Hi
Can anyone tell me the other ways of using a 2 ring gag like this one http://www.thehorsebitshop.co.uk/product.php?xProd=606&xSec=1 other than just the usual single rein, would I be able to use pelham roundings or would split reins be better?
Also what would be the difference in strength/action in using a single rein opposed to the roundings?
I use one and only use one rein on whichever ring you need…
Yes I know however what I wanted to know was why the other ways are used and what affect as originally gags were used with double reins
I use a 3 ring gag out foxhunting. I have used just a single rein, but have found that I like using 2 reins much better.
My horse is very well behaved most of the time and very sensitive to the rein aids (most) of the time. If I used just one rein, either on the 2nd or 3rd ring for the entire hunt, I would have been using too much leverage for him even with just a light feel to the rein.
With two reins, I spend 90% of the hunt with contact only on the snaffle rein, but when we get to the gallops in open fields and others are passing us, I have the 2nd rein to remind him he should listen. Using 2 reins allows me to ride the horse in the moment, well behaved horse gets the snaffle, the freight train galloping on his forehand gets the 2nd rein. As soon as he is behaving, we go back to a snaffle contact.
It requires a lot of attention, but I’m hoping that with time, he will become a purely snaffle ride. Until then, it’s nice to have that extra leverage, but only when I need it.
I would think that roundings on a gag would mute the amount of leverage of a single rein. By how much? I’m not sure. I learned to ride with double reins at 12 years of age, so I don’t find it that difficult to change my contact on each rein or to pick up and be ready to ride at a moments notice.
People use “elevator” bits wrong ALL THE TIME, especially the 3 ring ones
Ditch the roundings and use double reins.
IMO, the old style pulley gags are a better option if you need to place the bit pressure OFF the bars, and onto the corners of the mouth. You will ALWAYS have better steering using a pulley gag (with two reins, of course), than you will with a 2 or 3 ring gag. A multiple ring gag is nothing more than a broken Pelham without a chin strap (which is not ever used this way!) Using one rein only supplies no direct contact with the mouthpiece of the bit, and therefore NO steering.
The multiple ring gags have been fashionable for several decades now, more so than the pulley gags. But what is fashionable is not necessarily the best option. IMO.
Thank you for the replies! Unfortunately I’m in the UK and the rules for the youth/junior programme trials mean that double reins are banned however roundings are permitted.
[QUOTE=BritishEquestrian;8036426]
Thank you for the replies! Unfortunately I’m in the UK and the rules for the youth/junior programme trials mean that double reins are banned however roundings are permitted.[/QUOTE]
Whoa really? Why did they ban double reins?
[QUOTE=KateKat;8036604]
Whoa really? Why did they ban double reins?[/QUOTE]
I’m not sure in SJ if that’s right but for the pony eventing GB trials and youth eventing they did however unsure of the reasoning behind it… Last year someone won the National British pony eventing championships before getting eliminated for having a double bridle on!
My first choice would be 2 reins, but if that’s not allowed, then I’d go with one rein on whichever ring you need to use use and not the rounding.
If double reins are “banned”, then a gag of any sort is not going to be available for use. Using either type with only one rein isn’t a good plan, and using a converter strap isn’t going to work well either IMO. But you are free to give it a whirl at home, and see for yourself if a converter strap gives adequate use of the bit. Are you sure that it is the double reins that are indeed banned? And not a double bridle?
Assuming it is double reins that are banned, then you are looking at using something like a Pelham with a converter strap, or Kimberwick, if leverage is effective, OR going to a harsh mouthpiece snaffle, twisted etc. A gag is far softer than this second option IMO, if the rider is skilled. But if the rider isn’t skilled, I would presume that they would not be competing in this discipline. OR, switch disciplines to where strange rules and restrictions like this are not a problem LOL!
Unfortunately I’m in the UK and the rules for the youth/junior programme trials mean that double reins are banned however roundings are permitted.
If you are eventing, ask a BE accredited trainer. If you are show jumping, the BS youth programme has coaches available at shows to offer help and advice. Bitting depends on the horse, the rider and job; as such, face to face advice is probably more helpful than a general query in a forum.
I have always found people, particularly the top riders, to be really helpful when I have asked a question - so long as it doesn’t interrupt them when they are busy.
By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. You may also receive promotional emails from The Chronicle of the Horse. You can opt out at any time.
For Customers
Company
Terms of Use
