Are 3-ring gags really severe?

[Gorgeous George]

This is in response to a post in stable yard, is the 3-ring gag a very severe bit? I am a bit concerned as this is what I ride George in and despite 30 years of riding (at a RS until 8mths ago) I wouldn't say I've got the most independent/sympathetic hands and I am now worried that he may be resentful of this bit. He does go pretty well in it mind!

 

[twoshoes]

Do you use it with two reins, or just one?

 

[Tia]

Not particularly. Depends on the type of mouthpiece yours has and whether or not you use it with a curb strap and double reins.

 

[Gorgeous George]

um 1 rein no curb strap, it has a roller in the middle.

 

[_Libby_]

i'm not sure what a roller is?

is one rein attached and to what ring?

 

[Tia]

Used in this way, then no, not too much different from a loose ring, apart from the poll action, which is slight with this bit.

 

[chestnut cob]

Not especially. I have to admit I get annoyed with all this stuff about how "severe" a bit is and people juding you (I mean that generically, not aimed at you) because of the bit you chose to ride in. Yes, there will always be people who ride in a bit because they think it looks good, but the majority of people ride in a particular bit for a reason.

It's true that the bit is only as severe as the hands at the end of it. I used to ride my Welshy in a 3 ring gag sometimes - I figured when he was strong, it was better for me to talk one pull and have control, than be hauling away and ripping his mouth to pieces in a snaffle. There is far too much emphasis on every horse being in a snaffle - if these bits didnt serve a purpose, they wouldn't exist.

If you know why you have your horse in that bit, or any bit, and understand its action then there's nothing wrong with keeping him in it. In an ideal world we would all ride our horse in french links but horses that go in those bits for all activitites don't exist outside of BHS text books. He will be more resentful if you have to haul away at him in a snaffle than taking one pull in a gag.

I would say just say that it really doesn't matter if he is resentful in it - you pay a lot of money for your horse and he has to behave for you. If you need a 3 ring gag to make him do this, then that's just how it is. My welshy hated going out in the kimblewick I used for hunting, but he adored hunting so much that it was the only bit I could stop in

 

[alphanumeric]

I must say, chestnut cob talks a great deal of sense.

As far as I'm concerned, if the horse goes well in it and if it is legal for everything you want to do then keep him in it!

 

[Flame_]

On the mouth, the severity is the same as a jointed snaffle. Any pull on the reins attached to one of the lower rings applys quite severe pressure on the poll - for some horses this gives the extra control needed, others hate it. Some horses need the curb action as well - some horses can't stand the poll pressure with or without a curb and even with a top rein so the leverage is only as a back-up. I'm not saying this is true in your case but alot of people like how their horses go in these bits used with one rein on the lower rings because the horse goes very light in the hand and in a round outline. The horse is sometimes actually behind the bit and rounding its neck to avoid the poll pressure. If you and your teachers are happy that your horse works into a rein contact and is relaxed and obedient in this bit the way you are using it, its action must suit him well and IMO you should carry on as you are, you are not doing anything wrong.

 

[jen1]

See my post in Stable Yard from yesterday!!!

Think it covers all the points you raise, although my initial query is on the use of a curb strap rather than using 2 reins or the severity of the bit, my point is more about the correct use of the bit and should they all be sold with a curb strap.

 

[chestnut cob]

[ QUOTE ]
I must say, chestnut cob talks a great deal of sense.

As far as I'm concerned, if the horse goes well in it and if it is legal for everything you want to do then keep him in it!

[/ QUOTE ]

I was really expecting to be jumped on for daring to have an opinion so thank you AN!!

 

[sara_l]

What ring do you normally have the reins on?

It really should be used with 2 reins. Using 2 reins really isn't that dfficult, most people can get to grips with them within 5 mins

 

[PapaFrita]

If he goes well in it, I wouldn't worry. I ride Antifaz in a 3-ring gag with one rein and he's wonderful. I can't ride him in anything with a curb though, as he hates it, and otherwise I can't stop him!