Gag bits - one or two reins?

[jenbleep]

Hello

I'm just doing a little bit of research online about bits, and have come across some conflicting information regarding gag bits. (All types)

Now I have seen many people use them with just the one rein, when not attached to the snaffle ring. Lots of people however, say that they should only be used with two reins - one attached to the snaffle and one to the lower rings.

I would think that two reins are correct, because the reasoning behind it is that with just the one rein there is a lot of pressure on the poll which is a highly sensitive area. However, after reading through HH yesterday I see a lot of riders using one rein, on a lower ring.

Is there really anything wrong with this, or are people just ignoring the 'rule?'

 

[tallyho!]

Two reins, safer, more humane.

 

[Nat_in_Kent]

yes agree, 2 reins to work the 2 actions independently as required....but rarely if ever see 2 reins on a gag, or even a coupling! more often than not its a single rein on the bottom ring....

 

[ISHmad]

Many people use them with just one rein but they should be used with two for the reasons other posters have already stated.

 

[*hic*]

I use two, most people round here seem to use one.

 

[comet&joe]

2. its safer and my friend uses 2 on her 2 ponies

 

[TallyHo123]

2. Yes people do use 1 rein but I wouldn't for reasons already stated on here.

 

[Woodykat]

This is so interesting to read! I use 2 reins on my gag, but not because I thought that was how it should be, just because it made sense to me to do so (my horse is wellbehaved 99% of the time, hence using the snaffle ring, but being an ex-racer, if he decides to sod off into the distance, it's nice to know i've got a handbrake too!). I ride with a contact on the snaffle rein, but usually with the 2nd rein on the lowest ring really loose - it's just there is I need it!

Personally, I have never seen anyone else ride with 2 reins on a gag, and actually I have noticed people giving me strange looks when they see it, and some have asked is he really that strong that he needs it!

 

[nativetyponies]

2 reins and a thong..or simply, they just work.

 

[Nocturnal]

2 reins and a thong..or simply, they just work.

Pmsl, there's a mental image I could've done without over my morning waffle...

 

[vallin]

They should be used with two rains and a curb traditionally. However a lot of hunting folk and ameteur SJs appear seem to use them with just one rein, often on the harshest setting, not the option I would choose for the reasons metioned above but each to their own.

 

[nativetyponies]

Pmsl, there's a mental image I could've done without over my morning waffle...

or should i have said a leather chin strap?...

 

[jenbleep]

This is what I mean, I see it everywhere at the moment (only because I'm looking!) but hardly anyone is using the bit with two reins.

??????????

Next thing people will be using the one rein with a pelham, on the bottom ring! I have seen it

 

[bexcy-bee]

This is so interesting to read! I use 2 reins on my gag, but not because I thought that was how it should be, just because it made sense to me to do so (my horse is wellbehaved 99% of the time, hence using the snaffle ring, but being an ex-racer, if he decides to sod off into the distance, it's nice to know i've got a handbrake too!). I ride with a contact on the snaffle rein, but usually with the 2nd rein on the lowest ring really loose - it's just there is I need it!

Personally, I have never seen anyone else ride with 2 reins on a gag, and actually I have noticed people giving me strange looks when they see it, and some have asked is he really that strong that he needs it!

Exactly the same with me! needed it with my ex racer, and my big boy, for the exact reasons above.

When i was younger, i used to use 1 rein on the 4 ring, on the middle ring, but that was mainly because i was too young to cope with 2 reins XC.

Just to throw another spanner in the works about this, i used ot use a martingale with this also. I used on the top rein (attatched to the snaffle ring), but got told off at one comp, becuase it should be on the bottom ring. Am i correct, or should it be on the bottom??

Editted to say: I'm a numpty, and was thinking about just 3/4 ring gags, oppps...

x

 

[vallin]

Exactly the same with me! needed it with my ex racer, and my big boy, for the exact reasons above.

When i was younger, i used to use 1 rein on the 4 ring, on the middle ring, but that was mainly because i was too young to cope with 2 reins XC.

Just to throw another spanner in the works about this, i used ot use a martingale with this also. I used on the top rein (attatched to the snaffle ring), but got told off at one comp, becuase it should be on the bottom ring. Am i correct, or should it be on the bottom??

x

I would go with the top rein (ie snaffle) otherwise surely it's going to be putting pressure on the lower rein, which in theory should only be applied when necessary....but then maybe it would get tangled in the reins....hmmmm....not something I've ever done so not entirely sure tbh, lol, sorry that was a huge amount of help!

 

[jenbleep]

Just to throw another spanner in the works about this, i used ot use a martingale with this also. I used on the top rein (attatched to the snaffle ring), but got told off at one comp, becuase it should be on the bottom ring. Am i correct, or should it be on the bottom??

x

It should be on the top rein

 

[Kat]

Depends a bit on whether we are talking about say a cheltenham gag or a dutch gag. Ideally either should be used with two reins (not roundings, they defeat the purpose). But many don't bother when using a dutch gag, I believe the dutch gag has a milder action than the "true" gags so that might be why, or it might simply be lack of understanding...... I think dutch gags are the most misunderstood bit.......

The other thing is many people really worry about using two reins, it really isn't that hard and you quickly get used to it. And it gives much better results.

If you just need the gag for "emergencies" out hacking you can even knot the bottom rein and leave it on the neck unless you actually need it.

 

[Kat]

Exactly the same with me! needed it with my ex racer, and my big boy, for the exact reasons above.

When i was younger, i used to use 1 rein on the 4 ring, on the middle ring, but that was mainly because i was too young to cope with 2 reins XC.

Just to throw another spanner in the works about this, i used ot use a martingale with this also. I used on the top rein (attatched to the snaffle ring), but got told off at one comp, becuase it should be on the bottom ring. Am i correct, or should it be on the bottom??

Editted to say: I'm a numpty, and was thinking about just 3/4 ring gags, oppps...

x

Oh good grief, people told you to put a running martingale on the bottom rein of a gag bit????

You wouldn't normally expect to see a running martingale and a gag bit together, although I can see it might be needed hunting or XC. The reason being that a gag has a head raising action and a martingale obviously is to lower the head - so opposite effects. Therefore putting the martingale on the botton rein would give your horse VERY mixed signals!

I'm not sure anyone is too young to ride with two reins (or at least if they are then they probably shouldn't be riding a horse than needs a non-snaffle bit), you see quite tiny children riding with two reins in the show ring, if you get narrow reins it is simply a question of practising, and nothing to do with age. Not having a go bexcy, just that you are demonstrating my point about people in this country having a bit of a block about double reins.

 

[teddyt]

This is what I mean, I see it everywhere at the moment (only because I'm looking!) but hardly anyone is using the bit with two reins.

??????????

Thats because it has become fashionable to use just one rein. Its easier for the rider. In short, horsemanship is dwindling rapidly! Knowledge gets lost- people see them used with one rein and rather than learn to use two the just accept one is ok.

Gags should always be used with 2 reins. Thats how they were designed. Using just one rein shows no understanding of the bits action. Anyone using only one rein should be shot.

 

[RunToEarth]

See, I actually think the dutch gag has a lot more scope to go wrong and be a very harsh bit, especially only having one rein (which admittedly I have used), it is very frightening to see young teens and pre teens riding with a single rein on a dutch gag, because of the restrictive poll pressures, I would much sooner have them in a cheltenham gag.
The dutch gag should also be used with a leather curb, although this is rare now, I think sadly they have just become far too fashionable, it seems instead of going from a snaffle to a hanging cheek or a waterford, people just put a dutch gag in, because it is often marketed as a "bubble snaffle" and a lot of people underestimate its action.

 

[Woodykat]

Just to throw another spanner in the works about this, i used ot use a martingale with this also. I used on the top rein (attatched to the snaffle ring), but got told off at one comp, becuase it should be on the bottom ring. Am i correct, or should it be on the bottom??

Oh dear, I'm about to be shouted at! I've got the martingale on the bottom rein - when he's behaving he doesn't need it - it's just when he's being an idiot that it comes into use. Although I can see Katt's point on conflicting action.

 

[JenniferS]

I use it with one rein, it works. If it ain't broke don't fix it

 

[RunToEarth]

I use it with one rein, it works. If it ain't broke don't fix it

Yes, however the point is that the bit was designed to be used with two reins, the snaffle rein balancing, otherwise it become a rather harsh bit, rather like a pelham ridden off a single rein.

 

[teddyt]

I use it with one rein, it works. If it ain't broke don't fix it

It would work better with 2. with one rein you cannot release the pressure or give a finer aid like you can with two.

A car still works with only 3 wheels.

 

[JenniferS]

It would work better with 2. with one rein you cannot release the pressure or give a finer aid like you can with two.

A car still works with only 3 wheels.

I've already tried it with two reins..

 

[teddyt]

I've already tried it with two reins..

Can you ride with 2 reins?
Did you try it for long enough for the horse to understand the different communication?

I mean this constructively- because if you arent experienced with 2 reins or the horse hasnt been trained to understand the bit with 2 reins then the horse may appear to not go as well simply because he doesnt understand the aids.

i would be very surprised that a horse would be happier with the almost continual pressure you get with one rein (compared to the pressure/release with 2) unless it has resigned itself and gone 'dead'

 

[Kao]

Each to their own. 1 or 2 some horses work good with either.
I always used to use a coupling. Worked fine.

I just use a Fulmer now but I found couplings worked well.

 

[NOISYGIRL]

Defo 2

 

[bexcy-bee]

Oh good grief, people told you to put a running martingale on the bottom rein of a gag bit????

You wouldn't normally expect to see a running martingale and a gag bit together, although I can see it might be needed hunting or XC. The reason being that a gag has a head raising action and a martingale obviously is to lower the head - so opposite effects. Therefore putting the martingale on the botton rein would give your horse VERY mixed signals!

I'm not sure anyone is too young to ride with two reins (or at least if they are then they probably shouldn't be riding a horse than needs a non-snaffle bit), you see quite tiny children riding with two reins in the show ring, if you get narrow reins it is simply a question of practising, and nothing to do with age. Not having a go bexcy, just that you are demonstrating my point about people in this country having a bit of a block about double reins.

I do understand what your saying about the age thing. I felt i wasn't experienced enough at the time, even though i was the youngest rider to get placed at the Chilton and Thames XC at Milton Keynes at the time.

I used to ride in double bridles (or a bubble pelham (think thats what it was called) that looked like a double bit) with 2 reins, and i could use them effectively, but i didnt feel up to going XC with 2 reins, too much to get confused with! lol

But i do completely understand what you mean.

I'm glad that i was using the martingale correctly. He had it on a snaffle ring, and no contact for the bottom ring, and being an ex racer, would chuck his head in the air when approaching fences (being 16ish he couldnt easily be retrained to stop this)

x

 

[posie_honey]

there's two trains of thought on running martingale on two reins - most say top (snaffle) rein tr act like normal running martingale so to speak

wheras some say bottom (curb) as this rein asks a horse to lower head - whereas the snaffle essentially asks a hrose to raise its head so to put a martingale on that would be confilcting signals... but that also implies that a runing martingale should not be used on a snaffle... confused yet? lol!

anyhow - i'd use two reins on gags and martingale on snaffle rein