3 Ring Continental French Link Snaffle

The 3 ring continental french link snaffle bit can also be known as a 2 ring, dutch gag or even as a bubble bit. French link mouthpieces soften the action of a single jointed bit by eliminating the nutcracker action, by means of a shaped flat plate which lies accross the horses tongue. Continental bits work by raising the bit up in the horses mouth in a similar manor to a conventional gag, but there is a limit to the extent this can happen thus lessening the severity. In addition to this, a lot of poll pressure can be achieved with the lower ring of the dutch gag which is why ideally two reins should be used to ensure a correct contact can be maintained on the snaffle rein without poll pressure when necessary. The cheek of the jointed 3 ring dutch gag involves a series of steel rings, the main snaffle ring with one smaller ring above and below, useful for horses that do not need the added poll pressure of a further lower ring as in the 4 ring version of the continental gag. Correctly, the 3 ring bit should be used with two reins, one on the main snaffle ring, and a second on the lower smaller ring. Often this bit is only used with one rein on the lower ring, but ideally if only one rein is to be used the bit should be used with roundings to maintain a better contact with the horses mouth.

• double jointed french link mouthpiece eliminates the nutcracker action
• Ideally used with two reins or roundings with a single rein for the best effect
• Also know as a 3 ring dutch gag or 2 ring snaffle
• Exerts poll pressure and a limited gag action
• Pony size bits (4 1/2" & 5") feature a smaller, more appropriately sized cheek
• Bit strength: moderate