American Gag bit - any info ? (NOT for Shy !)

Shysmum

Shysmum

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Seriously strong bit, I've only used it on one thug of a WB to go XC.

I did use it as well to teach him collected work, but only very lightly - I couldn't keep the energy and lightness to start with otherwise.

I've never ridden any horse but him in it - he was exceptionally rude and difficult. I would NEVER use it on a youngster.
 
shysmum said:
Thank you, my suspicions confirmed :( Just the look of it made me wince. Together with the flash. Felt very sorry for this horse.
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Poor horse - where did she get it from, and what possessed her to use it? Is there any way you can explain how bad an idea it is? :confused::(
 
more of an aquaintance. I asked her and she said a friend had recommended it as the horse (4) opens her mouth. Just for hacking. Honestly could have cried. The ignorance.

You know, I have decided that from now on, I am not going to notice at how other people "do" their horses, and just stick to what I know. So many idiots around.
 
Very strong leverage . Poll pressure!

Used in strong eventers , usually at international level! I know someone that used one on an old horse that was totally hard in the mouth, it was the only thing that she responded too!
 
Yeah, its a strong bit with a lot of poll pressure. So far as I know it has no effect on keeping the mouth closed and I can't see how it could!

Little Irish bog pony I own now - previous owner used to ride him in one. Almost put me off buying him, as I worried about how strong he was to need a bit like that.

Turns out he didn't need it. In fact, it made him very hollow and refuse to take a contact. I now ride him in a Neue Schule snaffle, even for XC.

I've seen it used quite a lot in show jumping. Previous owner did a lot of PC/RC show jumping and my guess is she used it to get him off the forehand. But its so strong it can encourage the horse to sit behind the bridle and not work through correctly.

I suspect the bit has its uses on the big, strong thugs of the world, particularly XC, but thankfully, bog pony isn't one of them!
 
shysmum said:
more of an aquaintance. I asked her and she said a friend had recommended it as the horse (4) opens her mouth. Just for hacking. Honestly could have cried. The ignorance.

You know, I have decided that from now on, I am not going to notice at how other people "do" their horses, and just stick to what I know. So many idiots around.
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This.

Couldn't agree more.
 
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