Thinking about trying my big boy in a 3 ring elevator (gag) bit.
I would be riding in double reins - my normal rubber reins attached to the snaffle ring and as for the “curb” rein of the bit - what type of rein is the “proper” one to use? A flat, thin curb rein (like one used on a pelham)? Can you use a regular braided rein? Does it matter? Or is it personal preference?
Cheers!
It’s personal preference. If I’m riding with 2 reins, I keep them as small as possible, but I have ridiculously small hands. Do whatever you are most comfortable with.
Personal preference. My go-to second rein is a thin pair of plaited reins. They have a great feel, are a completely different texture from my rubber reins so it’s easy to adjust, and they are thin enough for me to hold on to.
I’m going to assume since you’re using a ring bit, you aren’t in the hunter ring, which would be the only time a “proper” curb rein would be necessary.
As above for rein selection.
However, there is a difference between a “gag” and an “elevator” or 3 ring. The true gag simply shifts the pressure of the reins to the corners of the mouth, OFF the bars. There is little poll pressure. Because elevators or 3 rings have leverage, they produce more poll pressure as well as the raising action of the bit in the mouth. IMO, your steering is better with a regular pulley gag with two reins than with an elevator. A pulley gag acts as a regular snaffle UNLESS the horse goes to dive down and tow on the bars of his mouth. If he does that, the action of the gag comes into play. The elevator or three ring is more in action ALL the time. Although the pulley gags seem to be “out of fashion” at this point in time, I like them way better.
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