Horse bits are an essential part of a horse's tack. A bit is a vital part in aiding communication between the horse and rider. Understanding the types of bits and their uses can help a rider choose the best for their horse and discipline. However, it is important to always consult a professional as bits can cause discomfort if they are fitted incorrectly or used to harshly. Below we will explore some common bit types.
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Snaffles (Eggbutt, Loose Ring, D-Ring, Full Cheek)
Curbs (Weymouth, Pelham, Kimblewick, Tom Thumb)
Gags (Balding, Cheltenham, Nelson, Dutch)
Specialised Bits (Bevel, Universal, Chifney)
Snaffles
Snaffles are among the most widely used type of bit due to their straightforward and direct contact without any leverage. A snaffle applies pressure on several areas of the mouth including the tongue, bars, and lips. They are often used with horses in training and beginner riders due to their direct feedback and are generally seen as ‘milder’ but it's always important to remember that any bit can cause discomfort if used incorrectly.
Eggbutt Snaffles
Named, due to their oval ‘egg’ shaped rings, Eggbutt snaffles provide a steady contact between horse and rider and are considered more gentle.
Loose Ring Snaffles
Common in the racing industry, loose ring bits consist of rings that can rotate freely, allowing more flexibility. This is useful for horses who are sensitive in the mouth or ones that lean on the bit, the movement of the rings helps a horse maintain balance and keeps a relaxed mouth and jaw.
D-Ring Snaffles
This type of snaffle has the straight part of the D shape against the horse's mouth to stop the bit sliding through the mouth, allowing an even contact. As well as stopping the bit sliding, a D-Ring also allows for direct contact and more control due to straightforward communication.
Full Cheek Snaffle
The main use of a full cheek snaffle is to aid a rider with steering. The vertical bars put pressure on the sides of the mouth and head, directing the head better. This bit is useful for horses that are new to training and learning rider aids through the reins. Similar to the D-Ring Snaffle, it also prevents the bit sliding through the mouth and applies an even pressure.
Curb Bits
Curb bits are composed of a mouthpiece as well as shanks and are used to provide leverage. This means that pressure is not even and can be increased or decreased by the rider, the longer the shanks on the curb bit, the stronger the pressure is. Curb bits are often used in higher levels or training, where more specific aids are needed to have very refined movement.
Weymouth
Weymouth bits are often used in high level dressage as they help to create precise head movements through pressure on the horses poll, chin groove and bars of the mouth. A Weymouth is always combined with a snaffle in a double bridle and can be used with a variety of mouthpieces.
Pelham
A Pelham is a mix between a curb and a snaffle and has two rings on each side to attach two sets of reins to, which can also be turned into one set using Pelham roundings. Pelhams always have a curb chain, this chain ensures the bit does not rotate too far and cause additional pressure points. The snaffle ring is used for direct pressure and the shanks are used for leverage. Pelhams are often used in show jumping and eventing as riders are able to switch between the different types of control the bit allows. Pelhams are also often used on strong horses that can pull hard against the riders hands, allowing for more control.
Kimblewick/Kimberwick
Kimblewicks are similar to a Pelham and have both snaffle contact as well as leverage from shanks. The difference being that an Uxer Kimblewick has slots in the D-Ring, allowing the reins to be attached to different points of the bit, to increase or decrease pressure. Kimblewicks are seen to have a milder leverage than other curb bits and are sometimes used on young riders that do not have the strength to control a pony with a simple snaffle.
Tom Thumb
A Tom Thumb bit works off the same principle as other curbs but works using one set of reins, rather than two. This bit can be severe if used incorrectly and is commonly confused with snaffles.
Hackamores
A Hackamore is a type of bit that is technically not a bit. There is no mouthpiece to a hackamore, making it a bitless piece of equipment. Hackamores do not apply pressure to the horse's mouth, instead applying pressure to the nose, chin and poll. Hackamores are useful for horses with sensitive mouths and dental issues or horses needing more control without pressure in their mouth. There are various levels of severity with hackamores.
Side Pull
The most gentle as they do not apply as much pressure and leverage but work similar to a headcollar, utilising a push and pull on the side of the horse's face.
Mechanical
These bits have larger shanks which provide more control and can put more pressure on the nose. Mechanical Hackamores work the same way as Curb bits do, without using a mouthpiece.
Gag Bits
The main purpose of a gag bit is to raise the horses head through leverage. Gags have sliding cheekpieces, this means that when the reins are pulled, the bit is lifted in the horses mouth and applies pressure to the lips and poll. The leverage severity can be adjusted depending on the length of the cheekpieces.
Balding Gag
This is a bit commonly used in Polo and show jumping. Balding Gags have a loose ring design, allowing more flexibility and movement within the mouth. This bit allows for more control and can be used with double reins, similar to a Pelham and should always be used with gag cheeks.
Cheltenham Gag
A Cheltenham Gag works the same as a Balding Gag but has Eggbutt shaped cheek pieces that keep a steady contact, unlike loose rings that allow flexibility in the mouth.
Nelson Gag
A Nelson Gag is the same as the Cheltenham Gag and the Balding Gag but utilises full cheek pieces that aid with steering. To lift the head and turn it.
Dutch Gag
Also known as the 3 Ring Gag or Pessoa, this bit has 3 different places that reins can be attached. When on the highest ring, this bit works like a snaffle, whereas the bottom two rings use leverage. This bit is called a gag but does not lift the head, instead it uses leverage to lower the head.
Baucher/Hanging Cheek
A Baucher bit, also known as a Hanging Cheek bit, provides a steady contact. These bits are often used in dressage as it encourages proper head carriage through poll pressure. However, It is debated whether a Baucher increases or reduces poll pressure. Bauchers are also useful for horses with a ‘busy mouth’, meaning that they play with the bit. This is due to it moving around less in the horse's mouth.
Specialised Bits
Bevel
A bevel utilises a loose ring design, allowing flexibility and movement in the mouth. This bit is for those who need more control than a snaffle but not as much as a gag bit. Leverage can be adjusted by changing the ring the reins are connected to. Due to the smaller rings, this bit is a less harsh version of a Dutch Gag, where less control is needed.
Universal/Wilkie
Also known as the Wilkie, a universal bit works the same as a Bevel Bit but has the top ring on the outside of the main ring instead of inside. Like the Bevel and Dutch Gag, the leverage can be increased or decreased depending on which ring the reins are attached to. This bit is used to lower a horse's head. This bit allows more movement than a Bevel Bit due to the larger leverage rings.
Chifney
Commonly used in racing and on stallions, the Chifney Bit is to be used in hand only. Horses that are difficult to lead and are prone to rearing are placed in this bit to give better control. This should never be used whilst riding and can be severe if used incorrectly.
Selecting the right bit for your horse depends on many factors and should be checked regularly. Always consult a knowledgeable trainer or equine professional to ensure your bit is correct and comfortable for your horse.
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