(I’m being vague on purpose. I’m also on a computer where COTH doesn’t acknowledge my ‘enter’ key for some reason.) [HR][/HR]What’s your take on one versus two reins on an American gag? Which, in your opinion, is more severe? We’re talking in the context of an experienced rider with good hands and a horse that legitimately needs that emergency break at the ready.
Two. One gives a constant gag use, whereas two will allow you switch back and forth or add small amounts of the gag to the snaffle. I barely know any horses that want to constantly go on a gag rein.
One rein is more severe. I would most certainly ride with two. An experienced rider with good hands should be able to manage two reins without a problem. If one rein is used on the bit, the maximum harshness of the bit is present 100% of the time. If you use two reins, you can activeate the gag rein when you need it, without having to ride off it all the time.
When I used to ride with a gag, I used two reins. Mostly because I had trouble steering with just a gag rein.
A gag is designed to be ridden with two reins. I have ridden in an elevator type gag with one on cross country on a tank of a pony before but she was more of the exception that makes the rule rather than the rule. My current mare is in a rope gag with two reins and although enjoys gag pressure she is learning to properly respond to and trust snaffle rein.
So, people generally agree that using an American gag with only a curb rein is more harsh than using two reins and using two reins allows for more precise steering, particularly when schooling movements on the flat?
I personally like two reins on any gag type bit. I only want to activate the gag function when I need it. I would rather ride off the snaffle the rest of the time.
