Will a dutch gag work?

[ForestGump]

Forest is strong out hacking and jumping but fine if we are doing flat work. He is currently ridden in a hanging cheek snaffle, mexican grackle and running martingale. But out hacking and jumping he is impossible to stop. He is worse out hacking and if he wants to go then he will and I have no chance of stopping him.
I was wondering if anyone thought that a dutch gag would help, even just for hacking?:confused:

[Missmandamoo]

dutch gag works on my mare, but she does no like the snaffle action so i have the french link gag they are ment to be nicer then the dutch gag snaffle. It could also make his mouth harder, if you get what i mean. Which could cause him to be harder for you to stop his in flat work??

Manda

[chev]

It may well help. If used with two reins it can be very effective - use the top rein for ordinary riding, and the bottom rein when you need the extra. It's like a form of more extreme hanging snaffle in one way, so gives a similar effect but much more so.

[ForestGump]

chev - thats what I thought that it would be stronger then his hanging cheek. I don't think that I could use two reins very well!:o Would it be ok to ride him on the snaffle ring for flat work and then put it down 1 or 2 rings for hacking?:confused:

[chev]

Two reins can be a bit of a handful so I see no reason not to try it with one rein one (or two) ring down from flat work for when he gets strong. If it works you might find you only need the extra for a while - but again, if he remains strong out hacking and the dutch gag works, your problem is solved anyway. :)

[ForestGump]

I heard that a lozenge (sp?) in the bit will make it less harsh but still give me something extra if he gets strong, is this true?

[puzzles]

Hmm ... Splah is riddne in a dutch gag on the bottom ring for schooling, hacking and jumping etc. But he is still strong, which isn't helped by his poor balance. He is difficult to stop, and when the bit is used strongly./harshly he throws his head up as he has a sensitive mouth. I can't win, I just hope it works for you!

If he puts his head down and goes then the action of a gag may be more useful in raising the head, and if he tucks it in then one from the pelham may help to tuck it in a little more.

To be honest, no stronger bit is going to make your horse stop any differently to a mild bit, as he will still feel the desire to go. I would spend time doing some quality schooling instead.

Good luck

x