alternative to gag for hunting...

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apple88

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Hi all,

After some advice, my mare schools in a caverson with a snaffle, hacks in a 4-ring dutch gag with reins on second from bottom (one below the snaffle big ring) no problems and happy with this although can get strong.

When hunting I have been using a grackle and the reins on the bottom ring, this gives me good breaks as she can get excitable and very strong and leans. Her mouth has been getting a bit sore the last few times out and im looking for an alternative.
She is blind on one side so i need good breaks as she is headstrong and thinks she knows best at all times.

Just doing a bit of reading and many recommend that you should use double reins on the gag if using bottom ring, I dont really want to use double reins, what alternatives would you suggest?

Bacon Butties all round!!
 
Have you tried something like a happy mouth american gag?
much softer on the mouth, I had v good results using one a number of yrs ago on a v sharp ex-racer, out dragging.
Obviously you'll need to have time out till any soreness from mouth has gone before trying any different bits.
You'll really need to use 2 reins tho..............
 
Thanks Fuzzy,
I just spoke to the bit bank and they recommended a NS turtle top flex universal, i really don't fancy the double reins.

Il have a look into the American gag too....:)
 
I have a hunting cob who rides in the same combination as you OP - and as it happens is also blind on one side. He hunts in a cavesson with a waterford gag (reins on the middle ring - below the snaffle ring) and acavello bit guards. If he looks to be really strong I'll pop a loose flash on him but have just decided to try a grackle for him and see if that is better.

The waterford stops the leaning - but can be harsh so you have to be sensitive in your hands. But we have found with this bitting system for this particular horse we have had no sore mouths this season at all - and no hairy "lost the brakes" moments either.
 
Have you tried it with a curb strap?
Personally I prefer in general a Pelham to a Dutch gag, but it's obviously horse dependant.
 
I brought a NS turtle balding. It is fabulous. Can ride round with washing line reins but when you need brakes it is like throwing an anchor out. Gallop to halt in a few feet.
The bit bank has these.
 
I use a Waterford gag with avacallo bit guards plus a back strap out hunting my horse can set himself & be extremely strong out hunting but I have never had a sore or split mouth which I think isdown to the gel bit guards that slightly curve with the lips and the back strap stops the bit over rotating
 
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