Got an amazing jumper, but need a bit more control?

In just a moment I'll tell you about the bit that all the professionals use, to help keep their own horses under control and jump clear rounds.
Run through this quick check list to see if it could also improve your jumping results
 
Does your horse:
- Lean on your current bit?
- Rush at the fence?
- Flatten out over the jump?
- Seem to have no brakes?
- Throw his head up in response to rein pressure?
- Just not seem to listen once jumps are in sight?

The 4-ring jointed Dutch Gag could be just the ticket for you!
By combining a gentle double-jointed snaffle mouth with leverage, as offered by the lower rings, this bit provides curb-type poll pressure to help shorten and package the stride. This can help steady and balance your horse on approach to the jump, improve responsiveness to your rein aid, and ensure your horse is actually listening to you while jumping - letting you once again become the pilot, not just the passenger!


Tried it before, really?
If you've tried a 'regular' old-style, single jointed Dutch gag in the past, you may have found your horse hated it and just threw is head up/ opened his mouth to try avoid the pressure. This double jointed mouthpiece is a huge improvement on the old style. The French Link (double broken mouth) will conform around the tongue and place pressure more equally over the tongue, bars and lips. Any nutcracker effect is reduced & allows the rider independent control over the two sides of the mouth. Many horses are more comfortable with bits that conform around their mouth as it dosen't pinch and poke up into the sensitive roof of the mouth.

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The 4 special characteristics of a Dutch gag:

• The Dutch gag typically consists of four rings: the top one where the cheek pieces attach and then three lower rings.
• This is perfect because it gives you a choice of how strong you make the bit.
• The variety of rein settings, depending on how much control is required, allow you to start of with the most basic setting, which is similar to a hanging snaffle (or Baucher bit).
• The further down you place your reins, the more you increase the leverage action, and thus the breaking power this bit offers.

Combined, the characteristics of this bit can help you steady and collect your horse, set him back on his haunches before the fence, and jump more accurately and safely in the show jumping ring or out on the cross country course. 

Get your jumping sorted this season!
Check out our 4-ring double-jointed Dutch Gag HERE