Pinching bit

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HaffiesRock

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I have just bought a new pony who came with no tack. I have been told he goes best in a dutch gag so I tootled off to get one yesterday. Picked one up off the rack and picnhed my skin on the single joint! I pulled it around a bit and was shocked at how easily it pinched me! I wount be putting that in my horses mouth.

Can anyone suggest a kinder joint that will give me control but no pinch? Will a happy mouth version of a dutch gag have the same affect?

I am open to any bitting suggestions as to an alternative.

Cheese Doritos to all who can help x
 
If it's the single joint causing you the worry try a french link. What mouthpiece did he have before as you are probably best off starting off with him in that as there will have been enough changes over the past few days.

As for the happy mouth having the same effect - well, if you use the same mouthpiece, yes, of course it will. If you choose a straight moutpiece then there won't be a link to pinch.
 
I've had my mare in a french link dutch gag for a number of years with no problems. She's strong when she wants to be, so I have the power to stop her when she starts, but gentle hands when she's behaving means it's not too harsh inbetween :)
 
Dee O'Dorant said:
Dutch gag refers to the rings. Which happy mouth mouthpiece are you thinking of getting him if you are worried about pinching?

These are ALL happy mouth dutch gags!

http://www.rideaway.co.uk/happy-mouth-jointed-dutch-gag-bit/
http://www.rideaway.co.uk/JEFFRIES-HAPPY-MOUTH-ROLLER-CENTRE-DUTCH-GAG-4-RING-BIT/
http://www.rideaway.co.uk/happy-mouth-straight-mouth-dutch-gag/
Click to expand...

That was my original question. What difference do the mouthpieces have? If they all work the same ill go with a straight bar. x
 
Happy mouths aren't the be all and end all of 'humane' bit, in fact if the horse doesn't mouth well they can cause considerable friction burns! As well as having to replaced pretty often due to sharp bits forming where they chew it.

I would personally go for a sweet iron with a lozenge central, warm metal on the mouth and it won't pinch. A lozenge gives them something to play with and lies well in the mouth, I've never ridden a horse who didn't like a lozenge center.
 
Buds_mum said:
Happy mouths aren't the be all and end all of 'humane' bit, in fact if the horse doesn't mouth well they can cause considerable friction burns! As well as having to replaced pretty often due to sharp bits forming where they chew it.

I would personally go for a sweet iron with a lozenge central, warm metal on the mouth and it won't pinch. A lozenge gives them something to play with and lies well in the mouth, I've never ridden a horse who didn't like a lozenge center.
Click to expand...

A lozenge center sounds very pleasant!
 
SpottyFalula said:
That was my original question. What difference do the mouthpieces have? If they all work the same ill go with a straight bar. x
Click to expand...

And that was what I originally answered! Try the french link:confused: A lozenge is mainly the same but with a differently shaped link, same for a roller. "Happy mouth" is the material it's made from.
 
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