Feeling gag bits

The Feeling gag bit range

Feeling gag bits combine the classic gag bit mechanism with a variety of mouthpiece designs. While the mechanical action of the gag remains the same, the choice of mouthpiece, its material and its design directly influence how the horse accepts the contact and perceives the pressure applied within the mouth.

From a bit fitting perspective, it is essential to distinguish between these two elements: the gag cheeks determine the mechanical action of the bit, while the mouthpiece influences the pressure distribution, the stability of the contact and the sensations experienced by the horse.

How Feeling gag bits work

A gag bit features multiple rein attachment options, allowing the transmission of the aids to be adjusted. Depending on the chosen setup, rein pressure may combine action inside the mouth with poll pressure transmitted through the headpiece. This mechanical action is inherent to the gag cheek design and remains the same regardless of the mouthpiece fitted.

Mouthpieces designed for different requirements

Feeling offers its gag bits with a variety of mouthpiece designs to provide different contact characteristics.

• Single-jointed and double-jointed mouthpieces provide greater mobility and allow better independent lateral aids than a straight bar mouthpiece.
• Hollow mouthpieces, being lighter, reduce the overall weight of the bit in the horse's mouth without altering the mechanical action of the gag.
• Synthetic and rubber mouthpieces offer a warmer and softer contact surface than stainless steel, which may encourage some horses to take a more confident contact.
• Models fitted with copper rollers or ball rollers provide additional stimulation, which may influence how some horses use and mobilise their mouths.
• Some Feeling models also combine the gag system with full cheeks, providing additional lateral guidance without altering the fundamental action of the gag mechanism.

A bit that should always be assessed as a complete system

The performance of a Feeling gag bit never depends on a single component. The gag mechanism, the mouthpiece design, its material and any additional movable features all interact to create different sensations depending on the horse's oral conformation and the way it takes the contact.

Understanding the role of each component helps avoid confusing the mechanical action of the cheek system with that of the mouthpiece, as each serves a distinct function in the overall performance of the bit.