Stength of bits

[Irishcobs]

I know it depends on how strong the hands are, but what would you say is the strongest out of these bits.

-Straight bar pelham (longer than normal shanks) 2 reins.

-Jointed rubber dutch gag with curb strap 2 reins, bottom ring and snaffle ring.

-NS Tranz 16mm diameter Universal Cheeks, rein on the bottom ring

-Jointed Cheltham gag, one rein

-Myler combination, one rein on the bottom

- ported kimberwick with slots, rein on bottom slot

 

[PapaFrita]

I would guess the cheltenham gag, but PF might disagree as she has very odd ideas as to what is a strong bit and what not.

 

[Molineux]

Jointed Cheltham gag I would say - however it depends on how the horse pulls.

I also rate Straight bar pelham's they have been around for years and use to work wonders on my little pony who used to tank off everywhere with me!!

I found the KK was very good for Showjumping but not XC, I used to use the english gag for XC and Wolfe was VERY strong I could hold him quite happy in the gag.

It all depends on how the horse pulls, if he puts his head down when pulling I would not go with the gag, as that tends to make them lean even more.

 

[Hattikins]

well traditionally im sure everyone will say cheltenham gag, but imo its a toss up between the kimblewick and dutch gag. the cheltenham gag has a much softer "action" and comes into effect much slower than a dutch gag which is why i would say the dutch gag is generally a sharper and stronger bit

but then i could be totally wrong

 

[flyingfeet]

Well all depends on what your horse likes - one bit is not necessarily 'stronger' than another

From that list:
- I hate the rubber covered dutch gag- its single jointed and has a fat mouthpeice. Unless your horse has tons of space likely to be VERY uncomfortable

- The universal is a good bit, but not dissimilar to a dutch gag in action. However lozenges are ergonomic and its a good one to start from if its a step up from a snaffle

- Pelhams are also good, often preferred by heavier horses that have larger tongues. I would start with 2 reins if poss.

 

[kirstyfk]

Without sounding really stupid - what is an english gag?

 

[Irishcobs]

Interesting. Thank you. We were talking about this at work, I said dutch gag, they said myler combination.

 

[Iestyn]

Pelham or Cheltenham gag - kimblwick in my experience is just a slightly milder version of the pelham.

 

[Irishcobs]

Thank you. Horse varies from having head up and out to between its knees, but can be heavy on the forehand. I don't like dutch gags and I don't think it would work on the horse (not tried it). She goes really well in the pelham, but can still tank in it.

Haven't tried the other bits, wanted people views first.

 

[flyingfeet]

[ QUOTE ]
Without sounding really stupid - what is an english gag?

[/ QUOTE ]

Not a strict name for any bit, but I am guessing its a running gag - either loose ring or eggbutt (cheltenham).

Running gags aren't seen very often in the US, so probably where the name comes from.

 

[Irishcobs]

I agree, I think the dutch gag is the strongest on the list. Sadly don't think will work on the horse though.

Thank you.

 

[Hattikins]

I got screamed at at Pony club for having Fiddler in a Cheltenham gag, he went beautifully in it and its the only bit i can hold him in sjing and xc so they didnt have much choice but to let me ride in it - we went to PC headquarters in the end to ask whether it was legal for me to ride in it and they said there was nothing wrong with it - shut my branch up!

So definitely Pony clubs (well def mine) think the cheltenham gag is "VERY severe" - thats what they told me

 

[Irishcobs]

Thank you. Horse is a cob with a big tongue. She goes well in the pelham but can still take off in it.

 

[Hattikins]

what about a waterford of some type?? she wouldnt be able to get hold of that and tank - or have you tried one already???

 

[Irishcobs]

Thank you. Shall try her in the cheltham gag then. If she doesn't like it I'll have to pray I have brakes and take her hunting in the pelham.

 

[flyingfeet]

In that case - I'd recommend the universal with a curb or a lozenge or Waterford pelham.

It means that you horse won't be able to lean against the mouthpeice so easily, but will still have the action she prefers.

There are some cheap bits on eBay, so it doesn't have to break the bank either.

 

[Irishcobs]

Lol my old PC would kill me if they saw what bits I was trying her in.

She's ridden in a loose ring waterford snaffle for everything but I can't hold her when we canter in a certain field or with company. So put her in the pelham which is fine until I'm over taken they she tanks off. Which out hunting I'm sure to be over taken.

Thanks

 

[flyingfeet]

Also on our big hano mare I swap her between a pelham and a gag (although please buy a lozenge cheltenham gag, rather than single jointed!)

However for super brakes she has a 9cm shanked lozenge pelham and a grackle with two reins. This ensures she doesn't tank off with my 60 year old mother!!!

I have considered being nasty and retraining her with a barry gag, but as she is only ridden occasionally her tanking is mainly excitement.

 

[Irishcobs]

I was thinking about the waterford pelham as she loves her waterford snaffle. May have to see if I can borrow one to try first, bl**dy horse has 9 bits so far! Only 4 that I can use.

 

[flyingfeet]

Only 9 bits!!!!

You definitely need to add to your collection......

 

[Irishcobs]

The cheltham gag is not mine its borrowed, so didn't have a choice of mouthpieces. If she's ok with the poll action of one, I'll get her a lonzenge one.

I'm fairly sure she'll settle quite quickly out hunting but I rather not bolt passed everyone if I can help it.

 

[Hattikins]

what about that butterfly flip bit?? dont know if anyone has any experience with that but i know somebody who has had success with it on a very exuberant horse

 

[Irishcobs]

[ QUOTE ]
Only 9 bits!!!!

You definitely need to add to your collection......

[/ QUOTE ]

Thats only her! Other cob has 5, 3 of which he uses.

 

[flyingfeet]

Do you mean a butterfly clip bit?

If so I'd be surprised if this worked on a cob, they are particularly sharp and likely to cause damage unless the horse has tons of space in the mouth.

They are also only made up to 5"

 

[Hattikins]

lol thats a pretty good bit collection!!!!!! Hattie has 6 bits of which she uses only 1!!!!!!!!! and Fiddler has 3 bits of which he uses 2 so hes not doing too badly but Hattie is bloomin expensive!!!!!!!

............... not to mention the other 10 or so bits that just sit on a hook in the utility room!!!!!!

 

[Irishcobs]

Blimey, had to look it up as not seen one before. Looks like it would have a simular action to a kimberwick? Though I don't think I can folk out £85 for a waterford one, horse isn't even worth that!

 

[Hattikins]

[ QUOTE ]
Do you mean a butterfly clip bit?

If so I'd be surprised if this worked on a cob, they are particularly sharp and likely to cause damage unless the horse has tons of space in the mouth.

They are also only made up to 5"


[/ QUOTE ]

nope its a butterfly flip bit

and it was only a suggestion - i dont know whether it would work.............

 

[Irishcobs]

Oh thats the other thing, horse has a 6" mouth. So bits are limited.

 

[Hattikins]

WOAH didnt know it was that pricey!!!!!! best not to go down that route then!!!!!

www.equiport.com

seems to do lots of stronger bits if you want a look through

 

[Irishcobs]

One of these yeah? This is the waterford one.