The Shires Three Ring Waterford Dutch Gag is a strong, highly effective leverage bit engineered specifically for powerful horses that tend to grab the bit, pull aggressively, or lean heavily on the rider's hands. It matches a standard continental elevator cheekpiece with a multi-jointed, chain-style Waterford mouthpiece. This configuration provides riders with substantial mechanical braking power and poll control, whilst utilising a fluid mouthpiece that prevents the horse from establishing a rigid, unyielding hold. Due to its high level of severity, it is strictly intended for experienced riders during high-intensity work like cross-country, hunting, or fast arena jumping.
Key Specifications:
- Mouthpiece Thickness: 18mm
- Cheek Height/ Shank Length: 150mm for size 5".
- Material: Stainless Steel (Durable, tasteless and easy to clean).
How it Works:
- Fluid Chain Flexibility: The Waterford mouthpiece is constructed from a flexible chain of smooth, ball-shaped metal links. Because it bends freely in every direction, it moulds completely to the natural shape of the horse's tongue and bars.
- Elimination of Leaning: Because the mouthpiece is completely fluid and lacks any rigid components, the horse is left with no solid structure to clamp its jaw around, freeze its tongue against, or lean its full weight upon. If the horse attempts to pull away, the bit collapses softly, forcing them to carry their own head.
- Multi-Point Pressure Distribution: When direct pressure is applied, the multiple ball links distribute the force across the entirety of the tongue, lips, and lower bars. This can make the bit feel sharp and severe to a horse that fights the hand.
- Adjustable Poll Leverage: The bridle's cheekpieces are fixed into the isolated upper loop. Reins can then be buckled directly into the main snaffle ring or any of the lower secondary loops. Sliding a single rein down to the bottom rings—or applying a secondary rein there—acts as a long lever. This creates downwards poll pressure to lower the horse's head carriage while simultaneously lifting the mouthpiece to check forward momentum.
- (Note: It is highly recommended to ride this configuration with double reins or bit roundings to prevent sudden, harsh over-rotation of the mouth links)
This bit is strictly illegal for Dressage under British Dressage (BD) and FEI rulebooks but widely permitted for showjumping and cross-country phases.