Bits

Put in the simplest terms, bits are one of the largest factors in controlling a horse while being ridden or driven. Horze Equestrian offers a wide variety of styles and designs of both English and driving bits by their own make and also by Zilco and Finntack. There are hundreds of different styles of bits and the type of bit that a horseperson chooses for their horse will largely depend on their riding or driving style, their discipline and the allowable bits according to their competition’s governing body. Of course, one of the largest factors in choosing the correct bit for your horse is your horse. Finding the correct bit for your horse allows for accurate and effective communication and comfort for your horse.

How to Measure for a Bit

Providing your horse with a bit that fits correctly will allow for the best use of the bit and offers comfort that allows your horse to perform at his best. Bit sizing is based on the length of the mouthpiece; which is generally measured in inches in the US. Although commercial measuring sticks are available; you can also take a dowel rod or sturdy string and place it in your horse’s mouth in the correct position for the bit and mark the corners of the horse’s mouth. Then measure the length marked. Bits featuring fixed rings should rest gently against the horse’s lips; a bit featuring loose rings should have a fraction more room. A bit that is too large will slide around the horse’s mouth side to side and will be more ineffective and may also cause rubs or pinching.

Bit Materials

Stainless steel is one of the most common materials used to make bits, and many other bit materials have a base of stainless steel. This is a neutral material that is resistant to rusting or staining and is extremely durable. Another popular addition to bit materials is copper; this encourages salivation and many horses like the flavor. Copper is offered in different variations and may also be known as sweet iron or augrian silver. For horses with sensitive mouths rubber, apple-flavored polymer or leather bits are commonly used. Note that these materials are generally less durable and should be replaced when severe wear marks become apparent.

Bit Mouthpiece Styles

Horze Equestrian offers bits with a variety of different mouthpieces. Mouthpiece designs offer a different feel in the horse’s mouth and may impact the control levels and severity of the bit. Mouthpiece thickness can be a factor in the severity of the bit and is typically measured in millimeters at the thickest section of the mouthpiece. Generally, a thicker mouthpiece is gentler than a narrower mouthpiece. One of the larges differentiators for mouthpieces is the type and structure of the joints. A mullen style mouthpiece has a straight bar and places pressure evenly along the tongue and is considered a more mild style of mouthpiece. A ported mouthpiece with no joints offers more control and the height of the port can increase severity, although a low port offers more space for the tongue. The most common style of mouthpiece is the single jointed mouthpiece; this collapses on the tongue and bars when pressure is applied, which is sometimes referred to as a nutcracker effect. Double jointed mouthpieces are available in a range of designs and help to limit the nutcracker effect of the single joint, distributing pressure more evenly. Different types of double jointed mouthpieces include French link, oval, lozenge and Dr. Bristol. A Waterford style mouthpiece consists of multiple links which eliminates the nutcracker effect. Other variations in structure include rollers, twists or a hollow mouthpiece; these are generally added to a single or double jointed mouthpiece. Rarer mouthpieces include spoons or tongue plates that discourage the horse from placing its tongue over the bit.

Bit Types

The cheekpiece structure of the bit is typically used as the name of the bit and it is the cheekpiece that effects the control level of the bit in large part. Horze Equestrian provides a large number of snaffle and curb style bits that are suitable for English riding and driving, particularly harness racing. Snaffle bits are those bits that work on direct pressure with the reins being attached to the rings and provided pressure on the mouthpiece. The different types of snaffle cheekpieces are loose ring, half spoon, eggbutt, D-ring and Baucher. Bradoon bits are also snaffle bits, but feature a smaller cheekpiece, generally a loose ring or eggbutt, to accommodate the curb bit. Some bits offer both direct and indirect action, offering snaffle and curb style features. These bits are the Pelham, kimberwick and gag bits. Curb bits offer leverage providing pressure on the horse’s poll as they attached to a bit with a shank and feature a curb chain or strap. Weymouth bits are the most common type of English curb bit. Less common styles of cheekpieces generally used for driving include the Wilson snaffle or extended ring bit, which feature two rings.