Bit advice: Gag vs Elevator

[NeverEnd]

What's your take on a gag (w/ cheek pieces) vs an elevator? Do you use double reins on a gag?

Wanting the leverage, To stop the pulling down into hands, & Avoid double reins.

Advice??

[raave05]

i am a fan of the three ring myself, because it offers me a lot of versatility. I can go with 2 reins or 1, and easily affect the amount of elevator action through the use of the 2 lower rings.

the stock answer on the gag is yes, you should ride in a gag with 2 reins. that allows you to use direct pressure to the bit when he's being a good boy, and only engage the gag rein when needed. of course, this can change depending on your level of riding (if you have good, soft hands, you can more easily get away with 1 rein) or if your horse is an absolute freight train and you pretty much always need the gag effect then you can opt for the single rein.

[NeverEnd]

Thanks for the advice.

[Rue Belle]

i go back and forth with my horses. i hack in the three ring, and jump in the gag. i notice that the horses don't get numb to them. also, try a d-segunda. that's what my horses, that school in the other bits, show in.

[MCarverS]

i go back and forth with my horses. i hack in the three ring, and jump in the gag. i notice that the horses don't get numb to them. also, try a d-segunda. that's what my horses, that school in the other bits, show in.

I used to ride one of my mares in a d-segunda and I LOVED the way she went in it, except she used to stick out her tongue with it. Have you had this experience when you use it?

[krfarms]

Learn to love double reins!!! I ride most of my horses in a french mouth snaffle with a small bradoon gag underneath--We buy them from Libertyville Saddlery and they come complete with reins, bit etc all in one. Then you use the gag when you need it, but if you don't you can ride with the snaffle only. We have hunters and naturally we cannot show in them but for everyday training they are great!! I have a really big strong gelding that tends to be lazy and will lie on your hands if you let him. With the gag he is always reminded to "carry" himself.

[MCarverS]

Learn to love double reins!!! I ride most of my horses in a french mouth snaffle with a small bradoon gag underneath--We buy them from Libertyville Saddlery and they come complete with reins, bit etc all in one. Then you use the gag when you need it, but if you don't you can ride with the snaffle only. We have hunters and naturally we cannot show in them but for everyday training they are great!! I have a really big strong gelding that tends to be lazy and will lie on your hands if you let him. With the gag he is always reminded to "carry" himself.

Very interesting. I know this is a lot to ask, but would you be able to take a picture of this configuration for me? Also, can you link me to the bradoon and gag that you use? Much appreciated.