Guide to Horse Bits

Bit Materials

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel bits are a popular choice due to their durability, resistance to rust, and smooth finish. These bits are long-lasting and maintain their appearance even with regular use, making them ideal for daily riding or competition. Stainless steel has a neutral taste, which means it doesn’t encourage salivation like some other materials, so it’s often paired with horses that do not require additional moisture in the mouth. Its strength and smoothness provide consistent pressure without sharp edges, making it a reliable option for many different riding disciplines.

Rubber

Rubber bits are known for their softness and flexibility, making them a gentler option compared to metal bits. They are often used for young horses, horses with sensitive mouths, or those that are transitioning to a bit for the first time. The thicker and softer material of rubber bits helps to distribute pressure more evenly across the horse’s mouth, providing a more comfortable experience. However, they can wear down over time and may not be as durable as metal options. Rubber bits also encourage chewing and salivation, which can help keep the horse’s mouth relaxed and responsive.

Plastic

Plastic bits are similar to rubber bits in terms of offering a softer and more flexible alternative to metal, making them suitable for horses with sensitive mouths or those in training. These bits are lightweight and can be shaped to provide a comfortable fit in the horse’s mouth. Plastic bits often encourage salivation, which helps keep the horse’s mouth moist and relaxed. However, they are not as durable as metal bits and can wear down or become rough over time, which may require more frequent replacement. Some plastic bits are infused with flavours to make them more appealing, encouraging the horse to accept the bit more readily.

Sweet Iron

Sweet iron bits are designed to promote a more comfortable and responsive connection between horse and rider. The material, known for its rusting properties, produces a sweet taste as it oxidises, which encourages the horse to salivate and accept the bit more readily. This increased salivation helps keep the horse’s mouth soft and responsive to rein aids. Sweet iron bits are often favoured by riders who want to encourage a relaxed and moist mouth. However, because the material rusts, the bit will develop a weathered appearance over time, which is normal and part of its function.

Copper

Copper bits are popular for their ability to encourage salivation and increase acceptance of the bit. The warm, sweet taste of copper promotes a moist mouth, which helps keep the horse relaxed and responsive to rein aids. Copper is often used in combination with other metals, such as stainless steel, to create a durable and appealing mouthpiece. Some bits feature copper rollers or inserts, adding movement and texture that further encourages the horse to play with the bit and stay engaged. While copper can tarnish over time, its benefits in promoting softness and responsiveness make it a favoured material for many riders.

Types of Mouthpieces

Straight Bar / Mullen

A straight bar or mullen mouth bit features a solid, unjointed mouthpiece that lies evenly across the horse’s tongue and bars. Unlike jointed bits, it applies consistent, even pressure without creating a pinching or “nutcracker” effect. This design is gentler on the horse’s mouth, making it a good option for horses with sensitive tongues or those that are uncomfortable with jointed bits. The straight bar promotes stability and clear communication, encouraging the horse to accept the bit quietly. However, it offers less flexibility and subtlety in cues compared to jointed mouthpieces.

Single Jointed

A single-jointed mouthpiece features a single hinge in the middle of the bit, creating a “nutcracker” effect when pressure is applied. This design allows the bit to apply pressure to the horse’s tongue and the roof of the mouth. It offers a more direct form of communication with the rider’s hands, making it a popular choice for horses that respond well to clear, concise cues. However, some horses may find the pressure uncomfortable, especially those with sensitive mouths.

Double Jointed

A double-jointed mouthpiece has two joints, typically with a central link such as a lozenge, French link, or Dr Bristol. This design reduces the ‘nutcracker’ effect of a single-jointed bit and distributes pressure more evenly across the tongue, lips, and bars of the horse’s mouth. The French link and lozenge provide a softer and more comfortable fit, making them ideal for horses with sensitive mouths. The Dr Bristol, however, features an angled centre plate that applies more pressure to the tongue, offering stronger control for horses that may require it.

Ported

Ported bits feature a raised section, or “port,” in the middle of the mouthpiece. The port creates additional space for the horse’s tongue, which can relieve pressure and offer more comfort, especially for horses with low palates or sensitive tongues. Depending on the height and shape of the port, the bit can also apply pressure to the horse’s palate, providing more leverage and control. Ported bits are often used in disciplines requiring precise, refined communication, but the level of severity depends on the height of the port – higher ports can exert more pressure on the roof of the mouth, while lower ports focus on tongue relief.

Waterford

The Waterford bit is made up of multiple, flexible, ball-shaped links that form a chain-like mouthpiece. This design prevents the horse from grabbing onto or leaning on the bit, promoting lightness and responsiveness to the rider’s rein aids. The individual links move independently, allowing for more movement in the mouth, which can make the bit more comfortable for horses that tend to resist more rigid mouthpieces. The Waterford is often used on strong or forward-going horses, as its flexibility encourages them to stay soft and responsive without locking their jaw or pulling against the rider.

Roller

A roller mouthpiece features rotating or rolling elements that encourage the horse to play with the bit. This movement can help keep the horse’s mouth soft and relaxed, promoting salivation and preventing the horse from becoming rigid or resistant to rein aids. The rollers also add texture, which can make the bit more interesting for the horse and encourage it to stay attentive to the rider’s commands. Roller mouthpieces are particularly useful for horses that tend to be tense or fussy in the mouth, as the gentle movement can help them stay engaged and responsive. While the bit is relatively mild, the constant motion may provide more stimulation than a standard smooth mouthpiece.

Twisted

A twisted mouthpiece is designed with a spiral or twisted design that concentrates pressure on specific points in the horse’s mouth. This bit is more severe than a smooth or straight mouthpiece because the twist creates sharper, more focused pressure on the bars, tongue, and lips. Twisted bits are typically used for stronger or more forward-going horses that require extra control or for those that tend to ignore milder bits. Due to the increased pressure, this type of mouthpiece should be used with caution and by riders with soft, experienced hands to avoid discomfort or excessive pressure on the horse’s mouth. It can be a useful tool in certain situations but is generally considered more severe than other designs.

Cheekpieces

Loose Ring

A loose ring bit features cheekpieces that are attached to freely rotating rings, allowing the mouthpiece to move independently from the rings. This design encourages relaxation in the horse’s jaw and discourages them from leaning or bracing against the bit, as the constant movement of the rings makes it harder for the horse to take hold. Loose ring bits offer more mobility in the rider’s hands, providing subtle, flexible communication. They are commonly used with horses that need to develop lightness and responsiveness, but the movement can sometimes pinch, so bit guards may be needed for horses with sensitive lips.

Eggbutt

An Eggbutt bit features fixed, oval-shaped cheekpieces that are securely attached to the mouthpiece, preventing any rotation. This design provides more stability than a loose ring bit, offering consistent pressure and reducing the risk of pinching the horse’s lips. The fixed connection also helps the bit sit more quietly in the horse’s mouth, which can be beneficial for horses that are sensitive or reactive to excessive movement. The Eggbutt bit is often chosen for horses that need a steady and comfortable feel, as it promotes clearer communication without the playfulness of a loose ring.

Fulmer & Full Cheek

Fulmer and a full-cheek bit both feature long, vertical arms, or cheeks, designed to provide lateral control and prevent the bit from sliding through the horse’s mouth, making them ideal for guiding the horse during turns. The key difference between the two lies in how the cheeks are attached to the rings. A Fulmer bit combines the full-cheek design with loose rings, allowing the mouthpiece to move independently from the cheeks, offering more flexibility and encouraging a softer, more relaxed response from the horse. In contrast, a full-cheek bit has fixed rings, usually in an Eggbutt style, which hold the mouthpiece securely in place, providing more stability and consistent communication between the rider and horse. In essence, the Fulmer offers more movement and flexibility, while the full-cheek provides a more stable, direct connection.

D Ring

A D-ring bit features cheekpieces shaped like the letter “D,” with the flat sides of the D preventing the bit from rotating excessively in the horse’s mouth. This design offers more lateral control than a loose ring bit but without the long arms of a full-cheek or Fulmer bit. The D-ring shape helps guide the horse during turns by applying gentle pressure to the sides of the face, making it a good choice for horses that need a bit more directional assistance. The fixed position of the rings also helps create a more stable, consistent feel in the horse’s mouth, offering clearer communication between rider and horse. The D-ring is often chosen for horses that need stability without the potential pinching of a loose ring bit.

Hanging

A hanging cheekpiece, also known as a Baucher bit, features small rings attached to the bridle, with the reins attached to a separate, lower ring. This design offers slight poll pressure, encouraging the horse to lower its head and maintain a relaxed frame. The hanging cheek provides more stability in the horse’s mouth compared to a loose ring bit, as the fixed attachment prevents the bit from moving excessively. It is often chosen for horses that benefit from a bit with less movement and need clearer, more consistent communication. The hanging bit can also be helpful for horses that tend to carry their heads too high or resist contact, as the poll pressure encourages a softer, more controlled position.

Types of Bit

Snaffle Bits

A snaffle bit is one of the most common types of bits, characterised by its simple design with no leverage action. It works on direct pressure, meaning the amount of pressure applied by the rider’s reins is directly transferred to the horse’s mouth. Snaffle bits come in a variety of mouthpiece styles, such as single-jointed, double-jointed, or straight bar, and can be paired with different cheekpieces like loose ring, eggbutt, or D-ring. This versatility makes the snaffle suitable for a wide range of horses and riding disciplines. Snaffles are generally considered milder bits, as they do not create additional pressure on the poll or curb, making them a popular choice for horses in training or those with soft mouths.

Pelham Bits

A Pelham bit is a hybrid that combines elements of both a snaffle and a curb bit, offering a versatile option for varying levels of control. It features two sets of reins: one attached to the upper, or snaffle, ring for direct pressure, and another attached to the lower, or curb, ring for leverage action. When the curb rein is engaged, the Pelham exerts pressure on the horse’s poll and chin through the use of a curb chain, encouraging the horse to lower its head and respond to more refined aids. This dual-rein setup allows the rider to choose between more subtle control or increased leverage depending on the situation. Pelham bits are often used in disciplines where both flexibility and control are needed, such as show jumping or eventing, and can be a good option for horses that require more control than a snaffle but don’t need the full strength of a curb bit.

Kimblewick Bits

A Kimblewick bit, also known as a Kimberwick, is a popular choice for riders who need more control than a snaffle but less leverage than a Pelham. It features a D-shaped cheekpiece with a curb chain, providing a mild leverage action. The reins can be attached to different slots on the D-ring, allowing the rider to adjust the degree of leverage and poll pressure applied. The Kimblewick offers a combination of direct pressure on the mouth and curb pressure on the chin and poll, encouraging the horse to lower its head and maintain better control. This bit is often used for strong or forward-going horses and is commonly seen in jumping, hunting, and some leisure riding disciplines. Its design makes it effective for horses that tend to pull or resist, while still offering a milder action compared to a full curb bit.

Gag Bits

A gag bit is designed to provide a strong leverage and lifting action, applying pressure not only on the horse’s mouth but also on the poll, encouraging the horse to raise its head. They feature sliding or ring mechanisms that increase pressure as the rider pulls on the reins, with popular types including the 3-ring (or Dutch gag) and the Cheltenham running gag. While some gag bits can be used with two reins, most are used with a single rein attached to the lower rings for more leverage. Gag bits are commonly used in fast-paced disciplines like show jumping, eventing, and polo, where extra control and responsiveness are necessary, but they should be used carefully, as their action can be quite strong.

Curb Bits

Curb bits are leverage bits designed to apply pressure to multiple points on the horse’s head, including the mouth, poll, and chin. They feature a shank that extends below the mouthpiece, allowing the rider to exert greater control with less rein movement. When the rider pulls on the reins, the shank rotates, activating the curb chain or strap under the horse’s chin, which adds pressure to the chin groove and encourages the horse to lower its head. The longer the shank, the more leverage and pressure are applied. Curb bits are commonly used in western disciplines, dressage, and driving, where precise control and refined communication are important. They are often considered a stronger bit and should be used by experienced riders, as improper use can lead to discomfort or resistance from the horse.

Leverage Bits

Leverage bits are designed to amplify the rider’s rein aids, applying pressure to multiple points on the horse’s head, such as the mouth, poll, and chin. The key feature of leverage bits is the presence of shanks, which extend below the mouthpiece and create a mechanical advantage. When the rider pulls on the reins, the shanks rotate, increasing the pressure applied to the horse’s poll via the bridle and to the chin through the curb chain or strap. This increased pressure encourages the horse to respond with subtle cues, making leverage bits ideal for more refined control. Examples of leverage bits include curb bits, Pelhams, and some gag bits, each with its own variation on how pressure is distributed. Leverage bits are typically used by experienced riders, as they can exert more force than direct pressure bits and, if misused, can cause discomfort or resistance in the horse.

Combination Bits

Combination bits are hybrid designs that apply pressure to multiple areas of the horse’s head, including the mouth, nose, poll, and chin. These bits combine elements of direct pressure, like snaffles, with leverage from curb or gag mechanisms, often incorporating a noseband or rope that tightens as the reins are pulled. This distributes pressure across different points, providing more control and encouraging the horse to respond more evenly. Combination bits are useful for horses that resist contact in the mouth alone, as the added nose pressure helps create a balanced response. However, due to the multiple pressure points, they should be used carefully to avoid overwhelming or confusing the horse.