Three ring elevator bit?

Question

what does this bit do? i see them on alot of jumping horses

Answer 1

also known as a dutch gag? works on the principle of putting pressure on the poll and therefore giving the rider more control.  its essential the rider is capable and  has soft hands or the horse can become overbent.  i used to have a very strong eventer which i used one on i only needed to use the third hole a few times then i moved th the middle hole and not long after i managed to complete my first cross country on the snaffle ring big achievement!!!

Answer 2

I use one when I jump at a show, on the second ring as my mare gets very strong when jumping. A three-ring snaffle, sometimes called an "American gag," is a loose ring bit with distinct sidepieces composed, despite its name, of four rings. You attach the cheekpiece to the tiny top ring; then you can attach the rein to the big snaffle ring (the one that's connected to the mouthpiece) for minimal effect, the second (small) ring for moderate effect, or the third (bottom) ring for maximum effect. (Some riders attach a rein to the snaffle ring and another to the bottom ring, as on a Pelham; I prefer a single rein because it is easier to use.)

The bit works by providing:

Leverage. When you pull back on one of the lower rings with the rein, the top ring levers forward and pulls the cheekpiece down, which applies pressure to the horse's poll and encourages him to lower his head.

Lift. As you pull on the reins, the mouthpiece rides up the snaffle ring in an elevating action. When combined with a strong leg pushing the horse forward into the bridle, it helps to balance him off his forehand. (This effect can be increased by the style of mouthpiece--it's normally smooth but can be a stronger slow-twist or even a custom design.)

Turning power. The sidepieces function like the shanks of a full-cheek snaffle, helping to steer the horse by pressing against the outside of his face in a turn.

Answer 3

When the rider pulls the reins, the bit puts leverage on the poll, and eventually the corners of the mouth.

Answer 4

The three ring elevator is a commonly used type of leverage bit that gives a slight gag or elevating effect, it prevents a horse from dragging you around a course of jumps or pulling his head to low that he drops his shoulders and won't be able to rotate up and jump properly, when used correctly it helps to set a high strung horses head in place around a course (NOT a bit for making your horse "frame', it is used on exsperienced horses and riders so that they have precise control) Some horses go extremley well in them (my one TB jumper goes in it everyday he is jumping) and then others (a clients warmblood) absolutley panic in this type of action, and some are in the middle and resent and resist it. But long story short, its a bit used to elevate and leverage a horse on a jumping course, especially large open grand prix fields.