Rant! - why do people over tack their horses!!!

It is all down to fashion and the sheep who follow such things. In the same way that something hits the catwalk, a month later a cheaper version hits the shops, then see a famous name using some horrible gadget and shortly afterwards you will see idiots at the local pony club show sporting it too. It always makes me laugh how normally strapped down showjumpers are perfectly well-behaved in the bareback puissance.

3 ring bits are perfectly ok if they are used correctly - with double reins. The top ring is exactly the same as a hanging snaffle. I tried a number of bits on my headstrong (Welsh!) mare and this is what worked the best for her. People with no idea how bits actually work use single reins on the bottom ring which is VERY painful and upsetting to the horse because of the leverage. But who cares how the horse feels???
 
It has been a revelation for me this year going down to watch my daughter at the SJ end of the local shows instead of just the flat showing or WH rings where I am most comfortable. Horrendous. Kids who can't ride to save their lives with spurs, martingales, gags, and so on and so forth. Stubben this, Whitaker that... Parents yelling at them when they bugger it up on these probably expensive ponies.

And our lovely lad? He does it bootless, spurless and in a 2 ring gag (lozenge mouthpiece) purely because he gets strong going into the jumps. Simple WH saddle, no other gadgets other than the bit. And almost always at least double clear if not in the ribbons. He got his first set of stud holes on Friday. Some of these ponies won't even go over the first fence despite copious use of the whip by their incompetent riders
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At all other times he wears a cavesson noseband and a simple lozenge snaffle.

All the gear and absolutely no idea.
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Why don't they go off and find themselves a decent instructor instead of wasting their cash on fancy fashion must-haves?
 
Ahem - well, I am one who wears a 3 ring gag! Do you know why? Because it''s the only bit that seems to give me theright amount of control I need! Trust me, have had my horse 14 years and tried countless bits, snaffles, DR Bristols, French Link snaffles, pelhams, tom thumb, cartwheel gag (or whatever it's name is!), the list goes on.

I always come back to the 3 rig (wearing on the 2nd to bottom ring - I used to have it on the bottom!). At present I have just changed to a waterford style mouth piece (after comments on here about them being good) but the same 3 ring style and I can honestly say there isn't an awful amount of difference although i feel I can give more of a pull and know he's not getting socked in the roof of his mouth or having a lot of pressure put on his tongue.

There, I stand up for the 3 ring! I do not have any martingale but I do wear overreach boots for jumping although only front tendon boots and overreach for xc that's it.

However, I do want somebody to explain the reason for the trend in 5 point breastplates?! WTF is that all about?!!!
 
LadyT - I don't think there is an objection to the use of the bit in the correct hands. There is an objection to the use of the bit in the hands of rider that does not understand how to use it.
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I have to agree with LadyT.

I ride Monty in a 3 ring gag on the 2nd to bottom hole. He is 28 and very sensitive and it is the only bit that
a) he likes
AND b) gives me adequate brakes

I am not for one second condoning people hanging on these youngsters mouths in pelhams whilst simultaneously booting them with spurs but, if riding responsibly, I think it can just come down to what works best for both horse and rider
 
Bloody hell there alot of snaffle lovers here... I ride roo in a snaffle for everything have recently switched his noseband to a flashafter being advised to do so by my instructor, I jump him in his 5 point breastplate because a) his saddle slips back b)it has elastic bits for his huge huge shoulders c) He throws his noggin up when he gets excited and is a big, fit 17hh beasty. I struggle to keep him under controll sometimes when Im xcing and am thinking of a change of bit. You would probably point and us and think pfft typical, small girl on a huge horse, all these "gadgets" fancy tack and whatnot. But I challenge and of you to come and try him in a cavesson and no martingale over some of the courses we jump.

This has probably made no sense but I would hate to be judged on what tack I had on... some of us have reasons and the experience to have these gizmos on and still wont jump the prettiest if rounds but its all practise surely
 
Gadgets are not good or bad. I do always say there's nothing better than good schooling, but sometimes a gadget can make it safe to school if the horse isn't listening, and i don't like the attitude of anti-boots.

My old share horse always had rubs and scuffs and sometimes cuts on her hind legs from brushing, yet her owner refused to have her in boots. In this case something simple could have made life moe comfortable for her.

I also agree with fatpiggy though, and hate to see gadgets used just for fashion, like the current 3 ring bits
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Sooo many 'showjumpers' are in them with one rein on middle or bottom ring, with their rider yanking on them whilst booting them in the ribs with their spurs.

i would say i can't wait for it to be over, but actually i'm worried about how evil and complicated and how much room for misuse the next fashion bit will provide :s

ETS: Those of you who ride with 3 ring gag on one rein, why?? Do you not want to be able to ask your horse nicely with a more gentle action on the mouth before you use the vast pressure of the second or third ring? Or can you just not ride with double reins, can you not be bothered to learn, or just not be bothered to use them??
 
Couldnt agree more - i used to show my wonderful cob in a hanovarian pelham a) because i had to carry him in a double and b) the genius we bought him from broke him in a pelham. He was BD in a snaffle and flash and hacked in a gag purely for the reason he would disapear over the horizon given half the chance with his head up my nose!!!!!

It does sadden me when i see kids or not great people covering their nags in the latest fashions to make up for their misgivings!!!!
 
I know someone on another yard has a pony ...the pony is in pink (boots..saddle pad.. noseband ect) the rider even wear all pink and she's 40 the pony has lots of tack that it doesn't need ,,, i think its fashion !! why use gadgets that you dont need
 
I would much rather be in control though of my 1/2 tonne of horse in a bit that suits him than be hauling on his mouth in a so-called 'kind' snaffle type bit. Each to their own I guess.

the problem with my horse is I need a decent bit to get him off my hand (he's a leaner/puller) BUT also need to use legs (and yes spurs) to drive him forwards as he is remowned for spooking! he is well enough schooled and is hacked out by my mum and I do dressage in a hanging cheek snaffle. His problem is he's now 18 and thinks he knows best so, for my safety and his I like to be in control!
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Still not convinced with the 5 point breastplate mind
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. Ok, at top level eventing maybe for safety but at the mo they seem to be everywhere! Still, i guess there's worse horse tack 'trends'!
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Ahem - well, I am one who wears a 3 ring gag!

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dont misunderstand me
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ive nothing against them per se, merely stating that EVERYTHING here is wearing one, down to an ancient doddery 12.2 pony that last cantered sometime after the war
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I would much rather be in control though of my 1/2 tonne of horse in a bit that suits him than be hauling on his mouth in a so-called 'kind' snaffle type bit. Each to their own I guess.

the problem with my horse is I need a decent bit to get him off my hand (he's a leaner/puller) BUT also need to use legs (and yes spurs) to drive him forwards as he is remowned for spooking! he is well enough schooled and is hacked out by my mum and I do dressage in a hanging cheek snaffle. His problem is he's now 18 and thinks he knows best so, for my safety and his I like to be in control!
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Still not convinced with the 5 point breastplate mind
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. Ok, at top level eventing maybe for safety but at the mo they seem to be everywhere! Still, i guess there's worse horse tack 'trends'!
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This sounds a bit snappy to me, i said nothing against you, in fact i was still writing my post when you replied.

In case you didn't see my edit when i did see some of the other replies in the meantime of me posting, why do you not have a rein on top ring as well, to give a more subtle aid first or when he's not legging it?
 
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I would much rather be in control though of my 1/2 tonne of horse in a bit that suits him than be hauling on his mouth in a so-called 'kind' snaffle type bit. Each to their own I guess.

the problem with my horse is I need a decent bit to get him off my hand (he's a leaner/puller)

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i dont think that was what the OP was meaning by overtacking a horse, if thats what he needs thats what he needs, as im reading the oriiginal post it is refering to those who put stronger and more complicated gear on than they need, or that qwas how i understood the post...
 
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I would much rather be in control though of my 1/2 tonne of horse in a bit that suits him than be hauling on his mouth in a so-called 'kind' snaffle type bit. Each to their own I guess.

the problem with my horse is I need a decent bit to get him off my hand (he's a leaner/puller) BUT also need to use legs (and yes spurs) to drive him forwards as he is remowned for spooking!

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Why have you stolen Monty?!
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He's my pony and you can't have him!!!!

Seriously though, they sound very alike and, although I don't ride in spurs, he is both a puller and a lazy/nappy! My sharer once took his martingale and flash off and tootled off for a hack in a snaffle. She came back ashen faced and vowed never to change tack again!!

If it aint broke, don't fix it.
 
Don't get me started!!
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My pet hate is seeing the kids on whizzy jumping ponies with massive gags in their mouths AND SPURS!!!
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And they still have no control but proceed to sock their ponies in the gob when they go too fast then kick them in the ribs when they slow down!
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One of these days i will drag a spoilt brat off their pony!!
 
Its not just the kids - Ellen Whitaker at Hickstead was booting her horse in the ribs really viciously with spurs when it wouldnt go down the bank and continued to kick it in the ribs with them even on her exit - nice role model to the young kids no wonder they think its ok if they see their idol behaving like it.
 
I like to see a nice plain bridle, a snaffle, and a smart numnah with a saddle
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Unfortunately I have to ride Oliver in a 3 ring gag on the bottom hole with a martinagale. I HATE HATE HATE this, think it just looks silly, but its the only way I have control. I would never use a gag if I didnt have to.
 
ok ok ill put my hand up as my cob has a 3 ring dutch gag on the top ring though but i always used to ride in a snaffle which was fine apart from when we went hunting and he would stick his head on the floor and take off. i didnt realise you should use double reins with this bit
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my other horse has a loose ring french link snaffle and a martingale, altho am contemplating taking the martingale off as she doesnt put her head up as much for sj now.
 
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This is my quick rant. Why do people over tack and over bridle their horses, especially at shows! Why do people think that they can compensate for training and schooling with heavy bits, ridiculous nosebands, whips, spurs and generally awful riding. Why can't they go home get the basics right and then ride thier poor mounts softly! Sorry follows an awful experience at a local show yesterday!

BTW this isn't a criticism against people who use complicated tack properly just a rant at seeing children riding ponies in double bridles with no idea how to use them, bits and nosebands which strap down the pony or horses head, and an obvious lack of basic schooling!
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etc!

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I totally agree, some people seem to use these devices because of the way they look, its infuriating!! My girl has the most basic tack as she needs no more basically, its far less hassle too
 
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Its not just the kids - Ellen Whitaker at Hickstead was booting her horse in the ribs really viciously with spurs when it wouldnt go down the bank and continued to kick it in the ribs with them even on her exit - nice role model to the young kids no wonder they think its ok if they see their idol behaving like it.

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hmm yes i saw that too
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Don't get me started on her!
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The last Junior BSJA i went to watch, i had to walk out of in the end i was so disgusted by the treatment of some of the ponies.
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Couldn't agree more. When used properly a double bridle and strong bit is fine but I saw a horse not a million miles away from me ridden in one of those double rein bits with many rings down the side (the name escapes me) with ONE set of reins attached only to the bottom ring!! The poor horse could barely lift his head up.

I have always ridden my horses in a soft bit (snaffle or happy mouth) and I even take the noseband off. It does not serve a purpose for what I need so why have it on?

I think a lot of overtacking comes from fear that a horse may run off/not perform/to correct something but the answer to a fear of something that *might* happen is not chucking every bit of tack at the poor animal that you can think of!!
 
Sorry, my reply was not directed at you or any individual - I just go to the bottom on the page and post 'comment'!
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It was just a general comment about the fact that not all people just stuff a certain piece of bit/equipment in a horse's mouth for fashion I guess. I suppose it's a case of trial and error where bitting's concerned.

As for the two reins, I have never tried that on the gag - I have ridden in double reins on a pelham but i have to say i am a bit of a clutz hand wise (all thumbs and all that!) and two reins can cause me more difficulty. Still, I guess it is a possibility. I am intending on having a SJ lesson this week after a not so good SJ attempt this weekend (although his XC was fine - my horse confuses me!!!) so will see whether yet another bitting/rein change may help!
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lol! If only they would just listen eh! I trust my horse, he would never run off and he's not nappy, he just thinks he knows best and likes to pull me round jumping courses until he decides the fence we're heading for he's not actually too keen on - cue spooking before hopping over! Horse eh!
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Don't get me started!!
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My pet hate is seeing the kids on whizzy jumping ponies with massive gags in their mouths AND SPURS!!!
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And they still have no control but proceed to sock their ponies in the gob when they go too fast then kick them in the ribs when they slow down!
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One of these days i will drag a spoilt brat off their pony!!

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This is exactly how i feel when at local shows!! And on coutless occasions i have given advice and the pony has gone a lot nicer, sometimes you do get the snotty ones who think they know best and i feel like dragging the kid off!!

I ride my Arab x in a loose ring snaffle, no noseband at all and normal saddle, loose martigale when hacking or xc. and tendon boots if jumping or xc.

Infact thats another pet hate of mine, not booting up when jumping.
 
So I have 1 pony in a kimblewick, martingale and a grakle (though she wears a canvession for SJing or she doesn't go forwards.)

Over-tacked and gadgets?


Then look at my other horse - canvession noseband, loose ring snaffle and no martingale.

Though "gadget" pony is schooled in a snaffle and no martingale. She was a 5 year old in an american gag and a martingale when I got her, I put her straight into a snaffle. A year of seriously hard work schooling and she just got stronger and stronger because her mouth was getting hard from pulling. A kimblewick and a grakle makes life much more pleasant for both of us.
 
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I know someone on another yard has a pony ...the pony is in pink (boots..saddle pad.. noseband ect) the rider even wear all pink and she's 40 the pony has lots of tack that it doesn't need ,,, i think its fashion !! why use gadgets that you dont need

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Oh my, how dare a 40 year old woman have fun dressing her pony and herself how she likes - the pony she probably works d*mn hard to pay for
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A
 
Well i do have a gadget horse - exracer/sjumper/eventer- now 16 had for several years and tried the reschooling with snaffle and no noseband, has regular teeth/back/saddle checks but still an idiot who runs into fences with his head up and jaw crossed so have just tried a grackle to stop the jaw crossing and a myler combination (noseband over the grackle)with a martingale. I hate the way it looks but the horse now needs a tiny half halt with plenty of leg and he loves it. hacks and dressages in a snaffle but surely better in all the kit than hauled in a snaffle. i also have two others jumping 1m25, one in a kimberwick and the other in a cheltenham gag, both strong warmbloods who are soft in the stronger bits. if they would go in snaffles they would but i dare anyone to try them!
 
Right I don't really use that much on my mare, snaffle bit, basic noseband, breastplate, tendon and fetlock boots, the tendon boots I use as she pulled a tendon a couple of years ago and the fetlock boots because she is old and needs protection against the hard ground. This goes for dressage, showjumping and xc.

When riding my 17.2hh warmblood (8 year old) I school him in a snaffle, breastplate and brushing boots. And jumping (at a competition) its the same apart from I use a jointed pelham. and he has 4 boots on instead of 2.

I am a teenager (13) and must say that I have touched a dutch gag or anything stronger then a running martingale.
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Don't agree with it and I dont like seeing perfect little ponies being riden in seriously big, strong bits!
 
Oh dear, you would all hate my horses. My OH's horse is in a gag, sometimes a snaffle - reason - I'd rather they came home in one peice!!!

My mare is in a snaffle & cavasson, with the addition of the dreaded draw reins. Go on slate me for it, but they are slack and only come into effect when she argues which is quite an impressive display at times. She competes in a pelham with two reins. All of this creates a balanced relationship - I can stop, turn and have influence over where we go and at what speed.

Having said that, my filly will be broken in in a loose ring lozenge snaffle, without a noseband. If she then requires more tack, she will have what is needed.

On the flip side, there are horses that are over tacked, however, don't always make judgements on what you see initially, you can't always know the reasoning.
 
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