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Abbey Arch Serrated Mouth American Gag
Abbey Bits

Abbey Arch Serrated Mouth American Gag

Please note- This is a handmade item and unfortunately the current lead times are approximately 3-8 weeks, and may vary due to COVID-19.
If you need the bit urgently please contact us as we do carry a small amount of stock.

info@thehorsebitshop.com

Product Code: A_A11

£95.00

About American Gags – by Abbey Bits

The American “Gag” has been an addition to the UK tack room for over forty years. With its origins in the American Tennessee walking horse disciplines, it has been used for horses in fast work.

A true Gag bit, now more commonly referred to for greater clarity as a Running Gag, will be fitted onto specially modified bridle cheeks that allow the bit to slide upwards upon them with a strong lifting action.

The American “Gag” has long metal cheeks that extend below the mouthpiece with the rein attached to the bottom ring. As this contact is taken up a strong leverage action will be applied with the mouthpiece as the fulcrum. This will place a focused downwards pressure across the mouth tilting the mouthpiece forwards.  A downward pressure will also be applied over the poll through the bridle.

As the mouthpiece is fitted to a loose sliding section on the bit’s cheeks, there will admittedly be a short distance upon which the mouthpiece slips upwards in a gag like fashion with a certain amount of lifting action. But this is limited and the downward leverage action will soon over ride it. Looking at its origins, this make sense as the horse’s head is initially raised marginally but then brought down and inwards. The angle at which the horse holds his head and neck will affect the action of the mouthpiece across the lips tongue and bars.

It is possible to use two sets of reins on this bit by attaching a second set to the Dee at the side of the mouthpiece. On just this top rein it will have an action similar to that of a Snaffle.

The long cheeks above and below the bit can aid with directional guidance and help to a degree to keep the mouthpiece central. Care needs to be taken to make sure that the horse’s lips do not get pinched as the lever action is brought into play. Bit Guards will help to prevent this but if used a wider bit will be required to allow space for them. Generally, it is a bit for the experienced horse and rider when in fast work.

Additional information

Mouthpiece Width

4.25inch / 110mm, 4.5inch / 115mm, 5.25inch / 135mm, 5.5inch / 140mm, 5.75inch / 145mm, 5inch / 125mm, 6.25inch / 160mm, 6inch / 150mm

CHOOSE YOUR BIT

Choose your bit from our extensive range and don’t forget to select your size.

TRIAL OR BUY

Choose if you would like to buy the bit for a straight purchase or choose to Trial for 30 days

PAYMENT

Payment can be made using debit or credit card through our secure payment gateway

KEEP OR RETURN

If the bit is unsuitable and was a buy now, it can be returned if it is unused and in its original packaging. If you have opted for the 30 day trial you can return the bit within the 30 days and will receive a refund minus the hire fee applicable to the item trialled.

30 Day Trial Terms & Conditions – UK & NI

The trial fee varies per product as this price is related to the retail price.

  • Please take care of the bit, as it is the customer’s – (the holder of the account that the bit is purchased on) responsibility to make sure that the bit is kept in good condition throughout the trial period and thereafter. The customer is also responsible that the bit is kept safe from theft and loss as without return of the bit no refund will be issued.
  • It is recommended that the bits are returned via a tracked postal facility as The Horse Bit Shop cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage in the post when being returned.
  • On return of bits on 30 day trial you will receive a refund for the price of the bit minus the trial fee. No trial fee is charged for a bit not returned to us.
  • We operate a bit library and therefore the trial bit you receive may not be new but will have been fully sterilised and be fit for purpose.  If you have received a trial bit there is an option to exchange it for a brand new bit before the end of the trial period should you decide to keep the bit.
  • Normal wear is accepted on returned bits however we ask that they be returned clean and dry and fit for purpose.  Bits should not be put in the dishwasher or cleaned with abrasive material as this can damage the material.
  • The 30 day trial is not available on every bit.  Any item that does not allow you to select the ‘With 30 day trial’ option is purchase only.
  • Trials are not offered on any non-metal bit due to the fact they are not as resistant to wear and tear and cannot be sterilised to the required standards.
  • On occasion we offer trials on other items (not bits).  The terms and conditions remain the same.
  • Shipping via Royal Mail Tracked 48 is included as standard.  Tracked 24 or courier can be arranged upon request but will be subject to any extra cost.

30 Day Trial Period

  • The trial period ends 30 days following the date of dispatch and this is the return date by which the item should reach The Horse Bit Shop.
  • Dates to which the bit should be returned may be subject to change if the day falls on a Public Holiday.
  • The Horse Bit Shop reserves the right to charge extra trial fees or refuse refund if the bit is returned late.

36 Day Trial Period – Other Countries (Worldwide)

  • For other countries where shipping times are longer, the trial period will be increased to a maximum of 36 days according to the current postal delivery times. The 36 day trial period will commence from the date that The Horse Bit Shop posts the bit.  This will be the date of the email automatically sent to advise dispatch.
  • Shipping via Royal Mail International Tracked is included as standard.  Shipping via Courier can be arranged upon request but will be subject to any extra costs.
  • Any customs import charges imposed by the receiving Country are payable by the recipient.
  • Any returned bits are expected to be returned via airmail, as surface mail can take up to 50 days for some countries. Please allow plenty time for the bit to reach the UK as  you will not be entitled to a refund until the bit is returned, even if the bit is in transit. The Horse Bit Shop cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage in the post when being returned.
  • Please ensure that any customs paperwork is filled in correctly and marked as a returned item as we will not be liable for paying or refunding any import charges.
  • Upon successful return of bits on trial you will receive a refund for the price of the bit minus the trial fee. No trial fee is charged for a bit not returned to us.
  • Normal wear is accepted on returned bits however we ask that they be returned clean and dry and fit for purpose.  Bits should not be put in the dishwasher or cleaned with abrasive material as this can damage the material.
  • The trial option is not available on every bit.  Any item that does not allow you to select the ‘With 30 day trial’ option is purchase only.
  • Trials are not offered on any non-metal bit due to the fact they are not as resistant to wear and tear and cannot be sterilised to the required standards.
  • We aim to send brand new bits to alleviate the necessity to return to exchange for new however this may not always be possible.  All bits sent will be fit for purpose and fully sanitised.
  • On occasion we offer trials on other items (not bits).  The terms and conditions remain the same.

BITS VALUED/TYPEHIRE CHARGE
up to £75.00£10.50
£75.01 – £100.00£12.50
£100.01 – £125.00£14.50
£125.01 – £150.00£16.50
£150.01 – £175.00£18.50
£175.01 – £220.00£20.50
£220.01 – £250.00£22.50
£250.01 – £275.00£24.50
over £275.01£26.50