Jointed 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.

This combines the classic single-joint mouthpiece shape with a soft, flexible polymer material — offering the same simple, direct signal as a metal single joint, but with the comfort and acceptance benefits polymer is specifically known for.

Design

• The mouthpiece consists of two bars joined by a single center hinge — the same basic structure as any single-jointed snaffle, producing the classic "nutcracker" fold when rein pressure is applied.
• Made of "space age" polymer, often apple-scented, molded around an internal stainless steel core for strength, though the steel isn't in direct contact with the mouth.
• Unlike rubber, polymer tends to be firmer and more consistently shaped, holding its form well while still offering more give than plain metal.

Function

• Softened nutcracker effect: The underlying single-joint mechanics are unchanged — the two halves still fold upward at the center hinge under rein pressure, and the joint can still rise toward the palate. But because the mouthpiece is polymer rather than rigid metal, the sensation is considerably gentler, even though the fold itself is identical to a metal version.
• Warm, consistent contact: Polymer maintains a more neutral temperature than metal, avoiding the "cold bit" sensation, and offers a smooth, non-abrasive surface against the tongue, bars, and lips.
• Encourages acceptance: The pleasant scent and soft material are specifically designed to make horses more willing to accept and mouth the bit, often reducing head-tossing or resistance associated with a plain metal single joint.
• Direct, simple, softened signal: As with any single joint, there's no additional link or plate diffusing the pressure — the rider's cue stays clear and direct — but the polymer takes the harsh edge off that directness.
• No leverage or added severity: As with any single-jointed snaffle, this works purely on direct pressure, with no shank or curb chain.

What it's good for

• Horses apprehensive of metal or resistant to a plain metal single joint: A useful option for horses that need the clear, straightforward signal of a single joint but respond poorly to hard metal contact.
• Young or green horses starting bit work: The scent and soft material help create positive early associations with contact, easing the introduction to bit pressure.
• Horses with sensitive lips, bars, or mouth corners: The polymer's give reduces the risk of pinching or bruising compared to a rigid metal mouthpiece.
• Cold-weather riding: Polymer stays at a more consistent, comfortable temperature than metal, which matters for horses sensitive to a cold bit, especially in winter.
• Riders wanting simple, direct communication with added comfort: Suited to horses that respond well to the clarity of a single joint but benefit from a gentler material than stainless steel.

A note on comparison to rubber

• Polymer tends to be more durable and holds its shape better than rubber over time, particularly with horses that are moderate chewers, though it's still not indestructible — persistent or strong chewers can still cause wear or damage, which typically isn't covered under warranty.
• Compared to rubber, polymer is generally firmer, so while it's gentler than metal, it may give slightly less than a soft rubber mouthpiece — meaning it's somewhat less likely to invite leaning in horses prone to pushing into a very yielding mouthpiece.

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 mild-to-moderate mouthpiece — softer than a metal single joint due to the material, but still carrying more of a "fold" sensation centrally than a French Link, lozenge, or mullen mouth, since the single-joint mechanics remain unchanged underneath the polymer.

Summary

A Single-Jointed Polymer bit keeps the classic, direct communication of a single-hinge mouthpiece while softening its typical harshness and adding a taste- and material-driven acceptance boost — making it a popular, comfort-focused option for horses that respond well to a single joint's clarity but need gentler material, particularly useful for young horses, sensitive mouths, or those wary of metal.