Bits

[Hannah1Pie]

What type of horse would you use a 'French link Dutch gag on' ?

 

[KatB]

No type! Hate dutch gags!!

Only time I would ever consider is if everything else had been tried and that was the only one the horse was "telling" you it liked

 

[Hannah1Pie]

What dont you like about them ?

 

[KatB]

They give a very indirect action, and give mixed signals of "raise" and "lower" at the same time, as the extension above and below the bit is identical. They should be used with a curb to stabilise the rotation on the top ring, but never are, and ideally should be used with 2 reins, but again, very rarely are!! I have come across very very few horses that have one of these on that dont go better in something else

 

[YorksG]

Agree whole heartedly with KatB, first thing I did was get the dutch gag out of my mares mouth. Currently going well in a myler comfort snaffle or a myler pelham for more exciting outings (always with two reins rather than roundings)

 

[Hannah1Pie]

okay can u give me some advice, I need a bit for hacking, XC and jumping but my horse gets very strong, he tends to shove his tongue over the bit or grab the bit and run, what bit would you advise for me?

 

[KatB]

What have you got him in at the moment? What sort of horse is he?

 

[KatB]

Ooh, ad what noseband do you use currently?

 

[Hannah1Pie]

Hes a 14.2hh cob that gets overly exciting over most things lol, and i currently have him in a hanging cheek french link

 

[Hannah1Pie]

hes got a caveson noseband

 

[yeeharider]

agree woth all of the above I hate dutch gags dont find them of any use whatsoever my boy came to me almost uncontrolable eventing in a 3 ring gag rein on lower ring he is now very happy and controlled in a myler low port comfort snaffle I would not swap it for the world but they dont suit everyone my mare hates it event her in a waterford as she tends to lean on the bit

 

[KatB]

Ok, well first of all I would say he is trying to get his tongue over the bit cos he probably has big teeth and tongue= not alot of room in his mouth!! First bit to try would be a ported Pelham, ideally with 2 reins, or with roundings if you dont fancy 2 reins

French links put pressure on the tongue, which is probably why he objects

If that doesnt work, or he doesnt like the curb, I would try a waterford which would stop him being able to grab hold of the bit

 

[KatB]

Also, try a high ring grackle, as it may stop him trying to tank, BUT only if you;re happy nothing is crushing his tongue

 

[Tiarella]

What about a kimblewick?

They were always used on stronger ponies before gags came along. I am just about to purchase one for my boy so I can let you know how it goes if you want?

 

[251libby]

Sorry to hyjack but would be interested in what the people who dont like 3 ring dutch gags think about the universal bit??

 

[Annagain]

I tried the universal and my horse hated it, he's very happy and controllable in his waterford dutch gag with two reins. I only use it for jumping and exciting stuff, he's normally in a waterford hanging cheek. He has a HUGE tongue and tried to get his tongue over every bit I tried but the waterfords did the trick. For dressage he has a myler mullen mouth hanging cheek and goes very nicely in it.

 

[KatB]

I love the universals, as they dont have as much etension below the bit as they do above, so have alot clearer signal to the horse. They also encourage a house to flex at the poll and "round up". Still shouldnt be used in place of good schooling though