THAT english gag...

[RunToEarth]

So this year when it came to spring we had the polo ponios to get fit. So Hackmores off and hours in the field sat on the most uncomfortable saddle in this world, with double reins again. But we didnt use ordinary english gags, these were ones with two mouthpieces. I have only ever come accross them in polo and I would really like to know a) how they work. b) whether they are stronger than the single mouthpieces
and c) are they used in ather disciplines other than polo?? Cheers x

 

[lise]

Try a photo as their are several different types of double mouth pieces available. Generaly all are severe and considered specialist bits.

 

[Helena88]

yes i believe they are very severe

 

[oldbear]

Please do not use the double mouthpiece bit which has the sides at different lengths. (scissor bit)
It causes severe pinching to the toungue. It will damage the mouth very easily.
Use a double mouthpiece in which the mouthpieces are the same on both sides as in two snaffles together. It is kinder by far. I posted about this bit a while ago in the lounge.

 

[RunToEarth]

http://www.shires-equestrian.co.uk/cgi-b...lw/8.0.82.1.6.1
That is the mouthpiece but with cheltenham gag as opposed to the dutch one on this link.

 

[flyingfeet]

They are called Barry Gags if you were using the loose ring variety

The action of the two mouthpeices essentially crushes the tongue.

Yes it is a harsh bit, but remember when in polo the reins are slack most of the time as you don't ask for contact so you are essentially working on a stop /go basis.

These are also available in snaffles & continental gags.

They don't go with the ergonomic sympathetic bitting strategy, but then they were never designed for the traditional english contact.

Useful for bolters, retraining & polo.

 

[RunToEarth]

Thankyou very much cotswold SJ, that was just the explanation I needed. I did noptice that when you touched the ponies mouth you got a reaction, but as you say, in gameplay as with training the reins are loose, and doubled.

 

[connemaras]

very strong, and severe, i have never seen them other than in polo,

 

[flyingfeet]

[ QUOTE ]
Please do not use the double mouthpiece bit which has the sides at different lengths. (scissor bit)
It causes severe pinching to the toungue. It will damage the mouth very easily.
Use a double mouthpiece in which the mouthpieces are the same on both sides as in two snaffles together. It is kinder by far. I posted about this bit a while ago in the lounge.

[/ QUOTE ]

To be fair I see more damage done through a single jointed snaffle than barry gags or other double jointed mouthpeices

These bits are severe and designed to be severe, they are generally not used by novice riders.

I have more issues with using a single joint snaffle than I do a barry gag. Mine are always kept in double jointed ergonimic bits when I expect to take a contact.

Double mouthpeices in any other form are fairly pointless.