The Lock Up 2.5 Ring 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 locking centre joint and curved mouthpiece are designed to remove the nutcracker action of a conventional single-jointed snaffle, so this bit will bear less pressure on the bars of the horse's mouth when rein aids are applied. The mouthpiece cannot bend beyond a certain point, so it remains in a curve in the mouth, rather than forming a V-shape that could rub the top of the horse's palate.
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.
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.
