Every bit in this section adds poll pressure or lift in the mouth to what a snaffle does, and some add both. They are mostly seen across country and in the jumping ring, on a horse that runs on with his head up or gets flat and fast into a fence.
Universals, also called Dutch gags or continentals, have the cheekpiece buckled to a small top ring and the rein on the big ring or one of the rings below it. Take a contact and the cheek pivots, drawing the cheekpiece down so some of the pressure moves from the mouth to the poll. With the rein on the big ring, level with the mouthpiece, there is hardly any lever and the bit rides close to a snaffle. Each ring lower adds poll pressure. Many riders use two reins, one on the big ring and one lower, so the extra is there only when they ask for it.
True gags have the gag cheek, a rounded leather or cord strap, running through holes in the bit rings to the rein. Taking the gag rein slides the bit up towards the corners of the mouth, so the horse feels lift as well as poll pressure. The running gags, including the eggbutt Cheltenham and the loose ring Balding, work this way and need a second, plain rein. You will also find fixed ring gags, the loose ring gags and multi-ring bits, and replacement gag cheeks and gag straps.
A curb strap on a universal is optional. Fitted between the top rings, it limits how far the cheek can turn and adds a little chin groove pressure. Riders use one to sit a horse up in front of a fence. There is more in our article what does a universal bit do?
If your horse goes well in a particular snaffle mouthpiece, start by looking for the same one on a gag cheek.
Measuring and fitting. Measure the mouthpiece between the inside edges of the rings on a bit that fits. Set the height as you would a snaffle, with the rein on the big ring, and check the top ring and cheekpiece sit clear of the eye. On a running gag, make sure the cheeks run freely.
Many of the metal bits here can go on our 30 day trial; non-metal ones are sold outright. For help with ring position or size, ring 01405 861800.
It adds poll pressure to the action of the mouthpiece. When you take a contact the cheek rotates and draws the cheekpiece down onto the poll, which asks the horse to lower his head. The lower the ring you use, the stronger that effect.
Strictly speaking, no, although it is often sold as a Dutch gag. On a universal the cheekpiece is buckled to a fixed ring and the bit works by lever action. On a true gag the cheek slides through the rings, so the bit lifts in the mouth.
Start on the highest ring that does the job, usually the big ring with a second rein lower down. Moving down a ring is easy if you need more. Riding permanently on the bottom ring takes away the difference between the two reins.
No, it is optional. A strap reduces how far the cheek can rotate and adds some chin groove pressure, which changes the feel of the bit. Choose a soft leather strap if you do fit one.
Not sure of the width? How to measure a horse bitHow leverage bits work