Cheltenham Gags

[Bertie10]

Hi
I have been advised to try a cheltenham gag on my very strong horse. I have never used one before & wanted some advice on how on earth do I fit one!
Is a cheltenham gag generally better for horses who throw their heads up to avoid the contact or those who drop them? What behaviours is it most effective on?
Thanks in advance everyone!
B x

 

[foxy1110]

it puts pressure on the poll, helping to keep the head down. i ride my mare in one, and wouldn't use anything else!

 

[Slinkyunicorn]

I have one - used it on my cob when we had 'issues'!! I only use it with two reins and when I first used it I had a lesson with my RI (combination of schooling and hacking) to make sure I was using it properly.

 

[alidegg]

I use it on my very strong horse out hunting and it does the trick (almost!). It stops him from bringing his head up and tanking me, but at the same time it's not a nice bit and I am very careful about my hands when hes wearing it.

 

[irish_hunter]

i hunt in one, only thing have found that my pony respects. works for her as she sets her neck against me as opposed to needing something strong in her mouth, she respects the poll pressure. you only need very light hands, there's no use hanging on to it the whole time, usually a short feel on one rein brings my pony back when i feel her start to take a pull!
the poll pressure is effective if your horse goes up or throws his head up. fit it as a snaffle really, but obviously don't need your bridle cheekpieces

 

[mainpower]

The Cheltenham gag acts by raising the head of a horse that evades by bearing down on the reins, not by lowering the head.
http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/horse-care-index/1370/264994.html

 

[KatB]

Agree with main power!! The horse will often try and avoid the pressure by tucking its head in and up, shortening the nect. However, this is from a raising action. Not ideal on a horse that throws its head up. A pelham is more suitable for that