a bit is only as severe as the hands its in!

[loopylou]

Thanks for the advice, you are right, why change something that doesn't need fixing. My worry is that some people frown upon seeing a gag, but he goes well in it. I will stop worry what others think and leave him as he is. Cheers guys, somethings i just need some reassurance

[shell]

I know wat u mean! I used to get judged so much for riding in my pelham because 'he's not strong he's lovely' but my thinking is i'd rather ride in a stronger bit with less contact than have a heavy contact on a softer bit! Peer pressure is awful but knowing ur own pony is all that matters!

[nic]

Lol Loopy, I think u just like buying tack, ur always changing something we have to arrange a date to go riding!

[loopylou]

When are you coming over then to meet Sparky properly and have a ride on Jasper??? Email me,

[shirlnjazz]

Do you use the 2 reins with the gag, you really shoud and then at least you ride off the snaffle rein mostly and just use the lower ring when you need the extra brakes

[valerie n scout]

i use a waterford ive read that there severe, but Scout likes the mouth piece and doesnt fight and is unstopable in most anything else, i love pelhams but thats too severe for him he throws his head up and comes to a dead stop even with little or no contact he knows its the only thing i can really stop him in and he just wont tolerate it funny boy x

[Rowndan]

iv got a cheltnam gag in dan and hes going really well in it. i used 2 reins wiht it and ride of the snaffle and iv always got the back up if he decides but be a pillock!!!

[SuzieP]

A bit is only as severe as the hands on the other end of the reins!!! I alternate between a waterford and a cheltenham gag for Bea and he goes well in both. He hates a pelham, and behaved just like Scout when I tried one....he was just uncomfortable and really does prefer a joined mouthpiece.

I use a French link snaffle for dressage comps and he goes nicely in that for as long as it takes to do a test or two!