Do you think the dutch gag is a harsh bit?

Question

ok, so i just asked a question about showing in a dutch gag, i just read a few old posts about dutch gags.

my horse behaves impeccably in a dutch gag on the second ring, she doest pull, and is very very light in the mouth, she listens to my voice and doesnt react at all to a dutch gag, i personally think she works best in this bit. sometimes i change her back to a snaffle when i dont jump her and her head feels heavier with a snaffle, and that is prob that she is used to the gag but just would like your over all views on a dutch gag.

do u think its too harsh a bit?

Answer 1

A bit is only as severe as the hands holding the reins

Answer 2

if you have light hands then no its not a harsh bit and your doing good. . . but my only thought/question is that if she doesnt pull, is very light in the mouth, listens to your voice and doesnt react at all to the dutch gag, then why use it? is it just for the "just in case times", like a sercuity blanket? i think you should ride in what your most comfty using, but at the same time why use it if the horse listens with out the need of the gag bit?

Answer 3

I agree. The only way its harsh is if you MAKE it harsh. I don't think that she will mind as long as you have a SOFT BUT FIRM hand.

Answer 4

Yes also known as a three ring gag, i sometimes had to use a gag on my pony, she's extremely strong for a small pony, i used to ride on the second ring but switched to the snaffle as she got older, now she wears an eggbutt, her mouth is still soft. Theyre a good bit if you don't have hard hands, just use rubbers on the side so as the bit doesn't pinch.

Answer 5

Its only a harsh bit if you want it to be harsh. it sounds like your using it correctly. Ive some people put it on the last ring, and crank the horses face. i see others use it one when they feel they have to, and get the best results (which im guessing is what your doing) :)

Answer 6

Since you are not asking because you have a problem, then it ain't broke so don't fix it.  the dutch gag is very severe in untrained hands...and a snaffle can never be as severe as the gag can.  If you always work with featherlight hands, the gag is never being engaged, so it isn't severe.  If you rely on bit aids much at all, it is the wrong bit.

Answer 7

Actually I don't.

I think it has the potential to be harsh but, there again so does a snaffle.

If your horse works well in this bit and you don't feel like you're in a constant tug of war situation then stick with it.

A bit is only as harsh as the force you put behind it.

Answer 8

Well...it is a very very strong bit, and if your horse doesn't take off a lot, then there is simply no need to use it. A kimberwick isn't as harsh, but gives the horse more pull on the mouth with the chain under the chin. It may feel like she is pulling on you when you use the snaffle, but its really because she is more comfortable and streching down in her neck instead of holding it up higher. =]

Hope this Helps a little =]

Answer 9

I dont think it sounds like a harsh bit the way your using it. I use a Kimberwick correction bit in my mares mouth because she is very head-strong and pulled out of the bit and now she is perfect as can be after my trainer gave me the bit! I suggest TRYING the Kimberwick correction bit as a possibility!  :))