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Regular
Posts: 95
| So I really like the look of an Argentine, does anyone have an opinion on that?
Also, I'm not sure how I feel about the gag styles - what would be the purpose of using one? I wouldn't think you wouldn't want so much give for a horse to move it's head but yet it seems like it would be forgiving for rough hands?
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 Expert
Posts: 1898
  
| P68 - 2015-06-10 3:53 PM
So I really like the look of an Argentine, does anyone have an opinion on that?
Also, I'm not sure how I feel about the gag styles - what would be the purpose of using one? I wouldn't think you wouldn't want so much give for a horse to move it's head but yet it seems like it would be forgiving for rough hands?
The Argentine has a tendency to want to pinch the sides of a horses mouth and tongue. The swivle shanks allow the lips to get caught and the mechanics of the bit allow the mouth piece jet upwards, pinching the tongue when equal pressure is applied on both reins.
When using a gag you have to be proactive not reactive. Gags give a horse gradual pressure as opposed to immediate pressure of a vertically fixed mouth piece. Gag bits help provide rate, flex and bend. Fixed mouth pieces help an overly bendy horse become more rigid and stable in the turns through the shoulder and rib cage.
Because of the variable shank to purchase ratio, gag bits allow a horse to respond before the shank and purchase has reached full movement. The pressure starts on the lips, then as the gag engages moves to the bars, tongue, chin (assuming you are using a curb strap), palette (depending on mouth piece) and once the bit is finally fully engaged the horse's poll.
Fixed mouth pieces like the Argentine, are reactive bits. As soon as you pull on your reins you are automatically delivering an amplified amount of pressure to your horse's mouth. I believe the Argentine has a 3 to 1 ratio. This means that for every 3 inches the shank moves backwards when you pull on the reins, the purchase moves forward 1 inch. This automatically transfers 3x the amount of pressure you pull on your reins to your horse, ie: if you use 15 pounds (which sounds like a lot but really isn't) of pressure on the reins to stop your horse, the horse is feeling 45 pounds on his mouth. The Argentine places pressure on the lips, bars, tongue, chin, pallet and poll all at once.
Finding the right bit really depends on you and your horse's preference. If you like the way the Argentine looks then try it. Don't let people bully you into one bit or another, but if they tell you something about it do your research! Les Vogt has a really good snippit on YouTube that explains bit mechanics and ratio.
Edited by cyount2009 2015-06-10 5:13 PM
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Regular
Posts: 95
| Thank you for taking the time to provide such an insightful explanation. I am trying to become much more educated on bits in general but there is just tons upon tons of information out there.
Oddly enough, I was worried the gag could pinch with the way it moves.
I am in need of more of a reactive/direct bit though, as I have been working more on training a new prospect versus an already seasoned horse at the moment.
I will continue with the research!
And this last part -- >Finding the right bit really depends on you and your horse's preference.< Most true! | |
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Expert
Posts: 1898
| P68 - 2015-06-11 10:03 AM
Thank you for taking the time to provide such an insightful explanation. I am trying to become much more educated on bits in general but there is just tons upon tons of information out there.
Oddly enough, I was worried the gag could pinch with the way it moves.
I am in need of more of a reactive/direct bit though, as I have been working more on training a new prospect versus an already seasoned horse at the moment.
I will continue with the research!
And this last part -- >Finding the right bit really depends on you and your horse's preference.< Most true!
There is so much information out there! I suggest reading and watching every little piece you can gather.
And, don't get me wrong, some gags will pinch as well. That is why you see a lot them with bit guards. | |
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A bit of bits part II