How to fit a horse bit
A lot of the problems we have with our horses come back to one thing –pain. And all too often that pain comes from badly fitting tack. If that tack that doesn’t fit happens to be the bit, pinching or bruising your horse’s sensitive mouth, then it’s no wonder if your horse gives you trouble. How do you know if your bit is causing problems? Well, whenever your horse is disobedient, it’s worth checking your bit, but here are a few other signs:
• Chomping or frequently opening the mouth
• Leaning on the bit or pulling
• Head shaking or head tossing
• ‘dropping’ the bit or tucking its head close to its chest
• Carrying its head high
• The tongue hanging out
• Getting the tongue over the bit
• Sores at the corners of the horse’s mouth or on its lips
Of course, many horses do some these things anyway – and sometimes it’s just the way they are. Some other evasions are also related to the bit, even though they may not involve the horse’s head. Rearing, rushing backward, and even bucking can be due to discomfort from the bit. If you see any of these signs, make sure your bit isn’t the cause. So how do you check your bit?
It’s simple - if you can put your bridle on your horse and fit it properly, then there’s no reason why you can’t fit your horse’s bit too. In most cases, you don’t need an expert. That said, most riders will have heard the ‘one wrinkle rule’. That says that a bit fits well if there’s one wrinkle in your horse’s lips at the side of its mouth. Actually, it’s more complicated than that to do it right!
Let’s start with how high in the horse’s mouth your horse bit fits. This takes the one wrinkle rule a bit further. First of all, make sure the bit is level – check to see if your cheek pieces are the same length – if one side is on the first buckle hole and the other in on the fourth, chances are your bridle isn’t hanging level, and the bit will be higher on one side of the horse’s mouth than the other. That can cause pain, blisters, and your bit won’t work efficiently. Look at your horse, with the bridle on, from the front, and make sure the bit rings or shanks are level. It may sound obvious, but it’s an easy mistake to make.
Now, check the wrinkles. One to three wrinkles at the side of your horse’s mouth is a good place to start, but it’s only the start. If there are no wrinkles, then the bit is probably too low, more than three (or if your horse looks like it is laughing) then the bit is probably too high. You want to see just a little smile! Each time you adjust the cheek pieces, remember to check from the front and make sure the bit is still level.
Now you need to take a look inside your horse’s mouth. Place your thumb on the bars of his jaw (the place where there are no teeth!), and gently open your horse’s mouth. You’ll probably have to do it a few times – not many horses will leave their mouth open for you! All you need is a quick look at where the bit is sitting on his tongue. The joint of a snaffle should be about halfway up his tongue, a straight-bar bit like a curb or Pelham should be a little higher.
Now, let’s check if the bit is too wide or too narrow. If you are using a snaffle, pull the rings sideways so the bit is straight in your horse’s mouth – a curb or Pelham bit is already straight. You want to see ½ to ¾ of an inch on either side; no less, and no more. A bit that is too wide will move around in a horse’s mouth, and in the case of a snaffle, the joint will fall too low. A bit that is too narrow will pinch the sides of the mouth, and won’t allow the horse to move its tongue around and be comfortable.
Once you have a bit that fits, take a measurement. Measure the bit from between the bars or rings. This is your horse’s bit size, but don’t rely on that alone. Every time you buy a new bit, check the fit. Manufacturers aren’t all the same in how they make and measure bits! And remember, a straight bar bit that fits your horse is likely to be a different width than a snaffle that fits.
Of course, whether your horse bit is right for your horse also depends on many other factors. The type of bit and the material it’s made of will all affect whether your horse likes it or not, and how well your horse performs in its bit. However, no bit will work well if it doesn’t fit!
Noteworthy bit suppliers
- Myler bits: popular upper-range bits. The Myler bitting system was a leader in the design of ‘pressure-free’ bits. To work effectively they need to be carefully fitted.
- Pessoa ‘Magic System’ bits: designed by Rodrigo and Nelson Pessoa, these bits for English riding cost more, but are designed to reduce the pressure on the bars of the mouth.
- JP Bits: these affordable bits are designed by former jockey John Patterson, and use gently curved mouthpieces to protect the sensitive areas of the horse’s mouth, like the roof of the mouth and the tongue.
- Goodwater bits: these may seem like budget bits, but they have many sensitive features like ‘pinch free’ rings, and shanks on western bits that won’t twist or poke the horse’s cheek.
- Mikmar: top of the range adjustable bits – these bits offer a variety of rein placements, making them versatile for strong horses.
- Happy mouth: happy mouth bits are mid-range for price, but feature a patented soft plastic coating to encourage the horse to chew and soften its jaw. For this reason, happy mouth bits should be replaced when the coating shoes signs of excessive wear.
Horse Bits- Types and Uses
Horse bits tend to be the most misunderstood and ill-used horse equipment today. Because there are so many different types, sub-types, and nuance variations on each type, there exists a great amount of confusion as to what bits work with what horses, and in what disciplines. This is troublesome to varying degrees, and in many cases is downright dangerous. The reason for this is that a horse’s mouth is extremely sensitive and can be easily damaged. Novice or uneducated riders often think that a snaffle bit can be used for any horse under any circumstances. However, this is not good horsemanship, as different horses require different bits, depending on the horse’s attitude, conformation, discipline, and particular job they are performing. As a result, it is vital to educate oneself in an attempt to come to an informed understanding of what type of bit one’s horse really needs.
Because a horse communicates almost exclusively with its mouth, any injuries incurred to this area are especially debilitating. Nevertheless, when in the saddle we communicate via direct contact with the equine’s mouth. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to ensure that we are using the right equipment in the right way. This is due to the fact that the bits and bridles used in nearly all forms of horseback riding and driving exerts pressure on the lips, tongue, palate, roof of the mouth, and an area known as the bar of the mouth. (The bar is a sensitive area located in a region where there are no teeth- directly behind the front teeth, and in front of the molars.) In combination with certain bridles, pressure can also be applied to the chin, the sides of the mouth, the poll, and the nose. All areas of the mouth are extraordinarily sensitive to heat, cold, pressure, and pain. While this oral sensitivity in a horse can cause pain and discomfort, it can also serve as a method of control and communication with the animal when done correctly. One should be immediately aware that not only will an incorrectly used horse bit cause pain or damage to the horse, but it will also undoubtedly fail in its intended effects, and could result in the animal becoming apprehensive or fearful when a bridle is placed on its head. Study of horse bit types and uses are essential for the proper training and handling of your horse. The following is a list of the most common types of English and Western bits in use today:
Western Style
Western Grazing Bit- This type of bit features long, fixed shanks that allow additional pressure to be applied to the animal. It also typically utilizes a non-jointed mouthpiece that contains a port. A port is a special contour or curving of a small area in the mouthpiece that allows the pressure on the tongue to be eased. This port also allows the horse something to “play with,” which may help to keep their attention on the task or trail before them.
Western Pelham Bit- This type of horse bit is nearly identical to the English bit of the same name. This type of curb bit has rings to attach snaffle reins in addition to curb reins. However, it should be noted that a horse in this type of gear should be primarily ridden using the snaffle reins, with pressure on the curb reins only being applied when necessary. This requires a skilled rider with soft and experienced hands. A Western Pelham bit is useful in training and general riding, as it discourages pulling, and encourages a horse to lower its head.
Western S-Shank Bit- Exactly as its name implies, this type of horse bit features fixed s-shaped shanks. This provides more leverage and encourages the horse to lower its head by placing pressure on the bars of the mouth and the palate.
English Style
Eggbutt Snaffle Bit- This type of horse bit utilizes wide, cylindrical cheek pieces with varying degrees of tapering on straight or jointed mouthpieces. This is perhaps one of the most common bits used in English riding today, and is used for training purposes and general riding. The bit enables the rider to apply pressure to the bar of the mouth, the tongue, and roof of the mouth.
English Loose Ring Snaffle Bit- This type of bit is used for very early training and breaking. It features curved or jointed mouthpieces that apply pressure to the bar of the mouth. However, due to the construction of this particular bit, it is recommended to use types that are manufactured with rubber protectors that prevent pinching of the lips, or pulling of the rings into the mouth.
English Full Cheek Snaffle Bit- This horse bit is similar to other snaffles, but utilizes long cheek pieces that prevent the bit from pulling through the mouth. Typically constructed with jointed mouthpieces, the English Full Cheek Snaffle applies pressure to the bars, tongue, and roof of the mouth. This is an excellent all-purpose horse bit.
English Pelham Bit- This bit is used for training, general riding, and especially on horses that pull or need head work. It features shanks that extend downward, and has rings to attach curb reins. Snaffle reins attach to a larger ring connected directly to the mouthpiece. A rider using these types of bits must know how to double rein, and be committed to only using the curb reins when absolutely necessary.
D-Ring Snaffle Bit- The D-shaped rings of this bit aids in lessening pressure through the mouth. The action is force applied to the tongue, bar of the mouth, and palate. This type of horse bit is used in everyday English riding, as well as in race horses.
Kimberwick- (Also spelled Kimberwicke) A kimberwick bit features a straight or jointed mouthpiece that sits at the top of large D-rings. The D-rings have slots for reins, which enable the rider to apply varying degrees of pressure, depending on where they attach the reins. The lower on the ring the reins are attached, the more pressure is applied. This type of bit has a curb chain that aids in preventing the bit from rotating. This type of horse bit should be used with heavy pullers, for training purposes, and to encourage a horse to lower its head.
Quarter Moon D-Ring Snaffle Bit- This bit is almost exclusively used in the show ring, often featuring double jointed mouthpieces and adornments that offer no real use. The double jointing of the mouthpieces allows pressure to be eased on the tongue and palate. The quarter-moon shape of the port of the mouthpiece also allows additional easing of pressure over the tongue.
Driving Bits
Full Cheek Snaffle Bit- Used for the formal driving of horse teams, this type of bit typically features a jointed mouthpiece, and large cheek rings to prevent pinching of the lips. The jointed mouthpiece applies pressure to the tongue and roof of the mouth, offering control exactly where the driver needs it.
Half Cheek Snaffle Bit- This driving bit utilizes curved mouthpieces that may or may not be jointed, and downward extending shanks that keep the horse bit from pulling through the mouth.
Liverpool Bit- A common driving bit, the Liverpool features hinged or fixed shanks with multiple slots for reins. As with other shanks utilizing these features, the lower the reins are placed on the shanks, the more pressure or control is applied.
While this is certainly not an exhausting list, it does include the most common and useful types of horse bits. There are many variations on each of these types, and a number of other specialty bits not mentioned here. For best results, it is crucial to consult with your veterinarian, farrier, or other horse expert in order to determine what bit is right for your horse. Once you determine what bit you need, you will also be required to take measurements in order to fit that particular bit to your horse correctly.
On a final note, it must be mentioned that when your horse has injuries to the mouth, or has had recent dental work, there are other options available besides bits. These typically include hackamores, which control the horse via pressure applied to the nose, cheeks, forehead, or any combination thereof. Not only is it important to recognize what bit to use for your horse during what activity, but also to recognize when to not use a bit at all. If ever you are in doubt, please be sure to consult a qualified horseman.
Recommended Horse Bit Manufacturers:
Korsteel
Pessoa
Mikmar
Myler
Herm Sprenger
