Cheltenham gag users

[Haphazardhacker]

Have a question. If you just use a rein on the main ring, does the bit have poll action?
I use one but only put a second rein on the lower ring if we are hunting or doing something exciting.
Should I get something softer for schooling and everyday hacking or is using the cheltenham on the single rein ok?

 

[Auslander]

I dont think you mean a Cheltenham gag - sounds more like a dutch gag from your question.

In a dutch gag, with reins on the main ring, poll pressure would be minimal/non existent - same as a hanging cheek

 

[Haphazardhacker]

I mean a cheltenham. The one with leather cheeks. Was going to try her in a dutch but as she is ex polo was told to stick with what she knows and go cheltenham or pelham.

 

[Haphazardhacker]

When i say second/lower ring i mean the ring at the bottom of the leather cheeks.

 

[shetland pony]

I think you'd be better off with 2 pairs of reins then.

 

[Auslander]

When i say second/lower ring i mean the ring at the bottom of the leather cheeks.

Oh! I get you now!

As long as it's correctly fitted, you shouldn't get poll pressure form using it as a snaffle. The leather bits flapping about might annoy her a bit if the reins aren't attached

 

[shetland pony]

Sorry, ignore my comment, I'd only just woke up, read your thread and then made up completely different questions!

 

[Haphazardhacker]

Yeah I thought so. My horses physio says she has a bit of tension in the poll and to get rid of the gag for schooling (even if just using it as a snaffle) as it is causing a bit of poll pressure. She said that the sliphead is holding the bit at a slight angle to cause pressure too, (i use a sliphead for extra safety but to be honest I think I will get rid of it as as long as I check my bridle for stitching etc, I am unlikely to have a gag cheek snap randomly).

I really like the cheltenham as I can go from mild bit to a strong bit so easily (only go strong for sponsored rides and hunting, and use two reins when i do).
Think I will try a basic loose ring for schooling as suggested by physio to see if it makes any difference but will keep the gag for hacking as the leather bits don't move about to annoy my horse so cant see a reason not to use it.

 

[Haphazardhacker]

Hehe shetland, no problem .

Out of interest those who use cheltenhams, do you ever use double reins ? I was hunting at the weekend and overheard (when i turned around she looked embarrassed so dont think she meant me to hear) a rather snide young lady commenting that double reins on a cheltenham gag was incorrect and I should just have it on the bottom ring. Am I a freak? I just like to be able to adapt the contact according to what we are doing - she is ex polo so I only engage the gag action if we are at a gallop in a group as that is the only time she gets overexcited and I have braking problems.

 

[ROMANY 1959]

Some think two reins are correct with a Cheltenham gag, when they play polo the bottom rein is used to help keep head down, if you google pics of polo players you will see what I mean! It is attached to girth .
My son has ex polo pony, we used to use Cheltenham gag for fast work like the beach or gallops, just so he had brakes! But now for schooling he uses a snaffle and playing Polocrosse he uses a one ring Dutch gag with the rein on bottom ring. Try different ways, it's amazing how a horse can be retrained in a different bit with patience and gentle handling..and ignore what others murmur as you pass by! It's not their horse, they don't know what suits it best.

 

[Goldenstar]

Two reins is correct with the Cheltenham gag .
Two reins works well on the Dutch gag as well .
OP I would try your horse in a comfort head piece so your not getting the pressure from the noseband strap on the poll when the gag is in action .
For every day you could use some form of snaffle with a micklem bridle which is designed to reduce poll pressure .
If you get into real problem with his poll look at the Dyon difference bridle .