Choosing The Ideal Bit For
Your Horse
The type of bit you need for your horse depends on your horse's temperament and training, how you intend to ride your horse, and your own riding skill.
What a Bit is For
The biggest mistake riders make when choosing a bit is believing that the only purpose of a bit is stop or slow down the horse. If the horse is strong or the rider hasn't yet developed the core muscles needed to execute a half halt, riders reach for a stronger, more severe bit to control the horse. More often than not, the horse simply runs through that bit, creating an upward spiral of harsher and harsher bitting.
The purpose of the bit is to influence your horse's forward energy.
By applying pressure to the horse's mouth, a rider sends that energy back toward the haunches. Doing so creates a strong topline, a balanced horse, and willing partner. The secret to this is developing an elastic rein contact.
There are three basic types of bits: snaffles, leverage bits, and gag bits.
Snaffle bits
Snaffle bits lie across the horse's tongue and apply pressure to the corners of the mouth, the tongue, and the bars (the place on a horse's gums where there are no teeth). Snaffle bits deliver a one-to-one ratio of pressure, that is, if the rider applies one ounce of pressure to the reins (by squeezing the hands, shortening the reins, or pulling the reins), then one ounce of pressure is delivered to the horse's mouth, two ounces of rein contact delivers two ounces of pressure, and so on.
Leverage bits
Leverage bits are attached to shanks that hang down from the horse's mouth. They typically consist of a curb bit and a curb chain. The curb chain applies pressure to the groove under a horse's. When the rein is pulled, the shank of the bit rotates back, increasing the pressure delivered to the horse's mouth, and the curb chain amplifies the pressure on the bars of the horse's mouth. As a result, pulling the reins delivers greater pressure the horse's mouth than a snaffle bit does, and the longer the shank, the greater the pressure. For example, a curb with a 5" shank and a 1" curb shank will generate a force ratio of 5:1. For this reason, leverage bits are not appropriate for beginner riders or horses. They should be used with compassion by expert riders to provide greater polish and brilliance to the horse's movement.
Gag bits
Gag bits are the most severe type of bit. They apply pressure not only to the horse's mouth, but to the poll as well. They are used mainly for horses that are strong pullers or for horses that need retraining.
In this article we go through the different types of horse bits and examine how each bit can be used to achieve a rider's goals.
The biggest mistake riders make when choosing a bit is believing that the only purpose of a bit is stop or slow down the horse. If the horse is strong or the rider hasn't yet developed the core muscles needed to execute a half halt, riders reach for a stronger, more severe bit to control the horse. More often than not, the horse simply runs through that bit, creating an upward spiral of harsher and harsher bitting.
The purpose of the bit is to influence your horse's forward energy.
By applying pressure to the horse's mouth, a rider sends that energy back toward the haunches. Doing so creates a strong topline, a balanced horse, and willing partner. The secret to this is developing an elastic rein contact.
There are three basic types of bits: snaffles, leverage bits, and gag bits.
Snaffle bits
Snaffle bits lie across the horse's tongue and apply pressure to the corners of the mouth, the tongue, and the bars (the place on a horse's gums where there are no teeth). Snaffle bits deliver a one-to-one ratio of pressure, that is, if the rider applies one ounce of pressure to the reins (by squeezing the hands, shortening the reins, or pulling the reins), then one ounce of pressure is delivered to the horse's mouth, two ounces of rein contact delivers two ounces of pressure, and so on.
Leverage bits
Leverage bits are attached to shanks that hang down from the horse's mouth. They typically consist of a curb bit and a curb chain. The curb chain applies pressure to the groove under a horse's. When the rein is pulled, the shank of the bit rotates back, increasing the pressure delivered to the horse's mouth, and the curb chain amplifies the pressure on the bars of the horse's mouth. As a result, pulling the reins delivers greater pressure the horse's mouth than a snaffle bit does, and the longer the shank, the greater the pressure. For example, a curb with a 5" shank and a 1" curb shank will generate a force ratio of 5:1. For this reason, leverage bits are not appropriate for beginner riders or horses. They should be used with compassion by expert riders to provide greater polish and brilliance to the horse's movement.
Gag bits
Gag bits are the most severe type of bit. They apply pressure not only to the horse's mouth, but to the poll as well. They are used mainly for horses that are strong pullers or for horses that need retraining.
In this article we go through the different types of horse bits and examine how each bit can be used to achieve a rider's goals.
Sprenger KK Snaffle Bit
Let's start with our favorite bit, the Herm Sprenger KK Ultra Aurigan Loose Ring that provides a precise contact between rider and horse. KK Ultra Bits were developed based on extensive research at the Veterinary University in Hanover, Germany.
Let's start with our favorite bit, the Herm Sprenger KK Ultra Aurigan Loose Ring that provides a precise contact between rider and horse. KK Ultra Bits were developed based on extensive research at the Veterinary University in Hanover, Germany.
The researchers discovered that the interior volume of a horse's mouth is smaller than previously thought, and the palate is smaller and flatter. This means that the space left for a bit is quite limited. KK Ultra bits accommodate these anatomical facts through an ingenious design: The bit consists of a three-piece mouthpiece with a small, rotated center lozenge anatomically designed to fit perfectly in the horse's mouth. This design allows the bit to rest comfortably on the tongue without squeezing or pinching it.
When the rider squeezes, shortens, or pulls back on the reins, the bit applies pressure to the corners of the horse's mouth and mouth. The horse slows or stops depending on how much pressure is applied. By applying a gentle pressure along with a half halt of the rider's core muscles, the forward motion of the horse is shifted back toward the haunches, causing the horse's back to rise, his legs to gather under him, and his gait to become more balanced and brilliant. You can buy these bits on Amazon here.
When the rider squeezes, shortens, or pulls back on the reins, the bit applies pressure to the corners of the horse's mouth and mouth. The horse slows or stops depending on how much pressure is applied. By applying a gentle pressure along with a half halt of the rider's core muscles, the forward motion of the horse is shifted back toward the haunches, causing the horse's back to rise, his legs to gather under him, and his gait to become more balanced and brilliant. You can buy these bits on Amazon here.
Nutcracker Snaffle Bit
The nutcracker snaffle bit is the most popular for English riding. It comprises a single-jointed mouthpiece and two round rings or D rings on each side of the mouth. Like the KK bit, the pressure applied to the reins is the same pressure felt by the horse. You can buy it from Amazon here.
The nutcracker snaffle bit is the most popular for English riding. It comprises a single-jointed mouthpiece and two round rings or D rings on each side of the mouth. Like the KK bit, the pressure applied to the reins is the same pressure felt by the horse. You can buy it from Amazon here.
French Snaffle
Very similar to the KK bit except that the mouthpiece in that it is made up of two joints with a small flat, peanut-shaped link (called the French link) in the center of the mouthpiece. Like the KK bit, this reduces the harder pressure of the regular snaffle while still giving the rider control of both sides of the horse’s mouth. Because of the double joint and the link, the French snaffle doesn't have the nutcracker action of a single jointed. Instead, it lies flat across the tongue. It is most appropriate for horses with low palates. Conversely, horses with large tongues may not like the French link snaffle because the link may be in constant contact with a larger tongue. You can buy it from Amazon here.
Very similar to the KK bit except that the mouthpiece in that it is made up of two joints with a small flat, peanut-shaped link (called the French link) in the center of the mouthpiece. Like the KK bit, this reduces the harder pressure of the regular snaffle while still giving the rider control of both sides of the horse’s mouth. Because of the double joint and the link, the French snaffle doesn't have the nutcracker action of a single jointed. Instead, it lies flat across the tongue. It is most appropriate for horses with low palates. Conversely, horses with large tongues may not like the French link snaffle because the link may be in constant contact with a larger tongue. You can buy it from Amazon here.
Weymouth (Double) Bridle
The double bridle (also called the Weymouth bridle) consists of two bits: the bridoon (snaffle bit) and the curb. It is the required bridle for upper level dressage. The bridoon is thinner than a standard snaffle in order to prevent it from interfering with the curb. The action of the bridoon is as described above for snaffle bits. The action of the curb was also described earlier. The rider holds two sets of reins, one attached to the bridoon, and one attached to the curb. The bridoon is used to maintain steady contact with the horse's mouth. The curb rein remains loose, and is applied only to provide greater elevation and brilliance to the horse's movement. You can buy one on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/4e2XjI9
The double bridle (also called the Weymouth bridle) consists of two bits: the bridoon (snaffle bit) and the curb. It is the required bridle for upper level dressage. The bridoon is thinner than a standard snaffle in order to prevent it from interfering with the curb. The action of the bridoon is as described above for snaffle bits. The action of the curb was also described earlier. The rider holds two sets of reins, one attached to the bridoon, and one attached to the curb. The bridoon is used to maintain steady contact with the horse's mouth. The curb rein remains loose, and is applied only to provide greater elevation and brilliance to the horse's movement. You can buy one on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/4e2XjI9
Choosing and fitting a bit for your horse
First, find out what types of bits are legal in your sport or riding discipline.
Don't waste time trying bits that you will not be allowed to use. Plus, if a type of bit is illegal in your discipline, there is probably good reason for it. Bits are banned typically because they are inhumane.
Second, measure your horse's mouth.
Run a tape measure or string from one corner of your horse's mouth through the inside of his mouth to the other corner. The bit should be 3/4 inch larger than this measurement so that it doesn't pinch the corners of his mouth.
Third, look inside your horse's mouth.
Inspect the size of the tongue, the size of the bars, and the arch of the palate. The larger the tongue, the lower the palate, and the narrower the bars, the thinner the bit should be. As a general rule of thumb, the bit should never take up more than 1/2 the space between his hard palate and bars.
Finally, if you are using a curb chain...
Ensure that you can slide one finger between the horse's chin and the chain.
Getting the right bit for your horse is an important part of ensuring that your horse stays comfortable and the rider has optimal influence over the horse's speed, gait, and movement.
Happy riding!
Copyright Denise Cummins, PhD March 8, 2017; Updated June 3, 2024
The Thinking Equestrian
First, find out what types of bits are legal in your sport or riding discipline.
Don't waste time trying bits that you will not be allowed to use. Plus, if a type of bit is illegal in your discipline, there is probably good reason for it. Bits are banned typically because they are inhumane.
Second, measure your horse's mouth.
Run a tape measure or string from one corner of your horse's mouth through the inside of his mouth to the other corner. The bit should be 3/4 inch larger than this measurement so that it doesn't pinch the corners of his mouth.
Third, look inside your horse's mouth.
Inspect the size of the tongue, the size of the bars, and the arch of the palate. The larger the tongue, the lower the palate, and the narrower the bars, the thinner the bit should be. As a general rule of thumb, the bit should never take up more than 1/2 the space between his hard palate and bars.
Finally, if you are using a curb chain...
Ensure that you can slide one finger between the horse's chin and the chain.
Getting the right bit for your horse is an important part of ensuring that your horse stays comfortable and the rider has optimal influence over the horse's speed, gait, and movement.
Happy riding!
Copyright Denise Cummins, PhD March 8, 2017; Updated June 3, 2024
The Thinking Equestrian
As long as you're here, check these out!
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How To Control Your Horse's Speed
How To Half Halt Your Horse
Three Secrets To A Secure Seat
Opening Photo Credit: CC0 Public Domain
Equestrian Products That Make Your Riding and Horse Care Easier and Better!
How To Control Your Horse's Speed
How To Half Halt Your Horse
Three Secrets To A Secure Seat
Opening Photo Credit: CC0 Public Domain
