Elevator vs Gag bit

[Eventer13]

What’s the difference? I’ve always thought of an elevator to be something like this: http://www.fourwinds.net/ebridle/bimg/WB130058.jpg

But I’ve also seen certain bits that I consider gags (Dutch gag/3 ring bit or the American gag like this http://www.horsetackinternational.com/images/F5087-gag-bit.jpg) called “elevators.” I always thought of a gag as a bit that raised up into the lips when the reins were pulled. So what’s the definition of an elevator? Or are there some overlaps between the two?

[ESG]

The first bit you linked is indeed an elevator.

The second almost looks like a western tom thumb snaffle with an elongated shank. It is not a gag.

A gag has round, pierced rings, through which rounded/rope cheekpieces run. When pressure is put on the bit via the reins, it slides up the cheekpieces and raises the horse’s head - hence the name “gag”. It must also be used with an auxiliary rein on the bit ring itself, as steering without one is difficult, if not impossible.

Like this:

http://www.poloshop.ie/images/forTheHorse/Bridle&Accessories/Gag-Bit.jpg

[Ambrey]

I asked this question a million years ago, when I had the same confusion. Never became unconfused

A gag can be the bit that ESG mentioned, but also describes the action of a bit on which the mouthpiece moves as you rotate the cheekpieces- as in the western gag you posted, or the “dutch” or “continental” gag.

But the “dutch” or “contenental” gag is also called a 3 ring gag or a 3 ring elevator.

There seems to be little rhyme or reason. Most “bitting experts” will describe the action of the western gag posted as “gag action” -when you pull back on the reins, the shanks rotate back, and the moutpiece rotates and moves upward in the mouth.