Double Jointed French Link 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.

This combines the French Link's flat, evenly-distributing center plate with polymer-covered outer bars — pairing the mildest common double-jointed mouthpiece shape with a soft, palatable material at the points where the mouthpiece rests against the lips and bars.

Design

• The French Link structure remains: a double-jointed mouthpiece with a flat, rounded center lozenge between two outer sections, lying smoothly against the tongue rather than at an angle.
• The outer bars are coated in a soft, flexible polymer, often scented (commonly apple), while the center French Link plate is typically left as plain metal (usually stainless steel), uncoated.
• This mirrors the same construction logic seen in the polymer Dr. Bristol discussed earlier — soft polymer where the mouthpiece contacts the lips and bars, with the functional center piece left in its original material.

Function

• Softer contact at the bars and mouth corners: The polymer-covered bars feel warmer and gentler against the lips and bars than plain stainless steel, and stay at a more neutral, comfortable temperature regardless of weather.
• Retained French Link comfort at the tongue: The flat center lozenge continues to eliminate the "nutcracker" action of a single joint, distributing pressure evenly across the tongue without any sharp or angled edges — since the French Link is already the mildest double-jointed shape, this combination doubles down on comfort rather than adding control.
• Encourages acceptance: The pleasant scent and soft feel of the polymer bars can help horses that are naturally apprehensive of metal, or slow to accept contact, settle more readily and develop positive associations with the bit.
• Even, gentle pressure throughout: Unlike the Dr. Bristol/polymer combination (where the metal center plate still delivers sharper control), the French Link/polymer pairing keeps the entire mouthpiece experience mild — there's no "sharper" mechanism being preserved underneath the soft coating.
• No leverage or added severity: As with any French Link, this remains a true snaffle acting purely on direct pressure.

What it's good for

• Young, green, or very sensitive horses: This is one of the gentlest overall mouthpiece combinations available — ideal for horses just learning to accept a bit, or those with particularly sensitive mouths, lips, or bars.
• Horses apprehensive about cold or hard metal contact: The polymer's warmth and softness can help horses that resist or brace against an all-metal mouthpiece.
• Building positive early associations with contact: The scent and comfort focus make this a popular choice specifically for establishing trust and ease during early bitting and training.
• Horses with sensitive tongues, lips, or bar conformation: The combination of a flat lozenge (gentle on the tongue) and soft polymer bars (gentle on the lips/bars) addresses comfort at every contact point in the mouth.
• Riders prioritizing comfort and acceptance over any added control: Since neither the French Link shape nor the polymer material adds any extra "bite," this is best suited to horses that don't need more control than a standard mild snaffle offers.

A note on classification

• As with the other combinations discussed, the overall lateral action still depends on the cheek style (loose-ring, D-ring, Full Cheek, etc.) this mouthpiece is built into.
• This particular pairing sits at the mild end of the spectrum — there's no equivalent to the Dr. Bristol's retained "control mechanism" here, since the French Link itself has no sharp or angled element to preserve. The whole point of this combination is comfort and acceptance, not a blend of control and softness.

Summary

A Double-Jointed French Link bit with polymer bars combines the gentlest double-jointed mouthpiece shape with a soft, warm, palatable material at every point of contact — making it one of the mildest, most comfort-focused bit options available, particularly well suited to young, green, or sensitive horses that benefit from an approachable, encouraging introduction to bit contact.