Hackamores are a type of horse headgear that does not have a bit. Horses have very soft faces and many areas with sensitive nerve endings. The hackamore pressures the face, nose, jaw and/or chin areas to control the horse. Bosals The earliest and still popular Bosal Hackamore is comprised of a headstall and a leather… Read More Hackamore Bridle
The curb chain or strap is mounted in the chin groove under the horse’s chin between the bit shanks of the bit. It steadies the bit within the mouth (keeping it centered), and it controls the lever action of the reins. It keeps the bit shanks from bit from over-rotating. The curb strap acts as… Read More Curb Chain
Bitless Bridle “Less pain means more brain” The bitless bridle is slowly becoming popular – particularly among natural horse trainers and western riders. However, it is not yet accepted by all disciplines (much like barefoot horses). The world of horse training is very slow to change, and many, many riders equate the bit with absolute… Read More Bitless Bridle
Generally speaking, twisted wire bits require a horse with more training and experience and a rider with a softer, more experienced touch. While fat, thick mouthpieces spread the bit pressure over a larger area, twisted wire bits concentrate pressure, making it more intense in a smaller area of the mouth. A wire snaffle is rarely… Read More Twisted Wire Bits
Often used in western riding, the Sweet Iron is actually a cold-rolled “mild steel” or carbon steel that has been work hardened. It is often preferred by horses because the oxidation of the rusting or “seasoning” tastes sweet. It also seems to encourage salivation. Salivation is thought to be a “sensitivity enhancer” and many trainers… Read More Sweet Iron Bits
A copper bit is beautiful to see. However, it is not just a pretty face. Copper has a use. Horses are as different as people are when it comes to what tastes they like or dislike. Many horses appear to like the sweet taste of copper and seem to accept their bit better than a… Read More Copper Bits
A Bit Shank is the bar that has a ring that attaches to the bridle headstall at the top (headstall loop), the bit in the middle and and the rein ring on the other end. The length of the shank is important, as the longer the shank below the bit (lever), the more pressure is… Read More Bit Shanks
Horse Bit Leverage Explained Leverage is the pounds of pressure transmitted through a horse’s bit per pounds of pressure from a rider’s hands through the reins. If a rider pulls on the reins with one pound of pressure and the horse’s bit transmits one pound of pressure so that the horse actually feels one pound… Read More Bit Leverage
Gag Bits Explained I am not an expert in Gag Bits. Most of this information was gleaned from other’s writings. If any of our Horse-Pros.com friends would like to contribute, please feel free to do so. The sliding action of a Gag Bit applies most of the pressure to the horse’s lips and corners of… Read More Gag Bit
Solid High Ports such as Cathedrals and spooned ports make contact with the palate of the horse – some in more severe ways than others. The rider’s soft hands are critical here. The balance of a Spade, Spoon or Cathedral bit is critical, as they must be ridden straight-up neutral to keep the spoon off… Read More Spade Bit – Cathedral Bits