“Loose ring gag” covers two kinds of bit, and this section holds both.
The multi-ring gag. About two thirds of the bits here are multi-ring gags, sold as 2.5, 3 and 4 ring, continental, Dutch, Pessoa or universal. A small ring above the large ring takes the cheekpiece, and the rein goes on the large ring or one of the smaller rings below it. With the rein on a lower ring, a contact rotates the cheek and draws the cheekpiece down, adding poll pressure, and the lower the ring, the stronger the effect. Where the mouthpiece runs loose through the large ring, the bit keeps some of the play of a loose ring snaffle, which an eggbutt universal does not.
The sliding loose ring gag. Most of the rest are sliding gags, such as the Balding and the plain loose ring gag. A rounded cord or leather cheek runs through holes at the top and bottom of each loose ring to the rein, so the mouthpiece slides up when the gag rein is used, and the bit still moves in the mouth between times. The eggbutt Cheltenham is listed with the running gags, and replacement straps are under gag straps.
Who they suit. Both are for a strong horse, usually in the jumping ring or across country, that runs on with his head high or leans between fences. Both work best with two reins: one on the big ring doing the everyday work like a snaffle, the other on a lower ring or the gag cheek, used only when you need it. Our article what does a universal bit do? explains ring choice in more detail.
Mouthpieces. Choose the mouthpiece as you would on a loose ring snaffle. Straight bar and jointed mouthpieces are both here, some with rollers, and some in softer non-metal materials.
Measuring and fitting. Measure the mouthpiece between the inside of the two large rings on a bit that fits. On loose rings, allow no more than an eighth of an inch either side so the rings turn freely without pinching. Set the height as for a snaffle and check the cheekpiece hangs straight and clear of the eye. On a sliding gag, make sure the cheek runs freely.
Many of the metal bits here can go on our 30 day trial; non-metal ones are sold outright. Ring 01405 861800 for help choosing a ring set-up.
The name is used for two bits. One is a multi-ring gag, where smaller rings on a large ring give lower rein positions that add poll pressure. The other is a loose ring with a gag cord running through it, which lifts the bit in the mouth when the gag rein is used.
A 4 ring gag has one more rein position below the mouthpiece. Each lower ring adds poll pressure, so a 4 ring gives you a stronger option if you need it. Most riders still spend most of their time on the big ring.
In this shop the Pessoa bits sit with the multi-ring loose ring gags, because they work in the same way. The Dutch gag is also known as the Pessoa gag.
It is strongly recommended. With two reins, the snaffle rein does the everyday work and the gag action is there only when you ask for it.
Not sure of the width? How to measure a horse bitHow leverage bits work