Bit opinions please

[Rachael42]

Hi,
My horse is ridden in a 3 ring Waterford gag currently.
I would like to change his bit and was looking at a Pelham. Has anyone changed from a 3 ring gag and seen an improvement?
I’m aware the bit is only as harsh as the riders hands. Just wanted everyone’s opinion on these bits.
Thanks

 

[LegOn]

Whats happening with in the 3 ring waterford that you dont want to happen anymore?

I kept getting told to put my old horse in a stronger and stronger bit when actually he needed a different mouthpiece! I went from a loose ring waterford to a myler hanging cheek snaffle and he did everything in that until he retired!

Personally, my current horse can be a bit of a tank and I love the turtle top universal for him so I would definitely suggest it! In the show ring, he goes really well in a show pelham, which has a low port - again I love riding him in it but its not an every day bit really!

Depends on whats happening with the 3 ring that you are trying to avoid happening!!

 

[milliepops]

agree more info is needed.

exploring noseband options may also be sensible.
I used to XC my old mare in a loose ring waterford, I tried her in a pelham and she let me know that she wasn't up for that one bit. the waterford with a kineton noseband gave me fingertip control in a way that was acceptable for her.

 

[Griffin]

I always say this to any bit queries but please get a bit expert out (I used Horse Bit Fit but there are others) because it will save you time and money in the long run, most importantly, your horse will be happy in their mouth.

 

[spotty_pony]

The gag and the pelham are completely different - the gag raises the head and the pelham encourages it down. As others have said it would depend completely on the horse and what the problem with the current bit is. Sometimes it can just be a case of changing the mouthpiece rather than the whole bit type.