Bit advice please

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tillsmum

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I recently brought a pony that came in a dutch gag. She was ridden on the middle ring but I mainly ride her on the snaffle ring. She is only strong when we canter in company but only cause she loves being in front. Can anyone suggest an alternative bit for her as I am not a gag fan. I have tried a hanging cheek snaffle with a lozenge rather than a single joint but she is not going well in it she locks her jaw and neck against me. I can be heavy with my hands although i am working hard on it.
Thanks in advance for suggestions
 
Can you try a hanging cheek with the single joint? That would be the thing that most closely emulated the gag on the largest ring.

If she sets and leans, then a waterford snaffle could be an option?
 
I am out of my depth here, but when did that ever stop anyone posting on a forum? ;)

I’d also be interested in replies from more knowledgeable types on this...

What is it that you don't like about the Dutch gag, specifically? People normally say the DG is not a ‘real’ gag. I know a couple of strong, greenish ponies (6/7 yo) who go well in a DG. I assume it works somewhat like the hanging cheek, but with a little more ‘play’ (owing to the loose ring)?

Some people rave about Pelhams. I leased a horse for several months who was strong out hacking. Before I had her, the owners had tried her in a Pelham (with roundings), and she went fine in it - nicely, even - for a spell. But it got her down after a while, and she became miserable with it. When I had her, they had bought a s.j. hanging cheek, and she was very much happier. And people generally say Pelhams are pointless without two reins. (Although, that applies to DGs too)!

Sorry – not much use to you. In a roundabout way, I am trying to say that unless the DG is causing her problems, carry on with it for hacking, and try a s.j. hanging cheek in the school/for dressage. But I am sure someone who knows will be a long with a better idea.
 
I should have worded it better I used to have a cob who went lovely in one but had to be ridden on the middle ring or you couldn't hold her. I honestly don't believe this pony needs one as most of the time she is nice and light and only gets strong in a group. Even then its not really bad. I just don't want to ride in one when its not needed as when you look at her all you can see is rings lol and not her pretty face. But am struggling to come up with an alternative. After trying a few out if she is still better in the gag she will go back in it.
 
tillsmum said:
I should have worded it better I used to have a cob who went lovely in one but had to be ridden on the middle ring or you couldn't hold her. I honestly don't believe this pony needs one as most of the time she is nice and light and only gets strong in a group. Even then its not really bad. I just don't want to ride in one when its not needed as when you look at her all you can see is rings lol and not her pretty face. But am struggling to come up with an alternative. After trying a few out if she is still better in the gag she will go back in it.
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I will have to find the bit...what you guys call a dutch gag is an elevator here so the bit names may be different.

When I get a jumper in for retraining I go to a Kottle bit....it is a reallyreallyreally pathetic gag but works....it is pathetic only in the mechanical that works like a snaffle which in my mind....does not make it a gag....no matter...it is a perfect transition bit or a hack out bit since it is not so much hardware in the mouth

NOTE....I am trying to copy/paste a picture and having no success....what is the secret please?
 
Do you mean like a Wilkie snaffle Shannon or a beval I think they are called aswell. I am wondering myself weather that will be the one to try next. I think I will take the dropped cheek one back and swop it for one of these bits and hope she likes it more.
 
tillsmum said:
Do you mean like a Wilkie snaffle Shannon or a beval I think they are called aswell. I am wondering myself weather that will be the one to try next. I think I will take the dropped cheek one back and swop it for one of these bits and hope she likes it more.
Click to expand...

Yes a wilkie, might be worth a try they do single jointed and french link types :)
 
Keen said:
I am out of my depth here, but when did that ever stop anyone posting on a forum? ;)

I’d also be interested in replies from more knowledgeable types on this...

What is it that you don't like about the Dutch gag, specifically? People normally say the DG is not a ‘real’ gag. I know a couple of strong, greenish ponies (6/7 yo) who go well in a DG. I assume it works somewhat like the hanging cheek, but with a little more ‘play’ (owing to the loose ring)?

Some people rave about Pelhams. I leased a horse for several months who was strong out hacking. Before I had her, the owners had tried her in a Pelham (with roundings), and she went fine in it - nicely, even - for a spell. But it got her down after a while, and she became miserable with it. When I had her, they had bought a s.j. hanging cheek, and she was very much happier. And people generally say Pelhams are pointless without two reins. (Although, that applies to DGs too)!

Sorry – not much use to you. In a roundabout way, I am trying to say that unless the DG is causing her problems, carry on with it for hacking, and try a s.j. hanging cheek in the school/for dressage. But I am sure someone who knows will be a long with a better idea.
Click to expand...

I am an active hater of Dutch gags, unless they're ridden with roundings/ 2 reins... I shudder at the thought of a young/ green pony being ridden in one and I think that's a recipe for disaster unless they're set up well.
 
I used to quote like Dutch fags but now not sure what I was thinking! I look at pictures of him in it and really dislike his way of going! He's a strong chap though so I've found a Kimblewick is much better for him.
 
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