Gags: Waterford Nelson Gag 15mm @ shop4bits.com

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Neue Schule Waterford Nelson Gag 15mm Thick Mouth Piece available in sizes 5" - 6" in 1/4" increments.

The Neue Schule Salox is Neue Schule’s unique composition - This is a warmer softer metal with a very high copper content and Neue Schule additive to maximise on oxidation (Nickel Free). This promotes salivation, mouthing, acceptance and harmony. Many horses that have previously only been bittable in rubber or nylon have proven extremely comfortable in the Neue Schule Salox. All bits in the Neue Schule Collection have high density stainless steel rings, cheeks, etc., for appearance and durability.

The Action of the English Gag (Running Gag - Lifting Action)

The recommendation is to ride on two reins and I would generally endorse this as I have known horses start off brilliantly on one rein and end up over-bending (chin on chest). It helps tremendously with brakes and outline and is often used on horses that are strong, heavy in front (on the forehand) or too deep (head too near the ground). It is available with rolled leather cheeks (aesthetically more pleasing) but not as fast in their action as our rope cheeks that slip back and forth through the rings much more quickly, giving a faster and more clearly defined aid, however, you will find Neue Schule gags have slightly larger rings so the rolled leather cheeks do slide more easily if you prefer to use leather cheeks. 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).

The Action of the Full Cheek

This reinforces the turning aids and providing the mouthpiece is the correct size (snug fit) will not allow the mouthpiece to slide back and forth across the tongue and bars thus reducing friction. If the upper cheek is fixed to the bridle cheekpiece with fulmer keepers this will fix the mouthpiece in the mouth and also give some poll pressure. The full cheek is very useful for babies as it will not allow the bit to pull through the mouth. It is common practice to start babies in the full cheek and they are also ridden away (introduced to road work, general hacking etc.) in the full cheek although at this stage of their training I would not generally fix it as we wish to encourage mouthing and acceptance.

The Waterford Mouthpiece

The shape of the Neue Schule Waterford differs from the conventional - it is slightly slimmer and is not as spherical a shape but more of a smooth barrel incorporating a slight rise in the centre of each link. Sometimes people look at the Waterford and have a problem with it but horses generally do not as it is not rigid in the mouth but fluid, bending in every direction. It therefore usually suits any type of mouth conformation and is excellent for horses that lean or pull down as it gives specific pressure across the mouth where the balls are thereby creating a head raising action and also helps tremendously with control. It also prohibits the horse from "grabbing" the bit between the teeth as the Waterford is extremely difficult to gain any purchase on. It generally promotes mouthing and salivation. The Waterford is usually worn ¼" - ½" (6 -12 mm) longer than your traditional mouthpiece in order to curl around the lips and maximize the effect. However, the Waterford when in the Pelham is not worn any longer than normal otherwise there will be no curb action. The Waterford Pelham is a very popular bit in the show ring especially for the show cobs as they usually have thick cresty necks and have a habit of "setting themselves".

Price: £59.95

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