Bit for hacking...

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letrec_fan

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For a while now I have wanted a slightly stronger bit out hacking with my ex racer (currently have a Neue Schule Tranz Loose Ring with bradoon rings) We chose this because he has a small mouth and we wanted something as gentle as possible. However, out hacking he has always been a bit of trouble and I dont really want to continue 'checking' on his mouth with the snaffle when he gets carried away with himself. (careered off with me the time before and took us a good while to stop with me pulling one rein) If I had a stronger bit I could just keep him in check before he shoots off however I dont want something too strong that will cause him to back up/get a bit stupid (obviously this comes down to the right bit in the right hands etc). Also, hauling on the snaffle out hacking when absolutley necassary (about to be flung off due to very fast approaching tree and tight corner!) also means when I am in the school trying to achieve a contact the bit kind of loses its impact. Aside from all the rest I dont want to have to pull on his mouth!

A while ago my instructor suggested a Happy Mouth Roller Centre 2 ring gag. However I can't find a two ring of this variety anywhere! They have lots of 3 rings or 4 rings.

This is the three ring bit with the roller centre :http://www.frogpool.com/product-10434.htm

What I didn't realise is they acctually advise 4 ring gags to be ridden with 2 reins so there is not always a constant pressure on the horses mouth. (one of the snaffle, one on the lower ring of choice) So can anyone tell me if there are huge difference between the 3 ring posted above and a 2 ring?

There is also a hanging cheek roller centre happy mouth here: http://www.malcolmdunningsaddlery.c...n=com_virtuemart&Itemid=65&vmcchk=1&Itemid=65

I wondered how a hanging cheek works on the mouth - how different is it to a gag?

Thanks! :)
 
Just had a look at the Dr.Bristol and it says it is a strong bit that digs into the tongue. It sounds perhaps a tad too strong - I am not sure whether he would take favourably to this?
 
My little mare goes very sweetly in a Dr Bristol - the brakes are there when you need them, but rarely have to touch her mouth at all. She can be very strong but not very often so it rarely comes into play and like any bit, it's as strong as you make it. I'd much rather have that in her mouth than something that requires lots of hauling about or a very strong contact all the time.
 
I use a tom thumb bit for hacking in company and that seems to do the job - just need to make tiny light checks and she responds well.

I normally ride her in a KK DS tranz angled lozenge fulmer but I dont have the brakes I need in company in this bit!
 
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