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The Gag
The gag is a type of bit that uses leverage to increase its severity. It works on the horse's lips and poll simultaneously. The pressure on the lips tends to make the horse raise its head, which is useful for a horse that tends to take a bit down and run off. However, a gag bit encourages a high, stiff neck.
Use of the Gag
Gag bits are used mainly for horses that are strong pullers or for horses that need retraining. Gag bits are most commonly seen in polo, eventing, and show jumping. They are not permitted at any level of dressage, and are never seen worn by hunter seat horses.
Types of Gag Bits
- Gag Snaffle: **similar shape as a snaffle, with a mouthpiece and a ring on either side. Each snaffle ring has two holes: one on the top and one on the bottom. Gag cheekpieces, made of rounded leather or of rope, are run through these holes. The end on these cheekpieces, after passing through both holes, have a metal ring to which the reins are attached. When rein pressure is applied, the bit slides upward and rotates slightly in the mouth.
- Elevator:** consists of a snaffle mouthpiece with cheeks or shanks attached to the side. The upper shank has a hole to attach the ckeekpiece, the lower shank has several holes to attach the rein. The lower the rein is placed on the shank, the more severe the leverage. When rein pressure is applied, the bit rotates in the mouth and places pressure on the poll, as the upper shank moves forward, as well as on the lips.
- Dutch Gag: **Similar to the elevator, except the cheekpieces consist of stacked rings. There is usually only one ring above the mouthpiece, to which the cheekpiece is attached. The ring below that is attached straight to the mouthpiece, and acts similar to a snaffle. The lower ring(s) are for a second rein to be attached, and they provide the gag action. The lower the second rein is placed on the stack, the more leverage is applied.
Using a Gag Bit
Gags are fit in a similar manner as snaffles. They should be used with two reins when possible, so the gag action is used only when needed.
"Gag bit"