Gag with two reins..

[WelshRareBit]

I am thinking about using two reins on my gag after reading an article in H&R magazine. does anyone else do this - you do seemost people with one rein but I know you're 'meant' to have 2.
Thanks

 

[KatB]

Yep I have, it was very effective, used it out hunting so could use it as a snaffle unless the gag was needed, then could use second rein. stopped horse becoming numb to the gag. Also used it with a dutch gag for SJ.

 

[metalmare]

I can't see any disadvantage of riding with two reins as one rein can be slack if you aren't riding on it - however I can see lots of disadvantages in riding on one rein as you don't have the option to adapt to your horses mood and if the horse decided to buck you would only be able to lower the head rather than raise it.

 

[cazza]

Two reigns, all our polo lot are in two reigns on the gag, or with runners through the snaffle ring.

 

[wizzi901]

I used to use roundings with a gag, similar effect and less entanglement

 

[PoppyPony]

used to do this with old pony when owner said I wasn't allowed
to used my beloved myler anymore (sob) and it was the next best thing for him. it's easy enough to ride with after the first couple of times.

 

[k9h]

I always ride with 2 reins that is what it is desifgned for. Ride on snaffle mainly but then can pick up the running rein (nelson gag) when I need to remind him that I am still up on top! That we he gets rewarded when he is good for being ridden in the snaffle mainly rather than the running rein all the time. Just my personal preferance same as a pelham.

 

[Rummy]

Please forgive me - it's a difficult subject, but I was always taught that you needed good hands to ride in a gag. Surely if out hunting then it is not always possible to ride politely? What about getting left behid over your fences? Does the comfort of your horse count at all, or does it not matter if 'it's only a hunter'

Rummy (4eva - and eva)

 

[k9h]

Rummy I don't believe that you know me so therfore don't know how I ride. My horses comfort come first. Should I get left behind then I slip my reins to the buckle end & usualy ride him with slack reins & only pick up when I need to. As you can see in my jumping pic in sig my reins are slack & also in the pic when I have hailed a cab over a wall I am on buckle end of snaffle rein & have dropped the gag rein so as not to catch him. To say because its a hunter it doesn't matter is ludicrous.

http://www.klickonfotos.co.uk/photo_galleries/pfc141006/pages/pfc141006%20081.htm

 

[flyingfeet]

[ QUOTE ]
Surely if out hunting then it is not always possible to ride politely? What about getting left behid over your fences? Does the comfort of your horse count at all, or does it not matter if 'it's only a hunter'

[/ QUOTE ]

A running gag is relativel mild compared to something with a curb or long shanks (which gives a much sharper action if jabbed in the mouth).

The worst people out hunting are the ones in snaffles (generally single jointed) who are hauling and sawing because they cannot stop but don't want to put a "harsh" bit in the mouth. Utter madness IMO.

 

[KatB]

You need good hands to ride properly in any bit. A snaffle can do as much harm than a gag. I take my boy out in a gag type bit, becasuse otherwise I have to haul and pull on his mouth constantly, and he ends up sore. With a gag, the pressure is taken to some extent away from the mouth, so disperses pressure. Used properly (as Huntress has shown) with two reins, it is alot more humane than a snaffle and hauling. If you can s#ride with two reins effectively, no reason not to use a gag.

 

[Rummy]

Hey I wasn't dissing anyone in particular here so take a chill pill huntress!! (But have to say, if the cap fits....)

Just a few comments. Perhaps the people whose horses are a little strong should do a little schooling, or not go hunting if they can't control their neds - or take one hunting they can control?

Some ppl regard hailing a cab as a sign of bad riding.

Rummy (4eva - and eva)

 

[flyingfeet]

Rummy, I don't believe any amount of schooling in an arena or even hacking makes a blind bit of difference out hunting. Very hard to recreate the conditions of a few hundred horses charging about (suppose fun rides?)

I don't hunt as my horses are too precious and the hunts around me are full of t*ssers. That being said the odd time I took my incredibly well schooled snaffle mouthed show jumpers out, they went totally nuts!!

Is your issue really with the bitting or the activity???

 

[Rummy]

goodness me!! Bitting of course! But my horses all stop when i say 'whoa' - this has stopped a couple of falls recently!

 

[KatB]

Can I ask have you ever hunted before? And Re schooling, it all goes out the window when your in a pack environment and the horse wants to go. If you understood the use of a gag with two reins, you would understand that it is basically a snaffle, with the extra there if required, for safety more than anything. So effectively, prob one of the most humane things to ride a strong horse in. What about SJ and eventers that use stronger bits on their horses, is that down to schooling aswell?!!!!!!! I also see many people use these bits incorrectly with the action being there permanently, IMO using them with two reins (which is what this post is about) is 1000% better than all the horses I see with supposed "mild" bits being ridden ham handedly and ruining their mouths.

And re hailing a taxi, why do many 4star riders do it?! Some country requirse it depending on the horse and the situation.

 

[WelshRareBit]

Rummy not to be horrible but this was my question and it was regarding using a gag with two reins, unless you have an opinion on that can you please start your own topic if you want to rant about gags? I am here to get some opinions from people who know, and not start the whole anti gag debate up for the umpteenth time!
Thank You.

 

[Vicki1986]

[ QUOTE ]
The worst people out hunting are the ones in snaffles (generally single jointed) who are hauling and sawing because they cannot stop but don't want to put a "harsh" bit in the mouth. Utter madness IMO.

[/ QUOTE ]

could not agree more. i cant stand that.

I would definately use 2 reins if you can effectively and correctly. if not use roundings. using one rein is not going to be good in the long run x

 

[Vicki1986]

[ QUOTE ]
Just a few comments. Perhaps the people whose horses are a little strong should do a little schooling, or not go hunting if they can't control their neds - or take one hunting they can control?

[/ QUOTE ]

my god how dull! my pony loves it, yes shes strong, doesnt mean she has bad manners she gets very excited as its her favourite activity.

she is also strong for SJ'ing and for XC'ing ... so i shouldnt do those either then?!
what on earth would i do with my jumping/whp pony then!!

 

[k9h]

That cob I hunt takes young kids under 10 out for hacks during the week so dont think he is not schooled, he is just keen to do his job & the gag with 2 reins makes it easier for the both of us & he doesnt end up being hauled about so he is even the more happier.
Rummy, I'd like to see you follow me across country then if hailing a cab is a sign of bad riding. I was always taught much better to stay in balance with the horse & not gob it in the mouth.

 

[Vicki1986]

what does hailing a cab mean?

 

[WelshRareBit]

If Im not wrong - its when you're jumping a particularly scary fence and you think - cripes Im getting out of here and call a cab to take you home lol...only joking

Its when you see hunting peeps throw a hand out to keep their balance and to stop themselves jabbin the horse in the mouth, it kinda looks like their waving Hope this helps xx

 

[k9h]

WelshRareBit is right on the second though sometimes I wouldnt mind doing it for the 1st if it worked!! If you click on the link in my earlier post you see my horse has put a very big rounded leap over a jump so I have thown my arm up & back to get more weight backwards to stay in balance & to stop me going out he front door on landing. See afew eventers do it down big drops & into the lake at Badders!!

 

[Drummer]

Ohhhh I may try that next time but wave too!!

I hunt my strong man in a gag with roundings and will do with 2 reins also. However he is a strong horse and always will be no matter how well schooled he is and I would NEVER want him to lose that spark and eagerness that he has!

 

[Vicki1986]

i thought that is what hailing a cab menat but thought id better check !!

 

[Rummy]

Huntress - is your bay cob called Declan? And did you get him from the South Shropshire?

Rummy (4eva - and eva)

 

[Rummy]

up

 

[PapaFrita]

[ QUOTE ]
Just a few comments. Perhaps the people whose horses are a little strong should do a little schooling, or not go hunting if they can't control their neds - or take one hunting they can control?

[/ QUOTE ]
The severity if bits is all relative; my PF for instance hates french links and goes over bent, but goes really well in a bubble gag. She ALSO goes very well in a straight bar happy mouth but the gag gives me the instant response I need for SJing.

[ QUOTE ]
Some ppl regard hailing a cab as a sign of bad riding

[/ QUOTE ]
I would've thought it showed rather good balance, as someone who does not have an independent seat would be hanging on ned's mouth. Lots and lots and lots of eventers at the highest level do it... are they bad riders? Rather a sweeping statement. Like the one suggesting that al horses in gags need schooling.

 

[k9h]

Yes he is called Declan! Do you know the next lot of lottery numbers please share!!!!!
Do you know him?? Any info greatly recieved. Dont know where he came from will find out for you.

 

[Rummy]

Well if he came from S Shrops then i have hunted him, up front and in the field!