Happy Mouth Jointed Portuguese Gag

Happy Mouth Jointed Portuguese Gag

A versatile Portuguese gag bit (two-ring gag) with a soft, jointed Happy Mouth rubber mouthpiece. Designed for riders who need more control than a snaffle offers on stronger horses, without losing softness in the contact.

How a Portuguese Gag Works

Each cheek is a large main ring with a smaller ring above and below it. The cheekpieces attach to the smaller top ring, so the rein position sets how much leverage the bit applies. With the reins on the main ring it acts much like a loose ring snaffle, with slightly more poll pressure; attaching them to the lower ring increases poll pressure, lowers the horse's head and gives the rider more control.

The jointed Happy Mouth mouthpiece keeps the contact soft and warm, even when the rider needs more brakes.

Key Features

• Soft jointed Happy Mouth rubber mouthpiece — encourages relaxation and acceptance
• Warmer, more comfortable feel than a metal mouthpiece
• Two-ring Portuguese gag cheek with smaller upper and lower rings
• Two rein positions for varying degrees of control
• Lowers the head through poll pressure for stronger control
• Stainless steel rings — strong, rust-resistant
• Sizes: 125mm and 135mm

Choosing Your Rein Position

Start with the reins on the main ring for the mildest effect and move them to the lower ring when you need more poll pressure and control. The cheekpieces run to the smaller top ring, so that ring is not a rein position. The bit can also be ridden with two reins, or with a rein connector joining the two rings, to soften the leverage.

Suitable For

Strong horses that need extra brakes without a harsh mouthpiece, and riders who want to adjust the leverage from the rein position. Suited to show jumping, polocrosse and schooling.

Sizing & Fit

Measure your current bit from inside ring to inside ring. 125mm suits most ponies and lighter horses; 135mm suits most full-size horses. The mouthpiece should sit just past the corners of the mouth with a slight smile — no pinching at the lips.

Care

Rinse the mouthpiece with clean water after every ride and dry with a soft cloth. Inspect the rubber regularly — small nicks or rough patches can pinch the tongue, so replace the bit as soon as the surface roughens. Keep the stainless rings clean so grime does not build up where the cheeks rotate.

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