Brittany 8” Shank 3 Smooth Gag

The Brittany 8” Shank 3 Smooth Gag is a premier performance bit from the Professional’s Choice Brittany Pozzi Collection. Specifically engineered for barrel racing and advanced performance tuning, this high-leverage bit is the tool of choice for riders looking to achieve superior lift, collection, and rating in seasoned horses.

Key Features & Benefits

• 8” Long Shank: This "Long" version of the Brittany gag series provides maximum leverage. It is designed for finished horses that require extra assistance gathering their hindquarters and shutting down for turns.
• 3-Piece Smooth Dogbone Mouthpiece: The "3 Smooth" design offers independent side action, allowing for precise lateral cues. The three-piece construction prevents the "nutcracker" effect on the bars, promoting a more comfortable and flexible fit.
• Dynamic Gag Action: The mouthpiece slides along the shank to provide a "pre-signal." This allows the horse to feel poll and lip pressure before the bit fully engages, rewarding a responsive horse for reacting to lighter cues.
• Sweet Iron Construction: The mouthpiece is made of sweet iron, which is intended to rust over time. This oxidation process creates a sweet taste that stimulates salivation and keeps the horse's mouth soft and receptive.
• Enhanced Shoulder Lift: Specifically balanced to help riders pick up the horse’s shoulder going into a turn, preventing "diving" or leaning.
• SKU: BPB-132

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the rust on the mouthpiece a defect?
No. The mouthpiece is designed to rust. Sweet iron oxidation is a functional feature that encourages salivation and helps the horse accept the bit more readily. If you see discoloration or rust, it means the bit is working as intended.

2. When should I use the 8" shank vs. the 6" version?
The 6" Short Shank is better suited for starting colts or for lighter, more sensitive horses. The 8" Long Shank (BPB-132) is reserved for "solid" or finished horses that are strong runners or need significant leverage to collect and rate before a barrel or fence.

3. How tight should the curb chain be adjusted?
This depends on your horse's needs. A tighter curb chain makes the bit engage faster and feel more "snappy." A looser curb allows for more gag travel and a longer "warning" signal. Use caution not to over-tighten, as too much pressure can make a horse feel trapped and cause them to throw their head.

4. Is this bit too severe for my horse?
While the smooth mouthpiece is mild on the bars, the 8” shanks provide powerful leverage. This is considered a strong bit and is recommended for riders with "quiet hands" and horses that have already mastered foundational work in a snaffle.

5. Does it help with "dropping shoulders"?
Yes. This is one of the primary reasons barrel racers choose this bit. The combination of gag action and long shanks provides the "lift" necessary to keep a horse's front end elevated and prevent them from leaning into the pocket during a turn.