Cinch Magazine- Your Online Equestrian Source

Bits Explained
Anna Scott, Cinch Magazine

Despite common belief, especially among the non-horsey public, the bit is not designed as a device in which to control a horse by yanking on the reins. When bits are placed in the wrong hands and used incorrectly much damage can be done. As any avid equestrian knows, it is important to use your seat, leg and weight aids prior to calling upon the use of your hands. Keeping quiet hands helps a horse relax in its jaw, without grinding upon the bit.

Indeed, equestrians are becoming more educated in their selection of bits, and are beginning to realize an ideal bit is just as dynamic as a well-fitted saddle.

But with so many individual styles of bits, and such a fluctuation in prices, what does each bit intend to do? What bit would best suit your horse?

The Mechanics

Bits rely on varying points of pressure. It is important to realize that through the hand, there are seven points of control that can be acted upon- tongue, bars, palate, lips, poll, nose and curb groove.

The palate is a very severe form of control, and extreme care must be used when handling a horse with a tall port.

The curb groove aids in pivoting the horse’s head so as he comes onto the bit.

Bit thickness does not alter the way upon which a bit works. Thin bits are generalized as being more sever than thicker bits, but there are some exceptions. Horses with a small mouth might be better able to accommodate a thinner bit piece, provided it is not so severe as to ‘cut’ the mouth. 

Thick bits tend to neutralize strong half halts, and do not move as well in response to rein aids a thinner device. This often makes them popular choices among riding schools, where beginner riders often try to balance on the reins.

The weight of a bit is an important consideration as well. A bit should feel relatively substantial. A too light bit might not be able to fully return to its original position with the giving of the rein, which means the horse will not be rewarded with the release of the reins- this can only spell difficulty in a horse’s training.

Types of Bits

The Snaffle

Often considered a mild bit, the snaffle acts on the outside bars and lips of the mouth. It is a very simple bit, and easily the most popular.

Snaffles often come in varying styles- straight bar, mullen mouth, as well as single and double-jointed mouthpieces. The materials vary just as widely- copper, stainless steel, plastic, rubber covered steel and more.

A straight mouthpiece applies pressure on the tongue, while a slightly curved mullen mouthpiece provides more comfort for most horses. Synthetic mullens are often used as they allow the horse to bend the bit with its tongue.

A single jointed bit is among the most popular. Its nutcracker action is largely considered mild, but a recent study has shown that the nutcracker action often acts upon the horse’s palate, which in turn makes horses heavy on the rein or shape into false collection as they try to relieve the pressure.

Therefore, when using a single jointed bit, do not overly tighten nosebands, and try and steer away from flash attachments that help keep the mouth shut.

A French link, or double jointed piece, however, can relieve the nutcracker action. Some people dislike this style bit because it feels less definite in the hands, but nonetheless, is a suitable alternative. It lies on the bars, but puts less pressure on the corners, and helps relieve tongue pressure. Many horses seem to appreciate this style as it better conforms to their mouth.

Cheek types include the loose ring, eggbutt, D-ring and full cheek bit. The cheek type you use is a very important consideration to your riding. Here are the most common cheek types:

 A loose ring snaffle  has rings attached to the mouthpiece which move with the slightest of rein pressure. For more advanced riders this is ideal, as it means the horse can respond to a lighter, more invisible aid. In the novice, however, this can spell trouble. The loose ring is often used with bit guards to prevent the corners from pinching the lips. In reality, a well-fitted loose ring rarely ever pinches the corner of the mouth.

This is why beginners often prefer the eggbutt. Because it’s cheek pieces are fixed, it only allows the hard wobbles on the reins to be transmitted through the mouthpiece. It is often said the eggbutt helps reduce the pinching often associated with the loose ring.

The D-ring performs exactly as the eggbutt, except the elongated sides help improve steering. The straight edge pushes against the opposite side as the rein pressure, preventing the horse from evading the bit. This is a very common bit in hunter classes.

The full cheek performs much the same as the D-ring. Keepers are often used to keep the bit in place, which also puts light pressure on the horse’s poll. The full cheek is often used when training the young horse. The full cheek is generally more precise in action than the D-ring.  

A Dr. Bristol has links which cut through the mouthpiece on an angle. It is designed to give and release tongue pressure. Unfortunately, a common occurrence is that the bit’s action is opposite if it is placed upside down on the bridle (a mistake commonly made after cleaning the bridle). 

The baucher snaffle acts upon the horse’s poll. It is ideal for helping horses work long and low to develop muscle tone or horses who have a tendency to carry their heads high. While its effects are not dramatic, it does give a gentle suggestion.

The KK snaffle applies strong tongue pressure, and depending upon its thickness, often incorporates palate pressure. The corners of the mouth, however, are relieved of pressure. It is often used on horses who do not follow the bit for long and low work.

The Pelham

The Pelham is referred to as a compromise between the bradoon and curb bit (see double bridle). This style can be used with two reins for greater precision, or with a leather loop to allow single rein use.

The Pelham works upon varying points in the horse’s mouth, while it can also exert pressure on the poll and curb groove. A vulcanite (or straight) Pelham is relatively mild, while a jointed mouthpiece is an extremely strong bit which should only be used with two reins. When the curb rein is used, the mouthpiece tilts downwards to apply direct pressure to the tongue in addition to poll and curb groove action.   

The Gag

The gag is used to raise a horse’s head carriage. The gag resembles a snaffle bit, except that there are two holes in either cheek which run vertically through the rings. Two reins are utilized with this design.

It must be noted that there are many so called ‘gag’ bits produced these days which are merely curbs.

The Double Bridle

The double bridle should only be used by very experienced riders with well-seasoned horses. It is designed to aid in very fine adjustments of a horse’s carriage.

This type of bridle has two bits, each equipped with separate reins. The bradoon is a thin snaffle-type bit with small rings which fit above the curb bit, which is used with a curb chain.

The curb bit presses upon the bars and tongue, while the cheeks of the bit act as levers, increasing the pressure on the poll and bars of the mouth.

The Weymouth is ported curb bit with a sliding cheek. The primary problem with this bit lies in that the port is often too narrow for the horse’s tongue to fit. This in turn, causes pinching. Its sliding cheeks also introduce a degree of sloppiness, which does not bode well with the precise action of the curb.

The German curb is very similar to the Weymouth, except many of the former problems have been alleviated in this design. Its fixed cheek pieces bid farewell to the sloppiness and the port is much wider. These changes may be of use to the Thoroughbred-type horse, but yet the thick tongues commonly seen in Warmbloods still fail to fit into the port. The port cannot be widened further, as if the straight piece were too narrow, it would damage the bars of the mouth.

The French curb is considered an ideal bit for most horses. It’s mouthpiece is shaped so that it curves into a slight arch, which disperses tongue pressure without pinching. It is often claimed to be the kindest of the curb bits, while maintaining its curb and poll action.

The revolver is a French curb, but with independent cheek movement. It must only be used if the rider has very good hands, as it allows for slightly different poll pressure from side to side. This helps a skilled rider straighten a crooked head. The bit’s movement is not laid across the tongue, so tongue pressure is further decreased.

Curb Bit

The curb bit places leverage on the mouthpiece, which is amplified by rein pressure. While a bit such as a snaffle delivers rein force pound by pound, a curb amplifies this. For example two pounds of rein pressure on the rein would equal four pounds of pressure on the horse’s mouth. The length of the shank determines the severity and pound-for-pound ratios.

The curb action is often used on a horse which is a strong puller, and is useful in lowering a horse’s head. Ponies often use these bits.

The Kimberwick is a common curb bit, but is not particularly severe.

The further the reins are placed down the D-ring, the more leverage applied. The Uxeter Kimberwick incorporates slots through which the reins are attached.

The curb chain prevents the bit from rotating too far in the horse’s mouth. When reins are applied, pressure transfers to the bars of the mouth, the curb groove and poll.

 The port on these bits is generally very minute, and doesn’t apply pressure to the palate (unless the palate is placed very low), instead it helps relieve pressure off the tongue.  

Additional Considerations

When choosing the ideal bit, it is also important to consider the material from which it is made. A good quality copper, stainless steel or sweet iron bit is ideal. Young horses seem to favour the feel of plastic bits, which are soft in the mouth.

Remember, that when training sessions ‘go wrong’, it is rarely the fault of the bit. If poor communication is affecting your ride, avoid switching to a more severe bit. This often loses respect, and can further damage a horse’s training. Remember, even the mildest bit can become a weapon of torture in the wrong hands!

Much forethought should be put into choosing the right bit. Ultimately, choosing the one that’s right for you depends largely upon the sensitivity of the horse, the shape of his mouth and the level of training he’s received. When you have the right hardware in your horse’s mouth, a new level of communication will be reached. Your partnership will grow, your horse will become soft to the hands and your rides will progressively become more successful without the pain and discomfort of the improper bit! 

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