Bubble Bit/ Dutch gag

S

Spangles

Well-Known Member
Joined
29 February 2012
Messages
570
Visit site
The same bit ?
Would you avoid a pony if it had to be ridden in this bit when looking for a 2nd pony for an 11yo ? I hear some people say 'Ooh no, you don't want a pony who has to be ridden in a gag'.
Child is coming off a pony who was more 'kickalong' rather than ' holding up'.

Sensible opinions please ?
 
They seem to be the fashionable bit in the PC world, frequently used for a pony that is a bit strong jumping/ xc/ hunting and as so often happens it ends up used for everyday activities only being taken off if they ever do a dressage test and have no choice.

I have had many ponies come here with one, most very quickly get put in a snaffle and have not been strong, we tend to use the gag initially for faster work but most really dont need it if ridden properly.
I would always show a pony for sale in a snaffle, with the suggestion that the new owner may need something stronger for xc or hunting, if I were looking to buy I would ask to try it the second time in a snaffle in a safe area to see how it goes, if it is ok then provided it ticked all the boxes I would go ahead and work on the schooling once it comes home, if there is nowhere safe or the sellers looked horrified at the thought of a snaffle then I may walk away depending on how many boxes it really ticked.

The two bits tend to be the same but some people think bubble bit sounds less severe than dutch gag, which it does.
 
Spangles said:
Why would someone use this bit but use the big ring ? Why not use just a plain snaffle ?
Click to expand...

Because they cannot be bothered changing the bit or don't have a snaffle to use, first reason is fairly normal, in my experience it is surprising how many people don't think it is worth swapping bits for different activities, martingales are much the same as are flash straps, once they are in use they just remain part of the kit.
 
Jo1987 said:
Not the case, the loose ring makes it impossible to get any leverage for poll pressure.
Click to expand...

Caused enough to snap a cheek piece on a horse I know ;)
OP my eldest daughter's 13.2 was in a Dutch Gag when we tried him. We kept him in it for a couple of weeks until we thought he was totally settled then swapped to a Wilkie then from that to a loose ring snaffle with lozenge.
I agree with the person who said its a bit of a 'trendy' bit among junior riders. It wouldn't put me off buying a pony provided pony didn't look terribly strong in it.
 
minesadouble said:
Caused enough to snap a cheek piece on a horse I know ;)
OP my eldest daughter's 13.2 was in a Dutch Gag when we tried him. We kept him in it for a couple of weeks until we thought he was totally settled then swapped to a Wilkie then from that to a loose ring snaffle with lozenge.
I agree with the person who said its a bit of a 'trendy' bit among junior riders. It wouldn't put me off buying a pony provided pony didn't look terribly strong in it.
Click to expand...

When used on the big 'snaffle' ring??
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top