Recently, I was looking at my most listened to podcast episodes, and surprisingly the most popular one is an episode I did about bits 4 years ago! The audio and content quality both needed a boost, so I wanted to revisit this important topic for you all again, both on my podcast and here in my blog. So let’s get into it!
Most of us have had that experience of walking into a tack store and being completely overwhelmed by the wall of all sorts of different bits available. What is the purpose of these different bits? How do they actually work? Which bits are the most comfortable for a horse? These are all great questions, so let’s cover some of the most common bits you’ll see and their functions.
Snaffles
A bit that doesn’t have shanks is considered a snaffle. A shanked bit acts as a lever, increasing the force the rider is putting on the reins. When we look at a snaffle bit, the amount of force on the reins is the same amount the horse feels in their mouth. However, as with most horse-related information, it gets a little more complicated than that. D-ring snaffles provide a small amount of leverage because of their construction. Larger rings will provide more leverage than smaller ones. Contrary to popular belief, bauchers, or hanging cheek snaffles, reduce the amount of poll pressure because the cheek pieces of the bridle will actually loosen and flare out when pressure is applied to the reins. Loose ring snaffles have the least amount of leverage. Because the rings aren’t fixed in place, there is no possibility for them to act as levers.
Bits That Apply Leverage
As mentioned before, the shanks on a bit amplify the force a rider exerts on the reins. These types of bits will generally be equipped with a curb chain which is designed to apply pressure under the jaw when the reins are used. The curb chain also effects the amount of rotation of the bit in the horse’s mouth. Bits that employ a curb chain are also termed curb bits. Because western riders ride with less contact, these types of bits are very popular with them. The longer the shank, the less movement and engagement of the reins is necessary for the horse to respond to rein cues. English riders will generally turn to shanked bits if their horse is heavy, or “hard-mouthed.” Some bits, like a Dutch gag for example, have multiple rein placement options that allow you to adjust the amount of leverage. The further away from the corners of the mouth you attach your reins, the more leverage the bit will have. Pelham bits are also an option and are designed to be used with two sets of reins. The rider then can choose between applying snaffle pressure or leveraged pressure.
How a Jointed vs Unjointed Bit Works
Single-jointed snaffles are very commonly seen among riders in many different disciplines. These bits work by folding inwards, applying pressure on the bars of your horse’s mouth when you apply rein pressure. A raised jointed snaffle can potentially bump the hard palate (roof of the mouth), which can cause your horse to evade the bit due to discomfort. Signs of evasion can include behaviors like head shaking, raising the head, or fighting the rider’s contact.
Double jointed bits like French links or lozenges are designed to distribute the pressure applied by the reins along the tongue and bars. The center link is important to examine and understand. For example, a smooth lozenge covers more area on the tongue than an angled flat French link does. In general, more surface area = less harsh. It’s important to note that bits with more joints, such as Waterford bits, perform in a way that’s harsher. This is because they can tighten around the tongue and mouth.
If you’re wondering whether your bit has pinch points, you can try holding the bit in your hand as a partner pulls back on the reins. You may be surprised about the “feel” of that pressure and where it’s magnified.
Mullen-mouth bits and their variations are also commonly used. There are many designs of these sorts of bit, and some offer a great deal of tongue relief. It’s important to stay non-judgemental about these types of mouthpieces as many of them provide less pinch points and better tongue relief than common snaffles. Ported mouthpieces apply increased pressure to the bars of the mouth, and a port that’s high enough can easily interfere with the hard palate of the mouth. Now remember, there are countless other variations we could discuss such as material, weight, texture, flavor, and even flexibility. If you’re struggling with finding the right bit, I always recommend you first have your trainer out to watch your horse perform in her current bit, evaluate the one you’re currently using, examine the fit, and recommend either changes in your riding or a different bit if necessary. If you don’t have a trainer and need help with this, please reach out! This is something I can help with through the use of videos and a live consultation where you’re with your horse and have the bridle handy.
The Diameter of a Bit
Thicker bits afford the horse more surface area, where pressure applied is distributed over a larger surface. This additional surface area is what makes thicker bits milder choices. Think about backpacks. Backpacks with thicker straps are much more comfortable than ones that have thinner straps. It distributes that pressure over a greater surface area of your shoulder. However, it’s important to keep in mind that a horse with a smaller mouth or lower hard palate may not have enough tongue room if they’re wearing a thick bit. The tongue’s ability to rest comfortably in the mouth is a big factor in overall bit comfort.
Troubleshooting Bitting Issues
If a horse isn’t comfortable in the contact with a bit you’ve been using and the behavior is new, have your equine dentist out for an evaluation. However, let’s assume your horse is cleared of any oral/dental issues. Horses will generally evade the bit when they’re uncomfortable. This can look like:
- Resistance to contact, hollowing their back, or coming behind the vertical.
- Resistance to downward transitions which may manifest as lifting or tossing their head when rein pressure is applied.
- The horse may get busy in their mouth, constantly “playing” with the bit or trying to snatch the reins out of your hands. It’s important to note with this one that your horse may also be experiencing anxiety. This isn’t always an indication of bitting issues on it’s own.
- You may feel like your horse is “grabbing” the bit and taking control away from you.
- In extreme cases, horses may stop suddenly, rear, or even bolt from pain caused by the bit.
In Conclusion
Through the years of many consultations regarding “hard-mouthed horses,” I often find that it’s not always the bit causing issues. Your horse’s level of training combined with your level of riding experience are important factors in finding the right bit for your horse. Additionally, mouth conformation plays a big role in what bits are appropriate for your horse. Remember, regardless of the bit you decide is best, the bit is never to be used as a training shortcut. Bitting up a horse simply puts a band-aid on a foundational issue that will need to be addressed sooner rather than later as you progress with your horse. Don’t try to cover up problems with a harsh bit!
Thanks so much for reading, and make your next ride a confident, connected, and harmonious one.