Alternative to Dutch Gag?

[vicm2509]

My horse is generally very laid back and push button although when SJ it is very hard to shorten his paces as he gets very excited, although hes easy to stop you cannot contol his pace. He is usually ridden in a Loose ring french link snaffle. But for jumping we have temporeraly resorted to a dutch gag on the 2nd ring, he also has to wear a martingale as he chucks his head up (he never wears one any other time, besides on farm rides/xc). My instructor says it works well but I know he doesnt like it, if I took the flash off I know he would evade it.

Are there any alternatives? I dont need something really strong just something he would take a little more notice of. It would also be used to farm rides etc as I prefer to put in something a little stronger rather than yank on his mouth when he gets a bit carried away.

What about a cherry roller?

 

[PapaFrita]

Has the gag got a curb strap on it? Will make the world of difference. I'm actually very fond of dutch gags (will probably get a telling off for that!

) and don't think they're nearly as severe as they're reputed to be without the strap. Antifaz goes really well in his. The strap should be attached to the top ring (where the cheek pieces go)
We don't have my variety here as far as bits go, so I'm afraid I don't have much else to suggest.
Is your martingale running or standing? Antifaz, who's rather fussy in his mouth and tends to chuck his head around has a standing martingale which really does the trick!
Good luck!

 

[vicm2509]

No it doesnt have a curb strap on it, I actually think its the poll pressure he doest like as when I pull on the reins his immediate reaction is to overbend, where as if I didnt have the flash on him I think the reaction would be to open his mouth and stick his head in the air. I think it is a little too sever for him tbh.

Martingale is running. I thought you wernt supposed to jump in a standing? Or is that just something I remember from my riding school days?

 

[PapaFrita]

The gag on the second ring would, I imagine, exert rather alot of poll pressure and I think (someone will tell you for certain) that the strap would limit that a bit. Since you've got it, it's worth a try- Remember to put the rein on a higher ring though. I jump PF in a happy mouth gag with a strap and she doesn't go overbent which is her usual evasion when she doesn't like a bit.
I'd always been told you shouldn't jump in a standing martingale too, but everyone here does and now so do I!!
I THINK the rings on cherry rollers can wear and get sharp, but I'm not 100% on that.

 

[flyingfeet]

If its single jointed - try a double jointed mouthpeice ideally a lozenge or french link

A good alternative is a tom thumb - they have a different action and don't make them over bend.

 

[helenandshadow]

[ QUOTE ]
The gag on the second ring would, I imagine, exert rather alot of poll pressure and I think (someone will tell you for certain) that the strap would limit that a bit.

[/ QUOTE ]
I haven't used a gag with a curb strap but I'd imagine that it does limit the poll pressure because it would stop the top rings moving too far forwards.

CotswoldSJ what action does a tom thumb have?