Double Jointed Copper Roller Pessoa 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.

Like the blue steel version, this describes a mouthpiece material and design combination that can be built onto various cheek styles (loose-ring, D-ring, Full Cheek, or even a gag) — so the cheek/ring choice still determines the bit's lateral action, while these features shape the feel in the mouth itself.

Breaking down the features

• Polymer mouthpiece:
• Made from a synthetic "space age" polymer rather than metal — often scented (commonly apple) to encourage acceptance.
• Feels warmer and softer than metal against the tongue and bars, generally regarded as gentler and more forgiving, especially for horses that are apprehensive about metal bits or have sensitive mouths.
• Well accepted by most horses due to both the softer material and the palatable scent.
• Double-jointed construction:
• Consists of three parts — two outer sections plus a center link — rather than a single hinge.
• This reduces palate pressure and distributes contact more evenly across the tongue, bars, and corners of the mouth compared to a single-jointed mouthpiece, avoiding the sharper "nutcracker" action of a single joint.
• Allows greater mobility in the mouthpiece, which can improve comfort and reduce resistance in many horses.
• The size and shape of the center link influences how much tongue pressure is applied — a thicker center link means more tongue pressure, making mouthpiece choice somewhat adaptable to individual mouth conformation.
• Copper roller:
• A small rotating roller, usually pure copper (often 99.9%), set into the center of the mouthpiece.
• Copper is a soft, warm metal with a taste horses generally find pleasant, which encourages salivation and helps keep the mouth moist.
• The roller also gives the horse's tongue something to engage with, which can promote relaxation, softening, and a quieter, more settled mouth — while also giving restless or fidgety horses a constructive outlet.
• In some designs, the rolling action additionally discourages leaning on the bit, since a horse can't get a fixed, stable purchase against a moving roller.

What it's good for

• Horses that are apprehensive about metal or slow to accept a bit: The combination of a soft, palatable polymer mouthpiece and a pleasant-tasting copper roller is specifically aimed at improving comfort and acceptance.
• Horses with sensitive mouths or dislike of "cold" metal contact: The polymer's warmth and give can make the overall feel gentler than an all-metal mouthpiece.
• Horses that need encouragement to relax the jaw and salivate: Useful for tense, dry-mouthed, or resistant horses, similar in intent to sweet iron or copper metal bits.
• Horses that fidget, chew excessively, or seem to need something to do with their tongue: The roller offers a controlled, contained outlet for that tendency.
• Horses that lean on contact: The rolling action can discourage a horse from bracing against a fixed mouthpiece.
• Young or green horses learning to accept contact: Often used as an approachable, comfort-focused introduction to bit acceptance.

A note on classification

• As with the blue steel/brass roller combination, the overall severity and lateral action still depends on the cheek style the mouthpiece is built into — a loose-ring version will feel different from the same mouthpiece on a Full Cheek or gag bit, which would add steering support or leverage respectively.
• This mouthpiece and material combination is generally considered mild, prioritizing comfort, salivation, and acceptance rather than added control.

Summary

A double-jointed polymer mouthpiece with a copper roller combines a soft, warm, palatable material with an evenly-distributing double joint and a salivation-encouraging copper roller — making it one of the gentler, more comfort-focused mouthpiece options available, well suited to sensitive, apprehensive, tense, or fidgety horses that benefit from extra encouragement to relax and accept the bit, regardless of which cheek/ring style it's paired with.