can you just reasure me please.

[madeleine1]

after reading a thread on here and then researching i put an extra rein on my gag. as aprently it works better and is more humane.

this is the bit i have. have i done the right thing?

i am asking as some people at the yard have asked why she has two reins? and one person said what have you done that from she needs to be in a d ring? i dont understand this. she has been working well in the double reins and not caused any imediate problems. please tell me if its ok or right?

 

[Jesstickle]

You are right and they are wrong

 

[madeleine1]

You are right and they are wrong

thanks are u sure? and whats better second rein on second ring or third or does it matter?

 

[silver zaanif]

if you can ride properly , i.e. use the top and bottom rein independantly, then use doubble riens . If you feel that two riens are too much 'knitting' use the d , but remember the d is a more blunt aid and not as good, you cn practice with the two riens by putting the bridle over a chair with it faceing away from you and 'ride' that, or get someone to be the horse and hold the bit in thiere hands.

 

[Chellebean]

Yes you are correct, you could use one rein if you use pelham roundings but gags are designed to be used with 2 reins

 

[madeleine1]

right thanks people. i feel a bit better now. i can use both reins. i had to get rid of the whip, (which only hold to remind her to pay attention and rarely use so not much loss) so that i could work the reins out but i have picked it up quite quickly. thanks for the reasurance

 

[ISHmad]

Good for you Madeleine. You are definitely doing it the right way.

 

[tallyho!]

You are right Madeleine, they are wrong.

Good for you!!

You'll soon be able to hold the whip too if you need it. Becomes second nature.

 

[HollyWoozle]

Good on you. My horse is ridden in a dutch gag with one rein (it's what she was used to in a previous home and she seems happy with it) and I have read plenty about how they should always be used with two reins. I would look into two reins but my instructor has now suggested that we swap to a hanging cheek snaffle anyway so will do that instead.

Stick to your guns and don't worry about what other people say! From what I understand, you are doing the right thing.

 

[Bertthefrog]

Smug mode!!

 

[spotty_pony]

Yes you are correct. As long as you are experienced enough to be able to ride with two reins, two reins gives a much more refined aid and it is actually far kinder to your horse as it means you can mainly ride him/her on the snaffle rein and only use the curb rein when needed. As for whether you put the curb rein on the second or third ring, it depends on how strong the horse is. Most horses are fine with it on the second ring, only very strong horses need it on the third ring.