Note that Gustav can be used in two ways: with tongue relief, or with bar relief.

With tongue relief. The logo (horse) on the right side, running forward.

• Difficult to seek contact with the bit
• Can be inconsistent in contact.
• Sensitive to pressure over the tongue, may toss the head, make sudden jerky movements, etc.
• Becomes unstable with regular double or single-jointed bits.

With relief for the bars. The logo (horse) running up and down, backward.

• Restless/dislikes tongue relief.
• Grabs onto the bit, becomes unresponsive.
• Does not take constant or even contact
• Sensitive, or sharp bars.
• Easily gets sores.

Gustav can be varied in strength depending on the horse's condition that day. Fager's Baby fulmer provides stability to the mouthpiece and helps clarify the rein aid. It also protects the corners of the mouth from pinching. The rings are positioned further out from the mouthpiece, which frames the horse and avoids pressure on the cheeks and cheek teeth.

With the rein in the large ring, Gustav works as a Baucher/snaffle bit. The rein in the lowest ring gives a gag and leverage effect; this combination provides a more flexible and mobile feel than fixed cheekpieces.

Gustav's unique mouthpiece has the same thickness throughout, without any joints that can press against the bars or palate.

Feel free to combine with Fager's quick buckles and chain to further distribute the pressure and get more options in the same bit.