Bits, bits, bits. One of the most highly marketed and most highly misunderstood pieces of tack. We have tried to research types of bits extensively to give you an introduction to as many types as possible. This is not a comprehensive list, but we hope it serves you well as an introduction.
Introduction to Pelham Horse Bits The pelham bit has one rein (split) or two-rein capability. It has a large D-ring directly attached to the mouthpiece for a snaffle rein and a curb loop at the bottom of the shank for a curb rein. The snaffle rein is used most often for general riding, lateral turns,… Read More Pelham Bit
The Kimberwick is one of the most popular types of Pelham Bits. It has one rein (split) or two-rein capability. The rein attached to the snaffle loop acts like a simple snaffle bit and is used for general riding and lateral movement while the lower rein (the one with a shank to magnify pressure) acts… Read More Kimberwick Bit
Introduction to Snaffle Bits The Snaffle configuration by itself is a mild bit and one of the most universally used mouthpieces. It can be thick and mild on the bars and tongue or more severe if it has a thin twisted wire mouthpiece. It can be combined with many variations such as a Copper Roller,… Read More Snaffle Bit Basics
Whether bitting your horse for the first time or transitioning to a new bit, put the headstall and bit onto your horse in a comfortable, confined space such as his stall, and let him wear it daily – slowly working the time up to several hours – before you add reins or pressure. You can… Read More Bit Transition
Once you have determined that your horse may need a new bit, see Introduce a New Bit Fitting a bit starts with understanding the anatomy of a horse’s mouth. For more details see: Horse Teeth. In general terms, his lower jaw is smaller than his upper jaw. His bars are without muscle and full of… Read More Fitting your Horse’s Bit
Simple Considerations for Choosing a Horse Bit Before you choose a bit, consider 1. Your horse’s age and dentition: Most beginning trainers think that a horse works his way from a “gentle” bit to a “severe” bit as he gets older and better trained. Actually that is the opposite of what is true. A simple… Read More Choosing a Bit
A horse’s mouth with a foreign object in it (a bit) will likely need some saliva to lubricate the fit and comfort of the bit. However, there is a belief that salivation aids relaxation. In other words, a happy mouth is a wet mouth. And a relaxed horse, has a happy mouth. In some show… Read More Salivation
A horse is said to have a “hard” mouth when he has developed callouses in the corners of his mouth or dead spots on the bars of his mouth where nerve endings have been damaged. The more callouses or dead spots, the more pain he can take and the harder you will have to pull… Read More Hard Mouth
Shop Horse Bits Why a Bit? Start Here Horse Bits Explained A horse’s mouth is one of the most sensitive parts of his anatomy. He can discern and manipulate his environment from his first days as an inquisitive foal, chewing on everything, practising separating grass from weed and food from dirt. Bitting a horse and… Read More Bits, Horse – Intro
Try “less-is-more” before going to “harsher-is-better” There are many possible reasons to change bits: 1. Your horse is ready to graduate to a bit that teaches him another skill. When your horse has mastered the skill you were teaching with his first bit, he should be rewarded by a bit that gives him more freedom… Read More Horse Problems: Bitting Issues