Dutch Gag, German Silver Lozenge

Extra brakes with a gentle, tongue-friendly mouthpiece. This universal 3 ring bit (also called a Dutch gag, continental or Pessoa bit) has a double-jointed German silver mouthpiece with a center lozenge. The thick 16 mm mouthpiece spreads pressure gently, and two rein positions let you choose a soft snaffle feel or extra brakes.

Specifications

• Sizes: 5", 5.5", 6" (other sizes made to order)
• Mouthpiece: German silver (a copper alloy), double jointed with center lozenge, tapered
• Mouthpiece thickness: 16 mm
• Rings: stainless steel

Key features

• 2 rein positions: main ring for a soft, snaffle-like feel; lower ring for more control and poll pressure.
• Double jointed with center lozenge: lies softly over the tongue, with no nutcracker action.
• Thick 16 mm mouthpiece: spreads pressure over a wider area.
• German silver: a copper-rich alloy that encourages salivation and a soft, wet mouth.
• Tapered shape: slimmer near the center for tongue comfort.
• Stainless steel rings: strong and rust-resistant.

Often chosen for

• Horses that get strong or heavy in front when jumping or in fast work
• Horses that dislike a curb but respond well to poll pressure
• Sensitive horses that need a gentle mouthpiece with extra control options
• Horses with a dry mouth
• Show jumping, eventing, cross country and hacking

How to use

• Top ring: attach to your bridle cheekpieces.
• Main ring: snaffle rein, no leverage.
• Lower ring: adds leverage and poll pressure.
• Best with two reins, or with roundings for one rein, so you use the lower ring only when needed.

Please note: the lower ring adds strong poll pressure, so this bit works best with experienced riders and soft, steady hands. German silver contains nickel, so it's not recommended for horses with a known nickel allergy. Every horse is different, so check your show rules before competing.

Compare our Dutch gags

• This bit: German silver, double jointed with lozenge, 16 mm. Gentle on the tongue.
• Sweet Iron Dutch Gag: ported, unjointed. For tongue relief.
• Hollow Mouth Dutch Gag: 18 mm single jointed stainless steel. For sensitive bars.

How to measure

1. Place a piece of string in your horse's mouth where the bit sits.
2. Mark both sides at the corners of the lips.
3. Measure between the marks. That's your bit size.

Between sizes? Choose the larger one so the lips aren't pinched. Need another size? We make bits in any size.

Care

Rinse with clean water after every ride and dry well. German silver may darken a little over time; a soft cloth brings back the shine.

Free worldwide shipping, fully tracked. Dispatched in 4 to 5 working days, delivered in 8 to 10 working days. Tack shops: request wholesale pricing.