What is a Cheltenham gag?
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THE Cheltenham is a running gag with eggbutt bit rings, which help prevent lip pinching. It is used mostly on horses that lean on the bit or take hold. The cheek pieces of the Cheltenham gag slip through slots in the bit rings to give a clearly defined aid.
What is a Nelson gag?
The eggbutt is referred to as the Cheltenham Gag, the loose ring is the Balding Gag (also referred to as the Polo Gag if the rings are larger), and the full cheek is known as the Nelson Gag which is a very popular show jumping cheek (aids turning).
How does a sliding gag bit work?
When the reins on a sliding gag are used to redirect a horse the pressure from that pull is distributed simultaneously in 2 places: on the mouth from the sliding gag bit as the mouthpiece rises (slides on the shanks) and the bit rises (slides on the cords), and on the poll from the pressure of the headstall crown piece …
What is a French gag?
Gag Curb Bits (French Gags) Gag curbs are the same concept as a regular gag, except that instead of applying additional pressure to the poll, the gag function on a French gag applies additional pressure to the curb from the second or bottom rein on the bit. These bits are used with two reins.
What is the difference between the Cheltenham gag and Nelson gag?
The Cheltenham Gag features an eggbutt ring, for a quicker action with more leverage, and the Nelson Gag which has a Full Cheek is very popular with eventers to help with twists and turns on the course. Ruth Edge is just one rider you will see using a Nelson Gag (with two reins) quite often.
What is a gag bit?
A true Gag bit has a head lifting action. It creates this by increasing pressure on the corners of the lips, asking for the horse to raise his head. In very simple terms, a running gag is accentuating the action of a snaffle. When using a gag, the cheekpieces of the bridle run through holes in the bit rings directly onto the reins.
How to use a gag on a horse?
When using a gag, the cheekpieces of the bridle run through holes in the bit rings directly onto the reins. When rein pressure is applied, the bit runs along these cheekpieces so as to draw the mouthpiece upwards in the horse’s mouth.
Is the Dutch gag a gag?
As we discovered in last month’s blog, the Dutch Gag is not a gag, but really works as a leverage bit, thus creating a head-lowering effect. A true Gag bit has a head lifting action.