There are a few different types of horse bits out on the market, and the one you choose will be largely dependent upon your horse’s behavior, your purpose, and what you plan to do with your horse.
There are a few key things to keep in mind, however, and that is when choosing a bit for your horse, you must be careful as the wrong bit can cause her some pain. The mouth is a very sensitive part of the horse, and if a bit that is too harsh is used, she can become resistant to the bit.
What is a horse bit?
A horse bit is the piece of the horse’s tack that goes in the mouth and helps the rider steer the horse in the direction the rider wants the horse to go into. They are useful in controlling the motion of the horse. The bit is directly connected to the reigns, which is the part that is held by the equestrian.
How to overcome a bit resistant horse:
If you have a bit resistant horse, there are a few things you can do so you can still ride and control your horse.
One thing, is trying to put some sort of horse safe flavoring on the bit to see if she’d be more open to taking it. I have used mint-flavored bit wipes with some success, but the flavor seems to wear off pretty quick.
Another option may be for you to go bit-less, though not all horses can be ridden this way and this is not allowed in show circuits.
I tried riding without a bit on my forward mare and she was perfect and even taking my cues a lot better. Now, I’m not saying this works for ALL forward horses, but is certainly worth trying even if only for the experience and to know if you horse can be ridden without a bit.
If you’re trying bit-less riding, I recommend you have someone walk next to you in case she takes off. I don’t suggest this for a headstrong horse who tosses his head because he would be able to throw it so much he could hurt himself or you.
Benefits of Going Bit-less
Using a bitless bridle has a lot of benefits. For one, it’s more comfortable for your horse because there’s nothing in her mouth. Better yet, some bits can cause pain to your animal and it’s always better to not cause unneeded pain to any of your friends.
Going bitless also prevents the stress and/or fear of having a foreign thing in their mouth that isn’t food. If this stress or fear isn’t there and the discomfort isn’t placed in her mouth, she should, in theory, be more willing to work and learn because she is more calm and in a better state mentally.
But as I said a few moments ago, going bit-less isn’t for everyone and you certainly need a bit if you’re going to be in any shows.
Horse Snaffle Bits
A snaffle is one of the most gentle bits you can buy. They have many different variations so you can probably find one that suits your horse. There is Eggbutt snaffle, which has a thicker mouthpiece than Dee ring snaffles.
Some horses like this, other horses don’t. Loose ring snaffles have circular rings. Full cheek snaffles are like loose ring snaffles but have a piece that sticks out.
There are a lot more snaffle bits but that would take too long to list them all. All snaffles are good for almost all riding. You can use them for Western or English in any discipline. In most western disciplines, you would have to compete in a western snaffle and I only listed English snaffles. However, you can attach English bits to western bridles.
Horse Curb Bits
Curb bits are mainly used in western pleasure or other western disciplines and are rarely used in anything else. These bits can be extremely painful to the horse if not used correctly. These bits are to be only used with experienced riders with steady hands. The way of steering using this bit is a lot different compared to the steering of an English horse.
Horse Pelham Bits
A Pelham is a combination of a snaffle and curb bit depending how it is used. This is a fairly harsh bit, so I recommend to use it very gently and only truly use it if your horse is totally out of control or is tossing his head a lot.
This bit is suitable for almost any discipline, and has been seen in hunter, dressage, eventing, show jumping, and so many more. It is also a good bit for training a headstrong horse or transitioning bits from snaffle to curb or vise versa.
Other horse bit options:
If you have a forward horse but don’t think a harsher bit will help, you’re probably right. You might want to think about putting a shank on your bit. A shank is a metal chain that goes on your horse and when you pull, the shank adds a little bit of pressure causing the horse to slow.
A Lot of people use these in showing at any level and any discipline.
However, they aren’t common in western pleasure or barrel racing. They are never seen in racing either. They are most common in hunters and jumpers.
Horse bit materials:
Bits can be made of many different materials. My bit has a copper mouthpiece. Copper is said to be gentler on the horse’s mouth, however, the most common material is stainless steel.
Some snaffle bits have rubber on them for super sensitive horses. There are more than 30 different bit materials, but I listed the most common ones. Certain materials are exclusive to specific countries and types of bits.
My bit is a Dee ring copper snaffle but I am considering switching to an egg butt snaffle. My horse does really well in this bit, and I like that it is copper because I can see bite marks on it, (which you can’t with stainless steel).
Horse Bit Conclusion:
There are several different horse bit options for you to try, but you and your horse may benefit from going bit-less in riding, or trying one of the less-harsh bits mentioned above, or trying one of the others we haven’t mentioned.