Tried out my new bit today... opinions please??

[Starbucks]

Badger is generally a bit unruley hunting and XC - I've been putting up with him in a snaffle or a dutch gag (which makes no difference what so ever!) so I'm trying out an american gag.

I've got two rains on it, he seemed great today, I was only hacking and got to his fav galloping spot, managed to get back to a controlled, steady canter half way up!

I jumped a little wall and he seemed to jump fine in it..

Question is, I seem to have got a bit paranoid about over bitting, and I'm worried it might bother him jumping and stuff?? What do you think?? He is very hard work in his snaffle/dutch gag. Mum thinks i'm being pathetic - let me know what you think!

 

[Weezy]

Use what works for you - better a bit you only need touch than one you have to haul at

 

[Starbucks]

Thanks weezy, he's not dangerous but just a complete peskcule! He didn't like me using the bottom rain, but it was nice to feel some kind of reaction!

not sure how I'll handle 2 rains and a flask - sure i'll manage!

 

[PapaFrita]

I agree with Weezy

It's horrible to see someone hauling around on a snaffle.

 

[Blizzard]

I agree, I ride Lance in a cheltenham gag, simply because i would rather save my arms, and his mouth from yankig at a milder bit!

as long as the horse is happy with it there is no problem!

 

[flyingfeet]

2 reins and a flask is easy

When I was playing polo, you had up to 3 sets of reins, whip & mallet.

 

[MillionDollar]

Definitely better than hauling on a snaffle! Someone was telling me how someone they knew would always put a horse in a double bridle, then they could use the bradoon the majority of the time, but if they needed to use the curb then they could. It stopped horses getting strong.

 

[franki]

You can always swap back to the snaffle at some point to see how he's getting on. I have a number of bits in my box and haul out whatever I need whenever he gets inattentive or strong. Just like you I ended up in an American Gag on 2 reins earlier in the year, then moved to a jointed pelham on 2 reins and am now swapping between a jointed snaffle and lozenge jointed Baucher. Use whatever works for you at the time, and it doesn't mean forever. But defo better a stronger bit with a lighter touch than a snaffle and a bruised mouth. Changing bits frequently works well for some horses, keeps them guessing, and some horses hate bits being changed.