Bit Question

[welshpony]

My horse is currently ridden in a simple eggbutt snaffle, which is fine for flatwork, show-jumping etc but is (pretty obviously!) not enough for cross country/hunting. My instructor has recommended a Cheltenham gag, just wondered if anyone could tell me anymore about this bit?

 

[Marbs]

Generally speaking (although obviously depends on rider, how it's used etc) , it's a strong bit. Their cheekpieces run through the bit (has a hole in the top and bottom) and have a ring at the end, which the rein is attached to. The bit slides up the cheekpieces (can have leather or rope material usually, leather is less severe as they do not allow the bit to slide so freely) and when you apply pressure, the bit raises and rotates a bit. I used one on my old mare who was extremely strong and would run and run, so was the only bit I could take her XC in. Correctly used with two reins it's more effective, as instead of having one rein on the gag rein, you can have a snaffle rein as well, so you can more freely choose when/how much to use the gag action.

Wouldn't be my personal choice to go from an simple eggbutt straight to a cheltenham gag, as I would have thought it was a bit of a leap.

 

[KatB]

WOuld be a good bit for you if you can rid with double reins, because you can use it as a snaffle, until need be then apply the gag rein. Depends what you feel comfortable with. PErsonally I would try a stronger "snaffle" type, maybe a wilkie, or universal type bit, or a Dr Bristol, or copper roller?

 

[welshpony]

Well the reason he's controlled sj is because I can keep him at a steady canter - which isn't fast enought to make times xc. If he was allowed to go at a faster pacs sj I'd need something stronger. I have ridden with double reins before - my instructor said that the cheltenham gag would be good due to the way he pulled as he tends to pull forward and get onto the forehand - apparently this gag will bring his head more into his chest?

 

[KatB]

Yes it will,a nd if you are used to riding with two reins, go for it! I have used this bit with two reins for hunting as you can ride witha a snaffle with the gag there for back up!! Good luck with it. Also, get one with rope cheeks, as these release quicker than a leather one, so give a clearer action.

 

[welshpony]

Okay, thankyou!

 

[Hattikins]

fantastic bit!

prefer it to a pelham or 3ring because it allows more subtlety. obviously if you use it with "all the brakes on" all the time its a very strong and severe bit but those "serious brakes" are there if you're in trouble rather than something to use all the time

so its very similar to a snaffle most of the time

 

[welshpony]

Also, forgot to say, he also wears a running martingale for jumping, that won't contradict the action of the gag will it?

 

[KatB]

No it wouldnt make a diff, just if you use two reins, put it on the snaffle rein, or over both. I personally don't like runing martingales,so have never used one with the gag.

 

[welshpony]

Thanks for all your help

 

[KatB]

No probs! good luck with it