Aurion Loose Ring Gag Double Jointed with Lozenge

A 14mm double jointed Aurion mouthpiece on a loose ring gag cheek, for horses that drop the head to evade the bit.

Suitable for horses that:

• Lower the head and take hold

• Bear down and become difficult to pick up

• Travel heavy on the forehand between fences

• Go flat and strong across country

How it works

Mouthpiece. 14mm, double jointed, with curved cannons angled forward to follow the shape of the tongue. The lozenge lies flat on the tongue rather than standing upright between tongue and palate, so tongue pressure is spread across the width of the tongue. There is no nutcracker action and nothing reaches the palate. Cannons and lozenge are the same alloy throughout.

Cheek piece. A gag raises the bit in the mouth to encourage the head to lift, which is the answer for a strong horse that lowers the head to escape the action of the bit. When the gag rein is taken the mouthpiece slides up the cheekpiece, poll pressure is applied, and the bit rotates slightly so more pressure reaches the tongue and bars. It is ridden on two reins, one on the bit ring and one on the gag rein, with the gag rein brought into play only when it is needed.

Technical Details

Material. Aurion is a high copper concentrated alloy. Copper oxidises gently in saliva and gives off a faint sweet, metallic taste, which draws the horse to mouth the bit and salivate. Because the whole mouthpiece is Aurion and not just the centre link, that taste runs the full length of the bar. Aurion also warms towards body temperature faster than steel. The colour deepens with use. Cheeks are stainless steel. 

Allow 2 to 5mm clearance at each side so the ring can rotate. Aim for one to two soft wrinkles at the corners of the mouth. Gag cheekpieces are required and are not supplied with the bit. Cord runs faster and gives a sharper action; rolled leather runs more slowly and softly.

Size and fit