Cruel Bits and nosebands?

[Rachntabby]

i was reading a post on another forum and it was about a waterford gag being used with a flash noseband and people were saying how cruel it was
im a believer in a mild bit in the wrong hands can be just as bad as a strong bit and i ride tabby in a loose ring sweet iron snaffle for schooling with a flash as the bugger puts her tongue over the bit

(not being naughty just seems to enjoy it) but i find that when im jumping need more control and ride in a waterford gag with a flash on
is this being cruel?

tabby certainly doesnt seem bothered and i have been told i ride with light hands and wouldnt like to be pulling at her mouth in a snaffle to get control
what are your opinions on cruel bits and have you seen people riding with harsh bit using them incorrectly?

 

[galaxy]

I believe it's the hands that are more important too....

Out of principle I do try and just use a cavesson on anything other than a snaffle. (Actually I try a snaffle with other nosebands first, but I'm sure you've done that) However IMO control and safety should always come first, and if correct schooling cannot correct the problem, I would not disagree with using a different noseband.

 

[kerilli]

doesn't sound cruel to me, if the horse respects it so you don't have to haul... that does more damage imho.
there are certain bits that i don't like the look of, and would not use, but that does not mean that certain horses won't go well in them.

 

[hannahandteddy]

I ride my girly in a flash and french link gag jumping (well all the time at the moment! Shes feeling very fresh). I used to ride her in a snaffle but found myself hauling her round corners, and when trying to stop. She respects the gag (not so much the flash but is even worse without it!) and goes nicely in it!

I think if used with fairly light hands then there isn't a problem. I think it's better to be safe in a stronger bit than being put in a maybe a more dangerous position with a weaker bit! But thats just my opinion

 

[Angelbones]

Kiwi-fruit - when you say gag which type do you mean? I've been researching them and there are so many so wonder which one works for you? thanks.

 

[cruiseline]

It is, without doubt, the hands at the end of the reins that do the damage, not the bit itself. If you put your horses bridle on and left it all day, would the bit cause any damage to the mouth, the answer is no, but add a pair of unskilled, unfeeling hands and the damage can be terrible, be it a snaffle or a gag.

 

[dopeesophee]

nope only cruel in thr wrong hands i think 2

i ride mine in a port pelham with a curb and sometimes a flash too

i do ride in a snaffle too but when i need the pelham i use it!!

i dont pull and she seems happy in it... except when she puts her tongue over it grrrr
x