The Colin Miles 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. It has a 55mm centre piece with rings, which creates tongue pressure if the horse becomes strong and also gives the horse something to play with, encouraging a soft contact and helping to keep the horse's attention on the bit.
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 bar and palate pressure.
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.
