The continental gag, often called the continental bit or the Pessoa type, is a true “Swiss army knife” among jumping bits. Its characteristic build with several side rings makes it one of the most versatile tools in the hands of a knowledgeable rider.
If your horse can be strong on a jumping course, but at the same time needs a signal encouraging it to lift its forehand, the continental gag may be the missing element of your communication.
1. The mechanics of “lifting” and leverage
Most bits with leverage (such as the Pelham or the curb bit) use a curb chain that presses the mouthpiece against the lower jaw. The continental gag works differently – it has no curb chain.
- Pressure on the poll: When the rein attached to the lower rings is taken up, the bridle is pulled slightly downwards, which exerts pressure on the horse’s poll, suggesting it should lower its head.
- Lifting effect (gag action): A unique feature of the continental gag is that the mouthpiece tends to slide slightly upwards inside the mouth (towards the corners). This signal encourages the horse to raise its mouth and unload the forehand – ideal for horses that “hang” on the hand.
2. Three degrees of control in one bit
The main advantage of the continental bit is the ability to regulate the strength of action by changing the rein attachment:
- The large, main ring: Attaching the rein here makes the continental gag work almost identically to a classic egg-butt bit. The leverage is zero.
- The middle ring: Introduces moderate leverage. This is the most common choice for everyday jumping training for horses needing a slight correction.
- The lowest ring: Generates the strongest leverage. It allows effective control over very strong horses that, in the excitement of a course, can ignore subtler signals.
Comparison: Continental Gag vs Ordinary Bit
| Feature | Ordinary bit | Continental gag (Pessoa) |
| Main point of pressure | Corners of the mouth / Tongue | Poll / Corners of the mouth |
| Leverage | None | Adjustable (3 levels) |
| Lifting effect | None | Very pronounced |
| Curb chain under the jaw | None | None |
Which horses was the Continental Gag created for?
This bit is not “sharp” in the traditional sense of the word, but it is very specific. We particularly recommend it for:
- “Diving” horses: Those that, in front of a fence, shift their weight onto the forehand and tuck their head between their legs.
- Strong but sensitive horses: Which need control but do not accept the pressure of a curb chain under the jaw (characteristic of the Pelham).
- Juniors and amateurs: Riding strong horses, where a “safety brake” is needed that does not punish the horse as much as a classic curb bit.
If you want to balance out the action of the continental gag, use a so-called bit converter (rounding strap). It connects the large ring with the lower ring, allowing the leverage force to be distributed smoothly onto a single rein.
📦 Choose a professional Balotade Continental Gag
At Balotade we offer continental gags made of the highest quality stainless steel and titanium, in anatomical versions that care for the natural shape of your horse’s mouth.
