The blue sweet iron Buster Roller Running Gag from Bombers Bits has a 40mm roller link in the centre.
This encourages the horse to play with the roller and soften to the contact.
The running gag helps to lift the horse's head, and is often used on horses that tend to lean, go on the forehand or pull. The cheekpieces slide through the holes in the bit rings, moving the mouthpiece upwards against the corners of the mouth and lips, which gives a clear indication to the horse to lift his head. It also exerts pressure against the mouth to bring the horse's nose inwards. The loose rings help to keep the bit mobile in the horse's mouth.
This bit is often suitable for horses with a low head carriage that tend to lean on the bit. The increased pressure on the bars, along with the running gag, acts to lift the head while the roller increases pressure on the tongue, bringing the chin in and encouraging the horse to soften as he plays with the roller.
The blue sweet iron mouthpiece encourages salivation, softening and acceptance of the bit because it oxidises easily, creating a warm, sweet taste in the horse's mouth. The double joint means the mouthpiece follows the contours of the horse's mouth, which reduces the 'nutcracker' action associated with single jointed bits, and resultant palate pressure.
This bit can be used with two reins - one attached to the bit ring and one attached to the rope - so the gag action only comes into play when it is required. We offer both rope and leather gag cheeks for your running gag. The rope slides through the rings more quickly than the leather, giving a more immediate command, whereas many people prefer the aesthetic appearance of the leather.
Please note that the blue will fade with use.
