Mouthing youngster

P

pixiebee

Well-Known Member
Joined
15 February 2006
Messages
2,402
Location
wales somewhere!!!
Visit site
I am in the process of breaking in a pony and so far he has worn full tack and I have sat on him. The bit I used was a french link bit with 3 ring gag cheeks but obviously no pressure on reins whatsoever!! Question is, he seems happy with that mouthpiece and the bit fits him so could I just put the rein on the main big ring and use it like that as surely it would just act like a loose ring french link? Didnt want to buy another bit with the same size/mouthpiece if I can temporarlily use the one ive got?
 
It would have a similar action to a hanging snaffle/baucher with poll pressure, so not ideal for 1st bit, as there will be times when you need more contact.

If he's happy with the mouth piece it's likely you will stick to it for the forseeable future, as, hopefully he will not be needing a gag any time soon.

Perhaps you could find one on ebay?
 
If you use the rein on the main ring, the bit works as a plain snaffle, so should be fine - the poll pressure comes in when you use the lower rings :)

Because Shy's teething, he's now chewed through two rubber bits,the last one yesterday, so he's back in a french link, and seems to be quite happy.
 
I find it difficult to believe anyone goes straight to these complicated bits, to me you want a lozenge not a french link which is more severe, and as for gags, well I have never had a horse that does requires the application of brakes, I teach them to slow down when I relax the reins and say, "steady"
I start "breaking in" with with a happy mouth snaffle in the mouth for a few minutes, then longer, eating a mash etc.
Then long reining, maybe with a lozenge bit if they are quite keen
After a few months of riding out I might think about schooling with an instructor, then we would discuss a bit.
the danger of a severe bit is that the horse panics for whatever reason and gets pain, this causes him to run off or resent the bit, so damage done before you got past the first hurdle.
The most important thing is that the bit fits the mouth, big tongues may need thinner bits, lozenges are curved so the sit nicely.
 
Last edited:
shysmum said:
If you use the rein on the main ring, the bit works as a plain snaffle, so should be fine - the poll pressure comes in when you use the lower rings :)
Click to expand...

No it does not, for a start how can a french link 'work as a plain snaffle' when they are not the same thing in the first place? and yes the pole pressure does apply even on the big ring as it still swivles from the top ring which a normal snaffle or french link does not do.

OP if you are unwilling to buy what is needed to correctly to back your youngster, you have no place doing so...
 
Yes but OP is starting with a gag - and if you put it on the middle ring, thats a lot more severe than a standard snaffle. There is still some poll pressure with this bit as well just because of how it is made. I would look on ebay for another bit to work with and echo about not having a french link but a lozenge. My youngster is in a loose ring snaffle with lozenge and seems very happy in that.
 
shysmum said:
If you use the rein on the main ring, the bit works as a plain snaffle, so should be fine - the poll pressure comes in when you use the lower rings :)

Because Shy's teething, he's now chewed through two rubber bits,the last one yesterday, so he's back in a french link, and seems to be quite happy.
Click to expand...

All the gags I've seen have a small ring (which the cheek pieces attach to)above the main ring (first rein option) so, in view of this, it will create poll pressure.:)
 
i'd onle use a snaffle - usually happy mouth, if not, a loose ring jointed snaffle is my choice.

i would never suggest using a bit intended to have poll pressure/leverage on a horse being mouthed, no matter what ring you put the rein on as someone else pointed out there is a little ring above the big one that the cheekpieces attach to, which will cause some poll pressure.
 
You are looking at paying £15 max for a standard snaffle and could last you for a very long time

I wouldn't be using a gag on a baby
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top