medium american gag HELP!!!

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beauzanza1632

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Hi guys i am in need of some advice,
im buying an 8yr cob mare this week, she isnt schooled but an absolute safe confidence giving hack (which is why im having her) the people im getting her from ride her in a medium american gag they say it is too keep her off her forehand and to carry herself, what does this mean??
also i have read that this is a very harsh bit! what type does a similar job but not as server??
she uses this bit on most of her cobs as she says they dont work on the bit as well in snaffles but i no lots of cobs that have all types of snaffle bits and work very well.

i have lost confidence with riding so im worried by changing the bit she will take of with me accross the fields but at the same time i dont want to be causing her pain or uncomfrot please help!!!
 
I hunt in a happy mouth american gag. It definitely lifts my boy off his forehand as he badly leans when we're going fast but I would question why they recommend riding in it all the time?
 
I would start in what the horse is used to when you have got used to each other at home I would try some milder bits in a safe enviroment at first and see how you go.
 
Basically the shanks on the bit will create poll pressure, does it have a port?

The bit will basically cause some discomfort when used which means the horse will 'give' a bit easier than say in a snaffle etc.

So when you have a contact the horse wont want to lean on the bit as it's uncomfortable thus lifting the shoulders etc to prevent this.

You must make sure you treat this bit very differently to normal english bits, if you haul on this its going to be very uncomfortable for the horse.

If you find when riding with this bit that not alot does happen as if it's been used incorrectly the horses mouth may be a bit numb to it now try raising your hands in an upward motion as this creates more leverage, remember when the horse 'gives' that you give with your hands back to reward the horse.
 
My friends horse was ridden in one. She had a habit of taking off in flat out gallop when out in company. Bit allowed rider to "catch" her before she took off. She was otherwise ridden in a light contact so not severe unless needed.
 
I ride my mare xc in american gag as she does lean/take hold of bit even in a waterford but i do use roundings so have control but less poll action which seems to suit her. I agree if this is what horse is used to start in this then experiment in closed surroundings to begin with good luck :D
 
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