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 Expert
Posts: 1631
   
Location: Somewhere around here | How do you know when a horse needs more gag in their bit as opposed to having little gag or even no gag to their bit? |
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 It's not my fault I'm perfect
Posts: 13739
 
Location: Where the long tails flow, ND | I try and think of it like this:
If you need an instant response= no gag. If you have a horse that 'hits' a bit and freaks, head tosses, etc., =more gag |
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 Expert
Posts: 1857
| Also add to that...
more gag will give you more lift and flex
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 Balance Beam and more...
Posts: 11511
Location: 31 lengths farms | I have two that I can't ride gag bits on for opposite reasons. The gelding is super soft so you would think gag would be his friend, nope. He hates that it doesn't release quickly enough. The little mare loves gag...because it takes just the scooosh too long to pick up and by then she feels she had free rein to go a step by. Now for my big mare its a good fit, she is the head shaker, the gags slower pick up gives her the half step to respond with no real "pressure" and by then you can release, win win for her. She is also very ratey naturally. |
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 349
Location: texas | What is considered "a lot gag"??? Is it an inch or two? |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 883
Location: Southern Indiana | Well I always start out with gag and take it away when they aren't responding. So it's kind of backwards to your question. If you need leverage but a delayed response or have a horse that's pretty reactive then your going to want more gag. Gag will also give you more bend, where a locked mouthpiece will be a bit stiffer. However, the best way to find out is to have an Arsenal of bits and just play with them! Ride them in them at home and figure out what they respond to best in your hands. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 883
Location: Southern Indiana | teamthompson - 2016-03-10 1:24 PM
What is considered "a lot gag"??? Is it an inch or two?
I would consider a lot of gag to be: draw bits (like a loomis), simplicity, sweet six, o ring combo, goose tree double gag, Elliot spur up 04 & 06. Bits that gag to the purchase.
A little bit of gag: Jr cow horse, 5 bit, tender touch, sherry cervi lifter, Ed wright lifter, etc. Bits that have a ring or locked amount of gag.
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More gag or less gag