What to use instead of a dutch gag?

[ncarter]

Ok, so a lot of people don't like dutch gags, and I am one of the culprits that rides in one on the second ring with just one set of reins (reading a link on here was the first time I realised that you should use 2 sets!).....

So, for a strong willed sec D, what would you recommend INSTEAD of a dutch gag?

Any recommendations, detailing the differences between how the bits work, would be hugely appreciated as I am a complete novice in this area!

Thanks!!!

 

[the watcher]

Anything I recommend, to have a similar effect, is going to require you to ride with 2 sets of reins - so you could try just using your normal bit, if it works for you, with the reins as they should be fitted.

 

[ladyt25]

Stick with the dutch gag as it is - that is if it works, then why change it? I am not sure what people's aversions to them are to be honest. Any bit used incorrectly is not good for the horse but I do not see anything wrong with this bit. If the horse has a tendency to be heavy on the forehand it helps lift the head up.

I have more of an aversion to someone hauling their horse in the mouth in their 'kind' snaffle or wearing other tack they don't need - ie martingales, 5 point breatplates (why??!) etc.

I don't know why this bit gets slated so much really at all. If it works for you then so be it. People ride show and dressage horses in double bridles - why? If the horse is so well schooled then surely it doesn't need all the metal work in its mouth does it?

Opinions differ but as far as I am concerned if your horse is going well in a certain but then there is no reason for changing. I have tried numerous bits on my horse and have come back to the gag although I have changed the type of mouthpiece, that's it.

 

[Kat]

Kimblewick is good for strong horses and ponies with riders who want to ride with one set of reins. Get a uttoxeter kimblewick so that you have the option of the slots.

You could try a wilkie or a myler with slots if you want a similar sort of action to the gag. You could use the gag and add a second set of reins and a back strap. If you just want a bit "more" that a normal snaffle you could also consider a cherry roller or twisted snaffle or a waterford.

But to be honest if it was my horse, I'd pop it back in the snaffle and really examine what happens when he resists and approach the bitting from that angle.

 

[Berkeley]

Stick with the dutch gag as it is - that is if it works, then why change it? I am not sure what people's aversions to them are to be honest. Any bit used incorrectly is not good for the horse but I do not see anything wrong with this bit. If the horse has a tendency to be heavy on the forehand it helps lift the head up.

I have more of an aversion to someone hauling their horse in the mouth in their 'kind' snaffle or wearing other tack they don't need - ie martingales, 5 point breatplates (why??!) etc.

I don't know why this bit gets slated so much really at all. If it works for you then so be it. People ride show and dressage horses in double bridles - why? If the horse is so well schooled then surely it doesn't need all the metal work in its mouth does it?

Opinions differ but as far as I am concerned if your horse is going well in a certain but then there is no reason for changing. I have tried numerous bits on my horse and have come back to the gag although I have changed the type of mouthpiece, that's it.

This is spot on advice!

 

[little_flea]

Better than a Dutch gag is the Neue Schule Universal - similar in action but
not as severe - and it has a chin strap that prevents the leverage action from becoming too severe and pushing the cheek pieces forwards that you often see with Dutch gags. They are not cheap but perhaps try one from a bit bank first.

 

[somethingorother]

If it works now and your horse is happy in it then just put a second rein on. I ride in one, after trying several (including double jointed, plain snaffles) and my share horse is about the happiest i have seen him (i would like to try bitless but worried about no brakes). The only problem i have with these bits is the amount of people who just use one rein, and especially on the bottom ring. Also, for schooling etc if you have control, it just acts like a hanging cheek snaffle if you just have the top rein on. I find it a useful bit, when used with 2 reins.