Here is a Full list of Leslie Smalygo's go-to barrel racing bits
Leslie Smalygo has gone from Western dressage to pleasure, to reining arenas before taking to the barrel racing arena as a trainer for many years. With her unique background, this has allowed her to develop her own training methods and find out which bits she likes the best for different reasons. Here is a list of what bits you can find in Smalygo’s trailer and why.
Reverse gag
A reverse gag bit is designed to offer more lift and collection while encouraging a horse to stay soft in the face without excessive pressure. Unlike a traditional gag bit, which allows the bit to slide upward on the cheekpieces when pressure is applied, a reverse gag bit limits the amount of vertical movement while still engaging the horse’s poll and mouth. Smalygo will put this bit on Gus if he is starting to shoulder the first barrel and can tune him up quickly before it becomes a bigger problem.
