Blue Steel Jointed 2 Ring Gag Bit

A Two Ring Gag (also called a "2-ring elevator bit") is the simpler counterpart to the Three Ring Gag — a fixed-shank gag bit offering just two rein attachment points rather than three, giving a more limited but still adjustable range of leverage.

Design

• Like the three-ring version, it has a main ring at the mouthpiece (the "snaffle" position) and a single additional lower ring offering the gag/leverage action — rather than the two lower rings found on a three-ring gag.
• The single ring above the mouthpiece is for attaching the bridle's cheekpieces, while the bottom ring offers the leverage rein setting.
• The mouthpiece can vary — single-jointed, French link, or with a lozenge/roller — independent of the ring design.

Function

• Two rein options only: Reins can be attached to the main ring (functioning essentially as a plain snaffle) or to the bottom ring, which engages the gag/leverage action.
• Combined poll and mouth pressure: When the lower (gag) rein is engaged, tension is placed on the cheekpieces, applying poll pressure, while the mouthpiece is drawn/raised slightly in the mouth — both actions working together to help place the horse's head in a more controllable position.
• Milder than the three-ring version: Because there's only one leverage setting rather than a graduated middle-and-bottom option, the Two Ring Gag is not as severe and does not provide as much leverage as the three-ring model, which is typically reserved for very strong horses.
• Lateral/steering support: As with other multi-ring gags, the rings can also function somewhat like the shanks of a Full Cheek, adding pressure to the side of the face during a turn.
• Rebalancing: The overall action helps a horse rebalance and come back off the forehand, useful for increasing lightness and control when used correctly.

What it's good for

• Horses that need some extra "brake" but not the strongest leverage option: A good middle-ground choice for a horse that's a bit strong or leans on the bit, without needing the full range of severity a three-ring gag offers.
• Three-day eventers and jumpers: Elevator bits like this are popular in eventing and showjumping, where extra control and quick rebalancing before fences matter, particularly in cross-country and stadium phases.
• Riders wanting simplicity: With only two rein positions to choose from, it's a more straightforward option than the three-ring version, while still offering adjustable severity between "plain snaffle" and "leverage engaged."
• Horses that pull, lean, or are difficult to turn: As with other gags, useful for horses that lean on the bit, are strong pullers, or are heavy on the forehand.

A note on use and severity

• All gags, including the two-ring version, should ideally be used with two sets of reins — one on the main/snaffle ring, and one on the lower/gag ring — allowing the horse to be ridden predominantly off the snaffle rein, with the gag rein used only when needed.
• Gag bits can be very severe if used improperly, so guidance from a knowledgeable trainer is recommended, and they are not suitable for novice riders.
• Not all horses respond well to gag action — some may resist, lean against the pressure, or toss their head, so it's worth assessing the individual horse's response carefully.

Competition legality

Like other gag bits, the Two Ring Gag is not permitted in dressage, but is commonly used in showjumping, eventing (particularly cross-country), and hacking where additional control is needed.

Summary

The Two Ring Gag offers a simpler, milder version of the adjustable-leverage gag concept — combining poll and mouth pressure with some lateral support — making it a popular choice for horses that need a bit more control than a snaffle provides (especially in eventing and jumping) without requiring the stronger, more graduated leverage of a three-ring gag.

This combines the classic single-hinge mouthpiece shape with blue steel, a technologically advanced version of traditional sweet iron, pairing the direct, clear action of a single joint with a material specifically chosen to encourage strong salivation and acceptance.

Design

• The mouthpiece consists of two bars joined by a single center hinge, producing the classic "nutcracker" fold under rein pressure — the same fundamental structure as any single-jointed snaffle.
• Blue steel is an advanced version of black steel (traditional sweet iron). It oxidizes faster and more easily than standard sweet iron, developing a light surface rust when exposed to air, humidity, and saliva.
• This surface rust has a naturally sweet taste, which is the entire functional point of choosing this material.

Function

• Nutcracker action, unchanged mechanically: As with any single joint, when rein pressure is applied, the two halves fold upward at the center hinge, applying pressure to the tongue, bars, and potentially the roof of the mouth (palate) — this fundamental action is identical regardless of material.
• Strong salivation encouragement: Blue steel's oxidized surface tastes sweet, which stimulates saliva production more actively than plain stainless steel and, according to many riders, even more readily than standard black sweet iron, since it oxidizes faster and develops that taste more quickly and consistently.
• Encourages mouthing, chewing, and relaxation: The taste encourages the horse to mouth and chew the bit, which can help relax the jaw and promote a softer, more accepting contact overall.
• Direct, clear signal: As with any single joint, there's no additional link or plate diffusing the pressure — the rider's cue remains straightforward, now paired with a material actively working to keep the mouth relaxed and accepting rather than tense or resistant.
• No leverage or added severity: As with any single-jointed snaffle, this works purely on direct pressure, with no shank or curb chain.
• Cosmetic surface rust: The characteristic rust layer is a normal, expected part of how the material functions rather than a defect, and is easily wiped off with a damp cloth.

What it's good for

• Horses that are tense, dry-mouthed, or resistant to accepting contact: The strong salivation-boosting effect of blue steel is particularly useful for horses that need real encouragement to relax the jaw and soften into contact.
• Young horses starting bit training: As with copper, blue steel is a popular choice for introducing young horses to the bit, since it actively works to build positive associations and comfortable acceptance from the start.
• Nervous or anxious horses: The taste-driven relaxation effect can help settle horses that carry tension in the mouth or jaw.
• Riders wanting simple, direct communication with maximum taste-based encouragement: Suited to horses that respond well to a single joint's clarity, but would specifically benefit from blue steel's stronger salivation stimulation compared to copper or stainless steel.

A note on severity

• The nutcracker action itself is unaffected by material — blue steel doesn't soften the mechanical fold or reduce palate contact the way a double-jointed design would; its entire benefit is taste- and salivation-driven, not a reduction in the bit's underlying mechanical severity.
• As with any single joint, horses with a low palate or particularly sensitive mouth may still find the folding action uncomfortable regardless of the material, and might do better in a double-jointed blue steel alternative (like the French Link/blue steel combination discussed earlier) if that's the case.

A note on classification

• The overall lateral action still depends on the cheek style (loose-ring, D-ring, eggbutt, Full Cheek, etc.) this mouthpiece is built into.
• This is generally considered a standard, moderate mouthpiece mechanically, with blue steel adding a strong taste- and acceptance-focused benefit on top of the unchanged single-joint action.

Summary

A Single-Jointed Blue Steel bit keeps the classic, direct nutcracker action of a single-hinge mouthpiece, while blue steel's fast-oxidizing, naturally sweet surface actively encourages salivation, relaxation, and acceptance — making it a strong choice for tense, dry-mouthed, or nervous horses, and for young horses starting bit training, though the underlying mechanical action remains identical to any single-jointed snaffle regardless of material.