The Continental Cheek Bit

The continental bit is know by many names including the bubble bit, dutch gag and 3 ring bit. Some confusion can arise as the correct way to refer to a bit with 4 rings in the cheek i.e. a small top ring, large main ring and two further small rings, is as a 3 ring bit. This bit is often called a 4 ring bit, and the shorter style continental bit as a 3 ring (only one small ring top and bottom) which is incorrect and can lead to much confusion!

Continental bits were invented to try and emulate the effect of draw reins on show jumpers in the ring, and as such should not be looked upon as a particularly kind bit (especially with some of the more sever mouthpieces) as they are capable of a lot of leverage and hence poll pressure.

Being a cross between a pelham and a gag, often referred to as a Dutch gag this cheek causes the bit to raise up in the horses mouth slightly as the true gag does, but also asks the horse to lower at the same time through the use of poll pressure which can send quite a confusing signal.

They are not as strong as a pelham, and there is no doubt that some horses, particularly those that need persuasion to break at the poll, do seem to like the action of the cheek as it gives control without a curb action.

The 2 ring continental is a more modern addition and has become very popular for horses that do not need the strength of the 3rd ring and thus does away with the bulk of a spare ring. Correctly, both the 2 or 3 ring should be used with two reins, one on the main ring, and another on a lower ring to ensure the action is properly monitored by the rider. Care should be taken with fixed mouth versions of this horse bit as they can tend to ‘stick’ in their action and not release immediately which can cause confusion and fear for the horse so are best avoided if this is the case.

The different basic cheeks available on bits and their uses- The loose ring

Conventional horse bits have 5 commonly seen groups of cheeks namely the loose ring, eggbutt/D, full/fulmer cheek, continental cheek, shanked bits. The two most popular are the loose ring and eggbutt, and all common mouthpieces are available in one cheek or the other. It has been said that the mouthpiece of the bit is for the horses comfort, the cheek is for the rider benefit which can be true in some cases. The loose ring is one of most commonly seen cheeks, and ideally used on youngsters and by more experienced riders with steady hands. The loose ring bit has the benefit of enhanced communication with the horse, which is beneficial if the rider has good hands and a careful contact. However it can also detrimental in wrong hands with a rider that moves inadvertently as the horse will feel every little vibration down the reins be they intentional or unintentional!

Some people are wary of loose ring bits, as there is a common misconception that modern loose ring bits can pinch the lips of the horse and make them sore. When bits were first mass produced they were made with a flat ring passing through a round hole, and it was possible for the horses lip to get trapped and pinched with such a large gap ensuing. With modern horse bits, in almost all cases (there are still some very badly made imported bits with loose joints out there to which this doesn’t apply) the ring is round with a round close fitting hole which makes all but the absolute finest of skin impossible to trap. Horse Bits should be checked regularly for signs of wear, as joints can stretch, especially if there has been undue strain placed on them when a horse has trodden on its reins for example. Symptoms of pinching are the horse reacting to a contact sharply, or marks on the inside or outside of the lips.