Strong Bit

[kal40]

Hi

We have a very strong little welsh b, ridden by my niece.

Brakes are a problem and we have been advised to try an american gag bit. I haven't had any experience with them but know they are strong.

1. Has anyone used one? If so is it suitable for a 10 year old (fairly nervous but competent rider).
2. Any other suggestions instead of that?

Thanks for any suggestions

 

[karenpi]

I have successfully used a Tom Thumb bit - not the American type - out hunting on my TB x WB. Lifts their head nicely. You need to have light hands with it though as its so effective. Normally loads available on eBay. American gag may also do the trick.

 

[Jumper123]

I personally do not like american gag. I prefer maybe a kimblewick with the curb chain not to tight so if your rider does make a minor mistake the pony will not majorly feel it yet it will be effective. Yes, the tom thumb is effective but I would try the kimblewick first. Also, a wilkie snaffle may work, we had a pony who was easily held in a wilkie yet not in an americam gag. Also a cheltenham gag may work although it can cause some ponies to overbend.

Hope this helps

 

[weebarney]

I used an american gag on a strong warmblood i had, it was the only thing that worked for both of us, she would tolerate it and i had breaks. They are very strong bits though so i would only recommend one if
a, the little person was getting riding lessons to try and rectify the brake problems
b, she has ultra light and careful hands

However it is better to have a stronger bit in a horses mouth than having to use a lot of pressure in a snaffle.

 

[hellybelly6]

Does the pony lean on the bit or have its head in the air? This will have a bearing on the type of bit.

 

[kal40]

Thanks for the responses folks.

Yes Highlandponylass, she does poke her head out and up when she is trying to get her own way. Do you have any suggestions?

 

[Lucy_Nottingham]

american gag/tom thumbs are good but are, as stated, REALLY strong! I ride western and english, and the difference in brakes is really noticable!! A slight touch in a tom thumb will hault a horse..... so just be aware of that with a young rider....
Depending on how able your niece is, have you tried a pelham with D rings for brakes? Or maybe a dutch gag?

 

[kal40]

She does currently use a kimblewick but during a lesson at the weekend was told to try the gag. I personally think it is too strong especially with a child at the reins. She is a good rider but sometimes lacks confidence and the last thing I want is for her to tense up while using such a strong bit and have the pony rear up with her.

 

[hellybelly6]

I think the kimblewick is a good choice, does it have slots? If so try the lower slot. Gags are some of the strongest bits available and are not so good for horses who have their heads up and out, they are better for horses which lean.

A pelham with roundings would be a good choice as curbs are better for horses with high head carriages due to the head lowering action of the bit.

Its also worth considering when the pony last had her teeth checked by a qualified EDT.

A standing martingale is something to consider too, but have it fitted by an experienced person.

Hope this helps.

 

[connie1288]

For a little person what about a globe pelham?? Has the curb etc but is designed for one rein, i used one on my 12h welsh section a for jumping when i was tiny.

 

[kal40]

From memory the kimblewick doesn't have slots but I will check.

HPL - she has just had her teeth done so we know she ok on that front.

Think we will perservre with the kimblewick. Maybe some weight training for the little one!

 

[hellybelly6]

Hi Kal
I have been mulling this over and have 3 ideas. Try a Uxeter kimblewick, the type with the slots and use the bottom slot or to try a myler combination or try a Wilkie snaffle with a french link. Single jointed bits would cause more head raising as they can jab into the roof of the mouth with rein contact.

The globe pelham is also a good bet.

I would give you my kimblewick to use, but its 6 inches and is probably a little bit big!

There is a 4th, which you have already mentioned, weight training for the little one!!

I am interested to know how you get on.