The Twisted Mouthpiece 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.
This bit has a slight twist in the blue sweet iron mouthpiece. The twist causes edges that result in pressure points in the horse's mouth - it increases pressure on the tongue and bars of the mouth, and also acts on the lips. This offers the rider more control than a smooth mouthpiece, and can help to prevent the horse from leaning and also aids in lifting the forehand.
The blue sweet iron oxidises in the horse's mouth to create a warm, sweet taste, which encourages mouthing, salivation and acceptance of 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 provides 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 because the half-ring softens the leverage on the mouthpiece.
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.
