Double Jointed Copper Roller Pessoa 3 Ring Gag Bit

A Three Ring Gag (also known as a "3-ring elevator," "Dutch gag," or "American gag") is a fixed-shank gag bit — distinct from a running gag like the Cheltenham or Balding — that offers multiple, selectable levels of leverage via three (sometimes counted as four) rings on each side.

Design

• A three-ring gag has a large main ring at the mouthpiece (the "snaffle" position), with one small ring above it (for the bridle's cheekpiece) and two smaller rings below it (offering increasing leverage).
• Unlike a running gag, the mouthpiece here is generally fixed to the shank/ring assembly rather than sliding along cheekpieces threaded through holes — leverage is instead created by rein position on the different rings, similar in principle to a Pelham but with more graduated options.
• The rider chooses where to attach the rein: the main/top ring for minimal, near-snaffle effect, the middle ring for moderate leverage, or the bottom ring for maximum leverage.
• Mouthpieces vary — single-jointed, French link, or others — independent of the ring/leverage system.

Function

• Adjustable, graduated leverage: This is the defining feature — the same bit offers a spectrum of severity just by changing which ring the rein attaches to, rather than needing multiple different bits.
• Poll and mouth pressure combined: When the gag rein (middle or bottom ring) is engaged, the shanks tilt backward. This creates two simultaneous actions: tension on the cheekpieces applies poll pressure, while the bit is drawn/raised in the mouth, encouraging the horse to lower its head into a more controllable position.
• Lateral/steering support: Because the rings function somewhat like the shanks of a Full Cheek, they also add pressure to the side of the face during a turn, offering a lateral steering benefit alongside the leverage action.
• Not a "true" head-raising gag: Unlike a classic running gag (which lifts the horse's head by riding up in the mouth), most three-ring gags act more like a Dutch gag — creating the opposite visual effect, using leverage to encourage the horse to lower its head and round into a more controlled outline, rather than raising it.
• Rebalancing: The overall effect helps a horse rebalance off the forehand, offered as a tool to increase lightness, flexion, and control when used correctly.

What it's good for

• Strong horses that lean, pull, or get heavy on the forehand: The graduated leverage gives riders a tool to manage horses that need more "brakes" than a snaffle provides, especially at speed.
• Showjumping and cross-country: Very popular in these disciplines, where quick rebalancing before a fence and reliable steering matter, and where riders often need to adjust control level depending on how a horse is going that day.
• Riders wanting one bit for multiple levels of control: Because rein position can be changed, some riders treat it as "three bits in one" — using the mildest ring most of the time and dropping to a stronger ring only as needed within a round or course.
• Young horses in some cases: Occasionally used in early training for horses that need extra reinforcement of steering and rebalancing cues, though this should be done thoughtfully.

A note on severity and use

• Gag bits, including three-ring designs, can be very severe if used improperly, so guidance from a knowledgeable trainer is recommended before use.
• Using the lower rings significantly increases leverage and severity — riders should start with the mildest option that achieves the needed response.
• Sizing note: because of the multiple rings and moving parts, it's often recommended to size one size larger than a normal snaffle to avoid pinching.

Competition legality

Three-ring gags are not permitted in dressage, but are commonly used and accepted in showjumping, cross-country, and hacking where extra control is needed.

Summary

The Three Ring Gag offers adjustable, multi-level leverage in a single bit — combining poll pressure, mouth pressure, and lateral steering support — making it a versatile and popular choice for strong, forehand-heavy horses in showjumping and cross-country, with the flexibility to dial severity up or down simply by changing rein position.

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.