Bits, Bits and More Bits

What are the different types of bits?

What is a bit:
A bit is a part of the tack that the driver or rider uses to helps communicate with the horse. They come in lots of shapes, sizes, and materials. This can be very confusing for beginners and their horses.

Where should the bit sit in your horse's mouth?
Bits rest on your horses' tongue and gums at the back of their mouth where there are no teeth. The bit attaches to the bridle and reins.

How do you measure your horse for a bit?
Get a piece of stick or wood. Put stick inside horse mouth where the bit would sit and make a "mark" on each side of the stick. This needs to be on the outside of the horse's lip. Measure between the marks for bit size.

If between size, go up to next size. Better to be a little big, rather than small. If you have one that already fits, measure inside to inside of the ring.

Ring Bit Types

Loose Rings

Rings move freely through the bit mouthpiece. Makes is hard for horses to lock onto the bit and pull. Horses can easily pull these bits inside their mouth.

Eggbutt

Oval shape, thicker connection at corner of horse's mouth. Bit rings are fixed position. Good for horses that are sensitive to bits.

Full Cheek

Straight shafts above and below the mouthpiece assist in turning the horse. For example, when the right rein is pulled, the full cheek on the left presses against the outer left side of the horse's mouth. Full cheek makes it easier to bump the horses head to left of right if they are not paying attention to the commands on the reins.

Half Cheek Snaffle

"Spoons" that extend downward to prevent the bit from pulling through the horse's mouth. This style bit is generally used for driving. There are several different types of mouthpieces for this bit. This is the most used bit for driving.

D-Ring

Straight bar edge at the front of the bit aids in turning the horse like the full cheek. D ring is less likely to be pulled through the horse's mouth.

Pelham

Top ring on a Pelham shank functions as a snaffle. The lower ring activates the curb chain. The rider adjusts the contact between snaffle and curb reins, as necessary. To simplify the Pelham effect, bit converters can be buckled onto the shanks, allowing the use of a single rein.

Kimberwick

This is a modified leverage bit with D-shaped bit rings and a curb chain. The kimberwick uses a single rein. This bit is popular with ponies and in English classes.

Tom Thumb

This style bit is considered a "leverage" bit. This style bit has power. The longer the shanks, the more power at your hands. Has a joint in the middle of the shafts and has a jointed mouthpiece.

The pictures of each bit ring type are for reference only.

Bit Mouthpiece Types

Mullen Bit

Solid (no joints), mouthpiece that distributes equal pressure across the horse's tongue and onto the bars of the mouth. This is usually considered a mild, uncomplicated bit.

Jointed Bit

Mouthpiece with a single joint, creates a nutcracker effect across the tongue and against the jaw when the reins are pulled. Pressure is on the bars of the mouth.

French Link

Center link is shaped like a dog bone and lies across the tongue. Works well with a low or shallow palate.

Twisted

There are several types of "twist". Slow twist to corkscrew and even twisted wire. They are texturized mouthpieces designed to evoke quicker, lighter response from the horse that lean on the bit. The harshest options are thinner with tighter twist.

Ported

Port allows room for the tongue to focus pressure on the bars.

Why copper mouthpiece?
A copper mouthpiece is a softer material than stainless steel. An alloy of copper and stainless steel provides a sweet taste in the horse's mouth, in return increases saliva production and the horse accepts easier.

What is a correction bit?
This is a bit that is used in training and applies pressure to the horse's tongue at the flexible joints of the port and bars of the horse's mouth.

What is a leverage bit?
Leverage bits apply pressure to the poll via bridle, and under the chin due to a curb chain.

Is your horse chewing on his bit:
This could be a sign of discomfort. Observe the other body movements of your horse the see if he is playing or upset.