Razamataz-kaz
Member
Hi, looking for some advice on my horses bit!!
Got him 3 months ago hes a 16yr old, 16.3, IDX and he came with a Happy Mouth Single Jointed Dutch Gag.
His flat work is fine, goes in an outline, (in trot & canter his head does come up) but, he can be very strong when jumping; his head goes in the air, he can start bouncing around a bit and then he tanks towards, over and after the jump! Leaving me with little control after it to try and sit to slow him down!!
Not knowing much about his bit I decided to look it up and have read a few things I dislike about it
1. I read that these bits should only be used with double reins - when I got him it was only being used with single reins on the first lower ring. (I dont want to start using double reins) 2. I wonder whether the Dutch gag is making his head come up? & 3. He has started chewing through the happy mouth to the metal which is leaving sharp edges! !!
I have since changed the reins to the snaffle ring on the bit and I have worked him on that in the school which he seems fine in, his heads a little lower in trot I am going to continue to put him in this for schooling and some pole work for now but its not enough control for me when we are jumping/hacking etc . Can anyone suggest an alternative bit for me to use for jumping to the gag that will give me brakes and encourage his head to remain lower?
I plan to continue schooling him in the snaffle & maybe get some pole work lessons but think i need to change the gag as it seems quite severe.
Thanks for any help/suggestions
Got him 3 months ago hes a 16yr old, 16.3, IDX and he came with a Happy Mouth Single Jointed Dutch Gag.
His flat work is fine, goes in an outline, (in trot & canter his head does come up) but, he can be very strong when jumping; his head goes in the air, he can start bouncing around a bit and then he tanks towards, over and after the jump! Leaving me with little control after it to try and sit to slow him down!!
Not knowing much about his bit I decided to look it up and have read a few things I dislike about it
1. I read that these bits should only be used with double reins - when I got him it was only being used with single reins on the first lower ring. (I dont want to start using double reins) 2. I wonder whether the Dutch gag is making his head come up? & 3. He has started chewing through the happy mouth to the metal which is leaving sharp edges! !!
I have since changed the reins to the snaffle ring on the bit and I have worked him on that in the school which he seems fine in, his heads a little lower in trot I am going to continue to put him in this for schooling and some pole work for now but its not enough control for me when we are jumping/hacking etc . Can anyone suggest an alternative bit for me to use for jumping to the gag that will give me brakes and encourage his head to remain lower?
I plan to continue schooling him in the snaffle & maybe get some pole work lessons but think i need to change the gag as it seems quite severe.
Thanks for any help/suggestions
