Running gag bit!!

[harrypotter]

Is to quite normal to only use a running gag bit to assist with getting the horse to work in an outline?

 

[kick_On]

er no, normally running gags are used for xc, for brakes

 

[Rana]

or for polo, same reason. Can't see why it would help to get a horse to work in an outline?

 

[harrypotter]

Mmmh, my thoughts too!!

Have enquired about a horse which in all the photos has a running gag... The seller has said that they struggle to get the horse into an outline, and therefore uses the running gag for this reason... The have said that the horse is ridden in a snaffle & is not at all strong!!

What do you think??

 

[kick_On]

er IMHO sorry but cr*p rider and now poor horse/pony with dead mouth..............

I smell porky pies

 

[wizzi901]

err I use waterford gag for major braking, normal 3 ring for normal breaking.......running gag...hunting! - seriously although it may force an outline if it's not strong there are loads of other bits that will give a little poll pressure!!

If they stuggle to get it in outline in snaffle then hopefully you wont want to dressage much?? Or it could be their riding.

Anything in running gag will be normally STRONG!

 

[Gingerbird]

It could also be that the horse is on the forehand etc as these gags do keep the head higher too.

 

[kick_On]

nar, IHMO its boils down to rider with cr*p hands and being lazy!

 

[Cliqmo]

My old horse had poor conformation and was inclined to be on the forehand. At his loan home the jockey schooled at home in a pelham

She explained on seeing my expression that it was because it lightened him up and meant she could focus on her riding and further his strength and training. I would never have thought of doing this but I can now see her logic

I guess these people might be doing the same sort of thing? Although it is worrying they think it helps with an outline and not just balance?

 

[kick_On]

on different note LOVE your siggy


psssssssssss I stand by my statement, as OP said advert (seller) says it goes in snaffle and not strong............. so it's got IMHO to be a weak rider.....

but i do see where you coming from........

 

[Seahorse]

There was someone at my yard that used to ride her horse in a running gag with only 1 rein, he wasn't strong at all bless him but someone had told her to ride him in one. When she schooled him he went with his head in so to the 'untrained eye' he looked good! I hacked him out once and everytime i touched the reins he brought his head in so much it was like riding a headless horse!!!

 

[seche]

I hunt mine in a running gag, everything else he snaffle - some times I use with a double rein but for hunting - with hunt crop its often a handful and I have confidence in my ability not to bugger said horses mouth with said bit.

 

[lachlanandmarcus]

no its not normal. I use one with 2 reins when XC etc on my ill mannered hunter but I wouldnt dream of trying to get him in an outline with it. Its better IMO than a dutch gag if used with 2 reins as it is less poll pressure which my chap dislikes and also most peeps in dutch gags use them with a single rein on a lower ring which unless you have light hands punishes the poor horse all the time!

works well with horse that pees off into next county for fun rather than cos scared/in pain etc.