The bit attached to the bridle transmits your rein aids to your horse and is therefore a central link in rider-horse communication. As the horse's mouth is a particularly sensitive area, it is important that the bit suits you both. Choosing the right bit depends on the level of training of the rider and horse, the type of riding, the anatomy of the horse's mouth, the temperament and also the preferences of the horse.
The bit lies in the horse's mouth in the toothless gap between the cheek teeth and the incisors or stallion teeth, known as the bars. It should lie quietly in the middle of the bars without pulling or sagging. To prevent injury to the mouth, the surface of the bit should always be smooth and undamaged.
A bit consists of the mouthpiece, which lies in the mouth, and the side pieces. Both can be combined in different variations.
A distinction is made between single-jointed, double-jointed, and bar bits.
With single-jointed bits, the joint in the middle rises slightly when the reins are pulled. If your horse has a flat palate and therefore little space in the mouth, pressure points or injuries to the sensitive palate can occur. In contrast, with double-jointed bits, the pressure is distributed in an arc over a larger area. These are therefore better suited for flatter palates.
With bar bits, one-sided rein aids and developing position and bending are difficult or impossible. You should therefore be able to ride your horse well using leg and weight aids.
The different side pieces allow the bits to work in different ways.
The following bits only act on the lower jaw via the tongue.
Water snaffle bits (=ring snaffle bits) are generally suitable for all horses and all levels of rider and horse training. The movable rings compensate well for a restless rider's hand. In addition, the horse can temporarily avoid excessive pressure by raising its tongue.
Olive head and D-ring bits are particularly suitable for horses that have sensitive corners of the mouth, tend to break out over the shoulder, or play too much with a water snaffle. They are not recommended for young horses that are inexperienced with bits. Since the mouthpiece is firmly attached to the ring, rein aids are transmitted directly without compensating for an unsteady rider's hand. However, these types of bits generally lie more quietly in the mouth than snaffle bits and are gentle on the corners of the mouth. The close-fitting side pieces facilitate lateral contact.
Leg-action bits are popular for training young horses, for lunging, or for show jumpers, as the side bars have a directional effect and the bit cannot be pulled through the mouth. Leg-action bits also lie more quietly in the horse's mouth than water snaffle bits.
The following bits act on the lower jaw via the tongue and on the neck via leverage. These bits are not recommended for horses that tend to pull downwards.
Pessoas (=multiring, 3- or 4-ring bits) are used for spirited horses in cross-country and show jumping. However, these bits require a sensitive rider. The additional neck action gives the rider more control over horses that become strong and pull upward. With 3-ring or 4-ring bits, the effect is greater than with multi-ring bits due to the stronger leverage. The optimal effect is achieved when using two pairs of reins. The main rein in the large ring acts on the tongue and lower jaw. The second pair of reins is fastened in the lower ring and can exert pressure on the neck if necessary.
Baucher bits (=B-ring, Fillistrensen) can be used in preparation for a double bridle. Due to their firm attachment to the bridle, they lie much more quietly in the mouth. The rigid side pieces have a sideways effect and low leverage.
The following bits act on the lower jaw via the tongue, through leverage on the neck and additionally on the lower jaw via the chin chain.
The Pelham is used for stormy horses because of its strong leverage effect. It consists of a mouthpiece with a chin chain and side bars with rings to which the reins are attached. It can be ridden with one or two pairs of reins. With two pairs of reins, one is fastened to the upper ring and the other to the lower ring. With a single pair of reins, a Pelham strap is used to connect the upper ring to the lower ring. The reins are then fastened to the Pelham strap.
The jumping curb has a milder leverage effect than the Pelham and is used in show jumping. The side D-rings have two slots. If only one pair of reins is fastened to the lower slot, the leverage effect on the neck is greater.
Dressage curb bits are used in higher levels of dressage, are even mandatory in higher level competitions, and serve to refine the aids. The rider should have a rein-independent seat and a gentle hand. The dressage curb consists of a bar bit with a curb chain in combination with a snaffle bit. This is usually a narrower water or olive head snaffle with smaller rings. A pair of reins is fastened to each bit.
Bits are available in various materials, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.
Stainless steel is the affordable classic among bit materials. It is particularly wear-resistant, does not rust and is also suitable for horses with nickel allergies. It is completely odorless and tasteless. Stainless steel bits are available in solid, heavy or lighter, hollow versions. The choice depends on your horse's preference.
The gold-colored, solid copper bits are nickel-free and have a sweet taste. This is usually well accepted and has a positive effect on chewing activity. Copper can also be warmed up very quickly by hand in winter, which is an advantage for horses that are sensitive to the cold. Copper bits scratch easily due to the soft copper, which can cause sharp edges to form.
The brass bits, which are also gold-colored, are made of a combination of copper and zinc and are highly corrosion-resistant, making them very durable.
The bluish sweet iron bits form a sweet-tasting, then brown-grey surface rust on contact with saliva, which stimulates saliva production and chewing activity. Sweet iron bits should not be washed off for cleaning, but simply wiped dry with a soft cloth and rubbed with olive oil from time to time.
The softer plastic and rubber bits are better accepted by sensitive horses. Plastic bits are chewed through more quickly due to their softness and are therefore not suitable for horses that chew a lot. Variants with a lasting apple flavor are available for better acceptance. Rubber bits can rub the corners of the mouth raw in horses with insufficient saliva flow.
Leather bits have their own taste and soften with saliva. They are therefore suitable for sensitive horses.
The size of snaffle bits is specified in terms of thickness and width.
This indicates the diameter of the mouthpiece in mm. Choose a bit that fits the anatomy of your horse's mouth, as both a bit that is too thick and one that is too thin can cause pressure points and injuries. Your equine veterinarian can advise you on this.
This indicates the length of the mouthpiece in cm.
For continuous, movable rings (= water snaffle bits), there should be no more than 0.5 cm between the corner of the mouth and the bit ring. The ring must always be free to move and must not pinch the corner of the mouth.
Always choose bits with fixed side pieces one size smaller so that the side piece fits snugly but does not press against the corner of the mouth.
A dressage curb bit should be 0.5 to 1 cm narrower than your horse's regular snaffle bit. The side pieces should fit snugly against the corner of the mouth without pinching it. Choose the matching snaffle bit in the same bit width as your standard snaffle bit.
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