ukpets logo
Pet Classifieds Pet Classifieds
  • For Sale
  • For Adoption
  • For Stud
  • Wanted
Post An Ad
Pet Care Blog
  • All Pet Care
  • Training Tips
  • Health / Grooming
  • General Advice
  • Interesting Articles
Tools Tools
  • Dogs
  • All Dog Breeds
  • Breed Finder Quiz
  • Compare Dog Breeds
  • Cats
  • All Cat Breeds
  • Breed Finder Quiz
  • Compare Cat Breeds
Account Account
Register
Sign In
Connect With Us:
  • Classifieds
  • Blog
Advanced Search Post an Ad
£0£2000+

How to Choose the Best Horse Bit

Share this: Facebook Twitter Email

horse bitWhat is the best horse bit to use? There have been many arguments regarding the usage of a horse bit in horse riding. However, regardless of which side you are on, tools are best used when you have a better understanding of their functions. The suitability of a horse bit not only depends on the horse breed but on the rider’s ability to handle it.

In choosing the perfect horse bit, the following points should be carefully considered:

  • Style of riding
  • The rider’s general ability
  • Traditional use and types of bits
  • Training level of the horse
  • The purpose of horse riding

What is the purpose of a horse bit?

A horse bit is a part of a bridle, which will be positioned into the mouth of the horse. This allows the rider to fully control a horse with different cues by giving pressure in and around the mouth. The said pressure will be used to influence the horse’s direction and speed of the entire ride. In other words, a horse bit acts as a steering gear and brakes during the riding session.

Trivia: The first use of bits is believed to be metal snaffles dated back to 1500 BCE.

Although the horse bit is not as essential as some other riding equipment, it gives you a much better guarantee that you have control over unexpected emergency situations. Know that the right bit in the right hands will cause no damage and pain; instead, it will only serve its prime purpose.

The ideal bit to use should be the mildest one possible. A strong bit in heavy hands can be threatening for horses and causing discomfort, and as a result, it can trigger undesired reactions. The following points on the horse’s head that will be affected by the horse bit:

  • Bars
  • Cheeks
  • Curb area
  • Lips
  • Nose
  • Palate
  • Poll

Not all points will be affected at the same time. The number of points affected will depend on the type of headgear used.

Types of bits

horse back ridingWhat is the difference in horse bits? There are many variations on horse bits, but they are mainly categorised into two: snaffle and curb.

Snaffle

Also recognised as a ring snaffle, a snaffle bit is a mouthpiece with a round ring and a bit in the middle. The reins are attached directly to the mouthpiece instead to a shank. This allows the rider to have a direct pull when he/she pulls the reins with no leverage involved. It applies pressure on certain points such as the corners of the mouth, pressure on the tongue, and the bars of the mouth.

Curb

A curb bit will be used with leverage than the snaffle bit. This refers to a mouthpiece with shanks. The reins are attached to a shank instead of the mouthpiece. The curb strap is usually placed under the chin of the horse. A curb bit is created to have no rein contact lest the rider gives off a specific cue. When the rider pulls the reign, it places pressure not only on the mouth and chin but to the horse’s poll as well (creating the leverage effect). It applies pressure on certain points such as the bars, lips, tongue, the roof of the mouth, poll, and under the chin.

You may also like:

  • Horse Riding Safety Guide
  • The Essential Guide to Horse Healthcare
  • Everything You Need to Know Before Buying a Horse

Bit materials

What is the softest bit for a horse? Years of development allowed us to have a variety of mouth-friendly selection on horse bits in the industry.

copper horse bit

Photo Credit: ebay

Copper
Copper is one of the favoured mouthpiece choices for horses. It benefits dry-mouthed horses to salivate and become more responsive to cues of the bit.

happy mouth horse bit

Photo Credit: AMSSaddlery

Happy Mouth
This type of bit is manufactured with high-tech plastics and is flexible and soft. It is made with a natural scent of apple to make it easier for horses to adjust.

rubber horse bit

Photo Credit: amazon

Rubber
Mouthpieces made out of rubber are said to be warmer in the mouth and on the tongue. However, it is said to be too big or too mouthful for young horses and those with smaller mouths.

stainless steel horse bit

Photo Credit: ebay

Stainless Steel
Stainless steel bits are the most common material you see on display. It stays shiny and easy to use, and it does not easily rust.

sweet iron/black steel horse bit

Photo Credit: theconnectediron.com

Sweet Iron/Black Steel
This is said to be a product that encourages horses to salivate, which makes the horse’s mouth more responsive.

Points in finding the appropriate bit

  • Determine what type of bit should you get: a snaffle or leverage? Think about the intent of horse riding.
  • Know the size or the proper width of your horse’s mouth. Choose a bit that protrudes about a quarter on each side. You may also consider getting it custom-built according to your desired size and style.

In conclusion, it is important to recognise that each horse has its own preference. They may react differently depending on the different types of bit pressure. Consider testing out as many bits as possible to determine the bit that your horse responds to the best.

Share this: Facebook Twitter Email

Emily Taylor

Related Stories

Pet Insurance: Cost, Reviews and Guide
Pet Insurance: Cost, Reviews and Guide
10 Unique Pet Memorial Ideas
10 Unique Pet Memorial Ideas
Glammed-Up Pets Strut in New York Pet Fashion Show 2019
Glammed-Up Pets Strut in New York Pet Fashion Show 2019

Featured Story

How Big Does a Cane Corso Get?
How Big Does a Cane Corso Get?

The immense size of a Cane Corso makes him a formidable canine companion that can easily deter threats. Knowing how big the breed can get will give us … [Read More...]

Latest Pets for Sale
8
Mixed Breed Dogs Breed
Gorgeous mixed kittens for sale

Bedford

95

5
Labrador Retrievers
Labrador/Springador

Redruth

795

9
Mixed Breed For Sale in the UK
Jug Pups READY NOW! Three remaining!

Chelmsford

450

6
Cocker Spaniel Advertisement UK Pets
Working cocker spaniel puppies for sale

Doncaster

1,650

View All
Post Pet Advertisements
For Free!
Sign Up Now
UK Pets Tools Dogs
  • Dog Breed Selector Quiz
  • Dog Breeds (A-Z)
  • Dog Breed Groups
  • Compare Dog Breeds
  • Dog Names
Cats
  • Cat Breed Selector Quiz
  • Cat Breeds (A-Z)
  • Compare Cat Breeds
  • Cat Names
   Services
  •    Pet Sitters
  •    Pet Transport
  •    Pet portraits
  •    Pet Cremation
  •    Dog Walker
  •    Dog Training
  •    Dog Grooming
  •    Dog Photography
  •    Dog Kennels
  •    Hydrotherapy For Dogs
  •    Catteries
Dogs & Puppies for Sale
  • Mixed Breed Dogs & Puppies for Sale
  • French Bulldogs for Sale
  • American Bullies for Sale
  • Labrador Retrievers for Sale
  • Cockapoos for Sale
  • Cocker Spaniels for Sale
Cats & Kittens for Sale
  • Mixed Breed Cats & Kittens for Sale
  • British Shorthair Cats & Kittens for Sale
  • Ragdoll Cats & Kittens for Sale
  • Bengal Cats & Kittens for Sale
  • Sphynx Cats & Kittens for Sale
  • Maine Coon Cats & Kittens for Sale
Other Pets for Sale
  • Birds for Sale
  • Rabbits for Sale
ukpets logo
  • About Us
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy & Cookie Usage
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise
  • Pet Insurance
  • Post Free Pet Ads
Copyright © 2023 UKPets. All rights reserved.