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Veteran
Posts: 107
| I am looking for a new bit for my mare. She tends to get "stiff", when running a barrel pattern so it was suggested to use a chain mouth to encourage her to bend while competing. I have been looking at a few options but I am not sure how much gag I should give her. Here are some options I have looked at, suggestions? Not sure how I feel about the simplicity, my horse is pretty soft mouthed but does get slightly pushy on the pattern.
https://www.statelinetack.com/item/carol-goostree-chain-delight-bit/...
https://www.statelinetack.com/item/reinsman-martha-josey-chain-gag-s...
https://www.statelinetack.com/item/carol-goostree-chain-simplicity-b...
And since I know some people will suggest it, NO, it is not a sore/hurt problem. We warm up and stretch daily and she does great during slow work when I bend/flex her. Just nerves and adrenaline get the best of her a little when competing and some of her flexion and bend goes out the window. |
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 Total Germophobe
Posts: 6443
  
Location: Montana | How much gag do you usually run her in with the mouthpiece/bit you are currently using? I would start with that same amount and go from there. |
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 Straight Shooter
Posts: 5725
Location: SW North Dakota | mtcanchazer - 2017-11-13 9:06 AM How much gag do you usually run her in with the mouthpiece/bit you are currently using? I would start with that same amount and go from there.
I agree, start with the same gag distance you currently use. More gag glide distance will give your horse more "warning" before the bit reaches full contact, but may also slow their reaction to your hands. The slope of the gag will also dictate how quick the bit engages and releases. For those reasons, it will be easier to start with what you're used to. JMHO. |
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 A Barrel Of Monkeys
Posts: 12972
Location: Texas | Start with inexpensive, like a Rosie chain gag. Most of the catalog stores carry them, and it doesn't have to be a name brand. Make sure it's adjusted right and no need for a curb chain. |
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Veteran
Posts: 203
Location: kansas | To me the amount of gag starts with your hands first, and once you know what works with your hands then you vary with the horse or the arena set up. I am so light with my hands that about .5 of gag is all I can get away with if any depending on what I am trying to work through. But I am also the person that rides my reject cutter that is about as broke as a horse comes in a pretzel sometimes just for a more immediate response because my hands are so light. |
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How do you know how much gag you want?