Dutch Gag Question

[I_A_P]

Quick question.
Do you think it is best to use roundings on them (so one end is on the big ring and the other is on the next ring down) or just have it on one single ring?

I jumped Digby with just the rein on one ring yesterday and he seemed fine and didn't make him "back off" or anything but just wondered if there was a way which was more "correct" as there have been debates in the past.

I am going SJ 2moro so shall just give the bit a try anyway.

 

[PapaFrita]

I've used it both ways. Use roundings now as it's a tiny bit too sharp for A on the next ring down.

 

[I_A_P]

Thats what i was wondering. It is not as if he is strong bt i found it just gave me a little more "control" and steering as i could get his neck more where i wanted it so he was less "wooden" if that makes sense. To be honest it is probably not the perfect solution to what he needs but is all i have atm so will give it a go tommorrow.

I will get my instructor to have a think when she comes back off holiday.

 

[jules89]

i dont like these bits, i just dont get on with them and was always advised to use them on roundings or double reins if you are experienced. my uber strong 17.2 chestnut actually hated this bit and went round aston le walls novice actually behind the bit the whole way, i literally could not touch his mouth
so roundings or double reins

 

[jules89]

if you are having problems steering, try a french link, with fulmer cheeks? i find they are better for steering

if you cant steer because of him leaning ues a waterford mouthpiece as he cannot grab onto that

 

[jules89]

sorry, get excited over bits (LOL) something like this might work too
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/CS-Lozenge-Beval-3...id=p3911.c0.m14
i have one and much perfer it - CS Lozenge Beval 3 Type Snaffle Wilkie Bit 5.5" is what it's called on ebay
i just thought, if this is advertising, sorry. it's not meant to be

 

[SpottedCat]

I went up to PN in a waterford dutch gag using just one rein on the bottom ring. Ok so 'technically' it is wrong, but frankly if it works then who cares? 'Technically' the jointed pelham I use now shouldn't work either, but what do you know, no-one told the horse!

 

[I_A_P]

I have been riding him in full cheeks with frnehc link middle and although it was better he is not as "soft in that as loose ring- but then with the loose ring i found it hard to steer.

my other opetion is a full cheek waterford- which again i may try tommorrow depending on how he goes.

By experience i often find its all very well trying these bits at home but it is not until you go out you feel how they actually respond to them. If he hates it i will stick him back in his other bit until i find something suitable.

He has his first intro next sat so it is just typical that hes being cheeky

 

[jules89]

yeah agrred
i found the waterford with cheeks fab on Red, he was strong and didnt like to be steered, so worked a treat - give it a go

 

[suzysparkle]

Fran - how about a french link fulmer? The same as your full cheek but has loose rings on it. I have Tommy in one now - he kept getting his tongue over a KK. He also goes better in a loose ring. Like this
http://www.shop4bits.com/item--French-Link-Fulmer-Snaffle--French-Link-Fulmer-Snaffle.html

I got one from ebay for really cheap...so worth a look on there. You get the same feel as a loose ring...but with steering. Tommy has quite fleshy lips which get rubbed easily - even with rubber rings - this is the best solution.

 

[MillbrookSong]

Im eventing song in a dutch gag on the bottom ring - its fab on him, i think roundings would take the edge off the bit and im not confident enough to use 2 reins XC. I hardly touch his mouth around XC but if i need to stop/check/steer i can. And have tried so many bits on him and this is always the one i go back to

 

[redmerl]

I really dont like Dutch gags and would try everything else before using them, but I would use either double reins or roundings.

However, if it works, great!