Oval Link Cheltenham Gag Bit

A Cheltenham gag is a type of "running gag" bit — a category of gag snaffle recognized by its eggbutt-style rings with holes, through which specially adapted rounded leather or rope cheekpieces are threaded to create a leverage-lifting action.

Design

• The bit itself resembles an eggbutt snaffle, but the rings have holes rather than being solid.
• Gag cheekpieces (rounded leather or rope, sold separately) pass through these holes and attach to the bridle above and to a small ring below, where the reins are fastened — this describes their action as the bit runs upwards on the bridle's specially adapted rounded leather or nylon cord cheek pieces, with these cheek pieces passing through the bit's specially adapted sides, concluding in rings to which a set of reins are attached. Horse & Hound
• When rein pressure is applied via the gag cheekpiece, the bit slides upward and rotates slightly in the mouth. Wikipedia
• The mouthpiece is most commonly single-jointed, though other options exist.
• Severity is influenced by ring size, with larger rings allowing for more pronounced gag action. Wikipedia

Function

• Head-raising action: Gags work by raising the bit up in the horse's mouth and applying poll pressure, with the effect usually lifting the horse's head. Unicorn SaddleryTheSaddleryShop
• Nutcracker effect: With a single-jointed mouthpiece, a 'nutcracker' action applies pressure to the tongue and bars of the mouth. Unicorn Saddlery
• Smoother, steadier action than other gags: The eggbutt rings help prevent the bit from moving around too much in the mouth, and can encourage the horse to stretch forward into the contact. This makes Cheltenham gags a steady, smooth-acting gag with non-pinch cheeks, a good option for horses sensitive to pinching even with bit guards. Horse & HoundEquusport
• No upper limit on lift: Gags are strong bits and need to be used with care, as there is no limit to the amount they can be raised in the mouth. Strong rein pressure can lift the bit two inches or more, risking discomfort, pinching, or tearing at the corners of the lips. TheSaddleryShopWikipedia
• Two reins recommended: It's recommended for use with two reins — one attached to the end of the cheek straps, and one directly to the bit rings, with the bit-ring rein acting as a normal eggbutt snaffle would — giving the rider the option to use plain snaffle pressure most of the time, engaging the gag action only when needed. Horse & Hound
• Can help with tongue-over-bit issues: The high position of the mouthpiece in use can sometimes help prevent a horse from getting its tongue over the bit. TheSaddleryShop

What it's good for

• The Cheltenham gag is used mostly on horses that lean on the bit or become strong during fast work. Horse & Hound
• It's often used for fast work and jumping disciplines such as cross country, where the head may need to be raised quickly to gain control. Unicorn Saddlery
• It's most commonly seen in eventing and showjumping when increased control is required. Horse & Hound
• Experienced riders only: This bit should be used by experienced riders only, given the strength of the leverage action and the skill needed to manage two reins effectively. Horse & Hound

Competition legality

Gag bits, including the Cheltenham, are generally not dressage-legal and are restricted to disciplines like eventing (cross-country phase), showjumping, and some hunting contexts where stronger control is accepted.

Summary

The Cheltenham gag is a smooth, steady-acting running gag that raises the bit and applies poll pressure to help control strong, leaning, or fast-moving horses — best used with two reins by an experienced rider, and reserved for disciplines like cross-country and showjumping rather than dressage.

This pairs the rounded, smooth-sided lozenge center piece with stainless steel throughout — the most standard, low-maintenance bitting material, offering the lozenge's comfortable shape without any specific taste- or salivation-boosting properties.

Design

• Like the French Link, the oval/lozenge mouthpiece is double-jointed — two outer sections plus a center piece — but the center piece is rounded and oval-shaped (smooth-sided) rather than a flat plate.
• Because it's rounded rather than flat, it has no thin edges, unlike a French Link's flat plate, which can present an edge depending on how it settles in the mouth.
• Stainless steel is durable, tasteless, and non-rusting — it stays neutral and consistent over time, with no natural salivation-boosting properties (unlike blue steel/sweet iron or copper).

Function

• Rounded, even pressure distribution: Because the lozenge is smooth and oval all the way around, there's no edge to dig into the tongue regardless of how the bit sits or rotates in the mouth — a consistently gentle, "wrapped" feel.
• No nutcracker effect: As with any double-jointed mouthpiece, the two joints eliminate the sharp folding/pinching action of a single joint, distributing pressure across the tongue and bars rather than concentrating it.
• No edge to worry about, unlike a French Link: Because the French Link's flat plate can present a thin edge depending on its exact angle in the mouth, some riders and trainers specifically prefer the lozenge shape to remove that variable entirely — the smooth roundness means the horse experiences essentially the same gentle contact regardless of the bit's precise orientation.
• Independent side movement: The double-joint construction allows each side of the mouthpiece some independent movement, giving clearer lateral and flexion cues than a single joint.
• Neutral, consistent material: Stainless steel doesn't oxidize, stain, or develop a taste of its own — so unlike the blue steel or copper versions, this combination offers no built-in acceptance or salivation boost. The mouthpiece's comfort comes purely from its shape.
• No leverage or added severity: This remains a true snaffle, working purely through direct pressure with no shank or curb chain.

What it's good for

• Horses with small mouths, low palates, or big tongues: The rounded lozenge shape suits horses with limited mouth space, since there are no edges to catch regardless of positioning.
• Horses that seem uncomfortable in a flat French Link: Some horses fuss, gape, or resist a French Link's flat plate but settle comfortably in a rounded lozenge — individual preference between the two shapes varies quite a bit horse to horse, so this is worth trying if a French Link hasn't suited a particular horse.
• Riders wanting a dependable, low-maintenance, all-purpose mouthpiece: Stainless steel's practicality (no rust, no staining, easy to clean) combined with the lozenge's comfortable, edge-free shape makes this a solid, versatile "default" choice.
• Horses that don't need extra taste-based encouragement: Suited to horses that already accept contact well and don't require the additional salivation stimulation that blue steel or copper mouthpieces are designed to provide.
• General schooling and everyday use across most disciplines: A mild, comfortable, and practical mouthpiece choice for a wide range of horses and riding levels.

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 pairing sits at the mild end of the spectrum, similar in gentleness to a French Link, but with a rounder, edge-free profile and no material-based acceptance boost — comfort here comes entirely from shape rather than taste or texture.

Summary

A Double-Jointed Oval/Lozenge bit in stainless steel offers a smooth, edge-free, evenly distributing mouthpiece shape paired with the most practical, low-maintenance, and widely accepted bitting material — making it a dependable, comfortable, all-purpose choice, particularly well suited to horses with small mouths or low palates, or those that respond better to a rounded lozenge than a flatter French Link, without needing any specialized taste or salivation-boosting material.