How/What does it do differently?

[graciemoo]

Am looking at using a continental gag on Grace when jumping as at the weekend in the show we realised that we truly do have no breaks with our snaffle. So trying her on the continental over weekend ready for XC on Monday...but...what is the difference between the two and how does the continental help with strong horses?

[graciemoo]

Bump anyone?

[eventerbabe]

you mean a bit like this?
http://www.charliesdirect.co.uk/product_pages/product_details.asp?ProductID=9408

the lower the ring, the more leverage i'd have thought. I was always told the large ring is equivelant to a snaffle, the next ring down a pelham action and bottom ring a gag. I'd use such a bit with 2 reins, so your leverage/curb action only comes in when you need it.

[graciemoo]

No, its not that one. The one I have to try doesnt have the French mouth piece...
Double reins are so confusing being that I want it for SJ and XC...hacking and schooling would just put on largest...I know that, just dont know how it acts as stronger...?

[moonglow]

Am looking at using a continental gag on Grace when jumping as at the weekend in the show we realised that we truly do have no breaks with our snaffle. So trying her on the continental over weekend ready for XC on Monday...but...what is the difference between the two and how does the continental help with strong horses?

i am rubbish at bits but i have to say you are nt alone i remember with my mare the first time i realised i had no brakes was at a local show when my mare took off from the excitment of seeing a cow and decided to take out the natural fence on the under 16s clear round jumping then decided to eat what wasnt on the floor

found this on the bit

is also called a European elevator, or an American gag or an American elevator bit. Another name would be the continental gag bit. These bits operate similarly to a pelham without a curb. Some riders use two reins, allowing the one rein to act like a normal snaffle rein. Depending on the ring chosen to attach the lower rein, the poll pressure can be severe. These bits are frowned upon by some experts. They contend that there are other bits that perform the same functions better and more safely than these bits. These bits are also made as
2 ring and 4 ring versions. The bit shown is normally called a 3 ring gag. (Some books call this bit a 4 ring European elevator bit, or a 4 ring gag). These bits are usually 12mm to 14mm thick and available in sizes 5" to 5 1/2". Some people use a slightly larger size on these since they usually have a loose ring at the end of the mouth piece. A larger size is needed if rubber bit guards are used. Pictured here is a 3-ring gag Happy mouth # 17373