Horse Equipment – The Gag Bit
Okay, for all you comedians out there reading this, gag bits are not referring to a comedy act. It is actually an essential part of horseback riding equipment that a horse professional uses when riding a horse. It is used with a variety of horses for many reasons. It is not uncommon to see the bits being used when the horse is first being trained for riding. There are five commonly used gag bits. Which gag bit you need will determine the purpose of your specific riding habits and styles.
The five most commonly used gag bits by a horse professional are: elevator, Dutch, American, gag snaffle and half-ring. Each one has similar construction and style but the usage is different. The most common use is for keeping a horse reigned in and the neck arched. There are many instances in competition where gag bits are not allowed. The desire is to show the neck and show that the horse is well trained. Gag bits are used to help the horse expert re-break the horse in or to control their speed. Many horses, if given the chance, will race away whenever the need suits them. Gag bits prevent this and allow the rider to have more control.
There is controversy with animal rights groups on whether a gag bit is humane. You have to consider that most animal rights groups, especially the more extreme groups, believe that riding a horse is barbaric and that it injures the animal. Yes, there are those who are cruel and will cause a horse pain, but at the same time there are many owners who love and treat their horses with respect. In the wrong hands, gag bits can be inhumane and damage a horse’s mouth but a horse expert knows how to use this piece of equipment in the correct manner.
There is a wealth of information on the internet, in bookstores and from local horse trainers about your particular animal’s needs. Each horse has a unique temperament and will need different training methods. Much depends on your riding style and what area of sports you compete with the animal. If you own racehorse stock, then you will have to use different methods than those who own jumping horses or thoroughbreds. Do a little bit of research and you will find a method and equipment that works well for you and your horse that may or may not use a gag bit.
Pets Editor
Equus Magazine – Equus stands out among the rest for its informative articles and the latest news on horse information and horse healthcare.
[...] Horse Equipment – The Gag Bit By Pets Editor Okay, for all you comedians out there reading this, gag bits are not referring to a comedy act. It is actually an essential part of horseback riding equipment that a horse professional uses when riding a horse. … Pet Care Information – http://www.pets-info-resources.com/blog [...]
As this article states the gag bit really is a very important part of any riders list of equipment. Don’t discount the importance of this piece of equipment, it may come back to bite you!