Three Ring Snaffle in competitions

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hanandsaracen

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Hello All,
I'm new here so first of all hello! :)
Secondly does anyone know the rules in competing in a three ring snaffle (american gag)? I'm guessing its not dressage legal, but is it okay for large mountain and moorland classes, veteran showing, one day events etc.?
thanks in advance!
 
Do you mean a dutch gag? It would be unusual in a flat show class, but permissible. Ok for the jumping parts of an event.
 
An american gag isnt a 3 ring snaffle. Its an american gag with long shanks and is fairly severe if not used properly, can cause the horse to overbend as poll pressure is severe. A 3 ring bit is usually called a Dutch gag, and should be used with 2 reins.
I wouldnt use either for showing though, a pelham would be better.
 
Hiya, a three ring gag is not dressage legal, and would be incorrect for showing - however it could be used for the jumping phases of an event.
 
Sorry yes i meant dutch gag, he's a new horse I only got last week, I have a normal snaffle I could put him in but I'm not sure how excited he'll be at shows.
thanks everyone.
 
If he's used to the action of that particular bit you could try him in a hanging snaffle with a similar mouthpiece (which would be dressage legal at least!)
 
Hes obviously not a young horse as you are mentioning veteran classes! I would keep him in his usual bit, he'l probably be fine. I certainly wouldnt use a new bit for the first time at a show.
 
If it's just for local shows, your gag would be acceptable if not desirable. You wouldn't get kicked out of a class but you might lose a few marks. A Pelham, which would be correct for showing would probably give you as much braking power as a three ring gag so I'd try him in one of those. It would probably be best to borrow one from a friend to see if he likes it at first.

For dressage, as others have said, a hanging cheek (aka baucher) snaffle would be the most similar to the gag.
 
If you do want a similar action to a dutch gag, a neue schule tranz universal or a beval snaffle is often used in showing, perhaps not correct either, and a little bit milder, but it does look a little bit neater. For showing, you could try a pelham bit, which is more correct and is the same rough level of strength. As others have said, a dutch gag is okay for jumping, and basically anything, but not dressage, and is not preferred in showing. At a small local show, you'd probably get away with it for showing.
 
If you've just got the horse, keep him in his usual bit for showing (unless past owners have said he NEEDS to be changed for shows - and if so, what bit did they use?)

If you're really unsure, take the 3 ring with you incase you decide to change once you get there if he is being very excitable and strong.

I have a similar dilemma with my 14yo who goes well in a loose ring snaffle at home and in small shows (we would only jump though), but sometimes can 'blow up' and gets very strong and excited - I keep the 3 ring with me so it's there as an option if he becomes unmanageable but haven't needed it for a long time.

If you don't mind me asking, what bit is he currently in? And what do you worry he will do exactly? (as in, get strong and run through your hands, or buck/rear/spin etc) as it may help people advise you as to what may suit better instead :)

Generally a hanging cheek is similar to a dutch gag, however it varies horse to horse as to what would suit them instead if there's a specific reason they're in the 3 ring, and many more experienced people may be able to offer more help on showing legal bits
 
Thanks everyone,
he's currently ridden in a three ring (on the second ring) the shows in a month so I'll invest in a pelham and see how he goes in it. Any tips for riding with two sets of reins?
 
As with any bit you need to keep your hands soft and gentle. You need to be able to work the two reins independently. The top rein is what you should ride from (ie the snaffle rein) and the bottom rein should only come in to play when you need the curb to come into action which will add the poll pressure. I would invest in a lip strap for the curb chain

ETA I would go for plaited reins on the top rein and plain on the bottom rein. Don't get any too thick as it can be quite a handful.
 
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