Pony club camp - pony now in 3 ring gag!

[billylula]

He was in a Cambridge magic bit which is what he came with. He was strong during the xc phase so instructor put him in three ring gag. Daughter loves it. Next lot of xc he went very well but didn't look that comfortable. I have a hanging cheek that I wanted to put him in this morning but daughter panicked and wouldn't let me. I'm happy (grudgingly) to let him stay in a gag until camp is over but need to convince daughter that hanging cheek ok. He's a typical pony and a bit stubborn but really doesn't need to be on the second in of a gag!

 

[Honey08]

If your instructor thought he was ok in it and daughter is safe and feeling happy , I can't see why you would change him into a bit that is likely to have him too strong for the child again. Could you have a chat with the instructor and see if they think the pony was uncomfortable. A three ring gag could be put onto the larger ring (so that is virtually the same as a hanging cheek) for most activities and changed onto a different ring for XC. That's what I did when my son swopped onto a bigger horse/pony and didn't quite have the control.

 

[soulfull]

Personally I would go with what instructor recommends as it gives daughter confidence. While also putting idea into her head that gag will teach him what she wants so then she can use hanging cheek

 

[billylula]

Ok
The gag looks huge on his face, can you get smaller ones? Or maybe a two ring. He's got a sweet little Araby head (even though he's a cob cross) and he clearly hates the thick jointed bit. When it's in he seems ok but snatches against her if she tries to pick up contact.