The Happy Tongue 2.5 Ring Eggbutt Gag from Bombers Bits offers a mild gag action, which can be useful for horses that require a stronger bit than a snaffle for show jumping and cross-country.
The mouthpiece is designed with a medium port to create space for the tongue. This relieves tongue pressure and allows the horse to relax.
This bit is often suitable for horses with sensitive or large tongues, who need more control than that offered by a snaffle. Signs of sensitivity include the horse shaking his head when bit pressure is applied, putting the tongue out of the side of the mouth or putting the tongue over the bit.
The top ring is attached to the cheekpieces to apply poll pressure, resulting in the horse's head lowering, while the half-ring gives leverage, causing a head raising action. When these actions are combined, it results in a gag action. The 2.5 ring, sometimes known as a Universal, is the mildest version of a ring gag as the half-ring softens the leverage on the mouthpiece. Meanwhile, the eggbutt sides prevent pinching while giving a more direct action than a loose ring.
The blue sweet iron mouthpiece oxidises easily, creating a warm, sweet taste in the horse's mouth. This encourages mouthing, salivation and acceptance of the bit.
The reins can be attached to this bit in a number of ways to create the desired action: when attached to the big main ring it results in a hanging cheek action with poll pressure, and if attached to the bottom ring it creates a mild gag action.
Please note that the blue will fade with use.
