Instructions
Decide if a gag bit is the right choice. Research the advantages and disadvantages as well as the risks and dangers of using a gag bit. You should never use a gag bit if you have a hard time keeping your balance in your seat, if you are a novice or if you have unsteady hands. Pulling on the gag bit rein to keep your balance will be painful for the horse.
Contact a professional horse trainer for instructions on how to fit and use a gag bit before using one. You should be able to find phone numbers for horse trainers in the yellow pages of the phone book. Your local feed and grain store might also be able to refer you to a good horse trainer. Gag bits are too dangerous to be used without proper instruction.
Fit the gag bit properly. Place your fingers on the corner of the bit where it joins the rings and push down to straighten it in the horse's mouth. The mouthpiece on the bit should make contact with both corners of the mouth and be tight enough to cause one or two small creases in the skin. Never use a gag bit fitted loosely; the impact will be too great and will injure the horse.
Attach two reins to the bit. One rein should be attached to the bit to allow you to use it like a snaffle and the other one to the gag cheek pieces.
Use the snaffle rein when riding your horse only applying pressure with the gag rein when the horse gets out of control.
How to Use a Horse Gag Bit
A gag bit for a horse is similar to a snaffle but has an additional attachment that gives you an extra twelve inches leverage. A gag bit is the most dangerous of all bits. It can cause severe injuries to the horse if it is not fitted and used correctly. Gag bits are very controversial. Some people feel they need to use them to have proper control of their horse. Gag bits should not be used by a novice or someone with unsteady hand.