There are several variations of gags, all developed to reinforce the rein aids and increase the rider's ability to rebalance and stop the horse quickly. The primary function of a gag is to raise the horse's head, this occurs by pressure being placed on the gag rein to lift the bit upwards in the mouth. In addition to this, it also puts pressure on the poll preventing the head becoming too high. Both these actions work simultaneously to help to place the horse's head in a controllable position.
Typically these bits are beneficial on horses who are strong, lean or pull against the bit, heavy on the forehand or ride with their head too close to the ground. They are generally worn when showjumping, hacking or riding cross country when additional control is required, but are not permitted to be used in dressage.
In appearance all gags have a snaffle mouthpiece, however it is the different bit-ring designs which determines the type of gag it is. The mouthpiece is also available in an assortment of materials and styles, identical to a normal snaffle, which will increase or decrease the overall strength of these bits.
All gags should be ridden using two sets of reins, one set fitted to the snaffle area and the other set to the ring below the bit. The horse should be ridden predominately off the snaffle (top) rein and the gag (bottom) rein only used when required. If pressure is applied incorrectly on this bit it has the potential to be extremely severe, therefore should not be used by novice riders.
Not all equines work well in this type of bit and it can sometimes have the opposite desired effect. Horse may resist or lean against the pressure, or vigorously toss their head around.
These bits are fitted in the same manner as normal snaffle. Incorrect use or fitting of the gag can result in serious sores or tears of the mouth, and damage to the nerves around the poll area.
This bit is an eggbutt style snaffle, to prevent it pinching the lips during movement, with additional holes at at the top and bottom of the bit-rings. Theses slots allow for a strip of rolled leather or cord to be inserted through. The top part attaches to the headpiece, replacing the normal cheekpieces and the first set of reins attach to the snaffle rings whilst the second (gag) set of reins fasten on to the rings at the bottom.
When a contact is place on the gag rein the strips of leather, or cord, allows the bit to move upwards in the horse’s mouth, when released the bit returns to its normal position. To prevent the bit being lifted too high in the horse’s mouth, the cheekpieces should thicken at the upper level.
This bit will offer the same action as a normal snaffle, when ridden off the top rein. If the gag (bottom) rein is enforced it will lift the bit in the mouth resulting in the horse’s head being lifted. Subsequent poll pressure from this action will help create a controllable outline. It is used mostly on equine’s who lean or take hold of the bit.
The American gag has a moveable snaffle-type mouthpiece with upper cheeks and lower shanks where metal loops allow the fit of the cheekpieces and bottom set of reins. These shanks and cheeks are available at different lengths, and the longer the span between the top and bottom the greater degree of action the bit will have on the horse.
When a contact is applied down the gag rein the shanks are tilted backwards. This create two simultaneous actions. Firstly tension is placed onto the cheekpieces which applies poll pressure, secondly the bit is raised upwards in the mouth to lift the horse’s head. Both these actions work together to achieve a controllable outline.
This bit is can offer the rider control when riding equines who lean on the bit, are difficult to turn, or are strong pullers.
This bit has a loose-ring type snaffle mouthpiece with one smaller ring fitted above and between one to three rings below. The single ring above is for attaching the cheekpieces to, whilst the bottom rings offer a variety of rein settings to give different amounts of leverage.
When a contact is applied down the gag rein it tilts the bit. This create two simultaneous actions. Firstly tension is placed onto the cheekpieces which applies poll pressure, secondly the bit is raised upwards in the mouth to lift the horse’s head. Both these actions work together to achieve a controllable outline. The degree of leverage this bit offers depends on which setting the reins are attached to (the bottom ring offers the most leverage and pressure), and is determined by how much control the rider requires.
This bit can offer the rider additional control when riding strong horses. However, some equines will lean into it if they dislike the poll and mouth pressure.
