Horse Bits

Do you wish to connect with your horse? A bit can be one such technical element that can help you build a constant connection with the horse while riding. Studies indicate that soft and consistent contact between the horse and rider can cause less stress to animals than intermittent or unpredictable contact. Hence, bits are important for a horse’s tack.

A horse bit usually refers to the assembly of components that control and contact the horse mouth. It includes rings, shanks, Mullen, cheek-pads but often refers to a mullen. Here mullen is a piece that fits inside the mouth of a horse. This mullen extends across the horse’s mouth and rests on the bars (the area between incisors and molar – where there are no teeth). The bit is located on the head of the horse and is supported, thereby the headstall. When more and more people own their pet horses, we feel the need to serve them with all they might need. When we are selling top quality cheap horse bits, we are about to share some words to understand the product itself.

A guide to types of horse bits available in the market

In a horse tack, a bit, bridle, and reins work synchronously to offer control of the horse head to the rider. The bit applies pressure on the horse’s mouth and reinforces other control signals from the rider’s weight distribution and legs. A well-schooled horse needs little pressure on the bit if the rider is skilled. However, new horse ownership or riding bits can be one of the most confusing subjects they may counter. Today the market is flooded with different types, styles, and designs in each style or type of bit. Although we cannot cover all the available options, below are some of the most common and widely used types of bits and their suitability for use.

The snaffle bits

These are the simplest types of bit. They consist of rings and mouthpieces that attach directly to the reins. It means that the pressure on the reins translates directly into the load on the mouth (in equal proportion). Here a common misconception to avoid is that all snaffle bits have joints in them. This is not necessarily the case as straight-bar, and even Mullen mouthpieces also have parts of snaffle bits. Another false belief is that snaffles are mild bits. Instead, the pressure is more direct in this bit. A rough made or sharper bit can be harmful. At the same time, heavy hands on the reins will also make the bit harsher on the animal. These bits are popular in English riding but are used in Western as well.

The curb bits

These bits work with indirect pressure. The construction of these bits multiplies the force on the animal’s mouth, which is beyond the pressure put on the reins. It means the rider needs to use less stress on the reins to reach the same influence on the bit compared to the pressure one will put with a snaffle bit. This is the reason the curb bits are usually more severe. Although it also depends on how much the rider pulls on the reins. In the meantime, the length of the shank also translates the severity. Hence a longer shank means more pressure on the mouth. The curb style bits are prevalent in Western riding styles; however, one can see them in English courses.

The hackamore and bit-less bridles

To date, we are not sure if the first horse-people used bits or not. But some ancient artistic designs prove the existence of bit-less pieces of tacks. Hence, we can say that they may have existed for about 4000 years. Today there are many different types of bit-less from which itself has many different types. This type of bit works through a noseband that puts pressure on different face areas except the mouth. However, in many parts of the world, hackamores are not allowed in competitions. However, they are widely used in endurance riding, some show jumping, trail riding and cross-country competitions.

The double bridle bits

These bridles come with two bits at the same time. These are known as curb and snaffle. This type of bridle uses a special snaffle bit, which is known as the bradoon. This type of bridle works with four reins. Additionally, this type of bridle has both effects on the horse, with pressure on bars and mouth from the snaffle bit and on the chin, poll, palate, tongue and bars from the curb. When one uses the curb bit and bradoon for different purposes, these bits are suitable for engaging the curb to encourage the collection. Hence, this double bridle is ideal for refined control. But in the wrong hands, it can easily be misused and can be harmful to the animal.