Bits

Horse bits: measure before you choose

To find the width of the mouth, slide a cord or a wooden dowel into the place of the bit and mark where it comes out on each side. The bit should extend about half a centimetre beyond the mouth on each side. Too narrow, it pinches the corners of the mouth; too wide, it slides around in the mouth and the joint drops onto the tongue.

Thickness matters too. A thick mouthpiece, such as the 19 mm flat link or the 22 mm eggbutt in the Pro Confort range, spreads the pressure, but it takes up room. For a small mouth or a fleshy tongue, a 14 mm often fits better.

Loose ring, eggbutt, full cheek or Baucher

Loose rings slide through the mouthpiece: the bit moves, and the horse is more willing to mouth it. Eggbutts hold the mouthpiece in place and do not pinch the lips. Full cheeks guide from the side, which helps a young horse understand turns. Attached to the cheekpiece by a small fixed ring, the Baucher stays very stable in the mouth and suits horses that dislike a mobile bit.

As for the mouthpiece, a single-jointed bit has a nutcracker action when you take up the contact. The double-jointed bit, with a flat central link or a lozenge, follows the shape of the tongue more closely and is often a good starting point. You will find both on our page double-jointed and single-jointed bits.

Stainless steel, copper, resin or leather

Stainless steel is strong and neutral. Copper, as on the BR Waterford Cuprion or the T de T copper bits, has a taste that encourages salivation. Resin (HFI, Privilège, HKM) and rubber are softer and less cold in winter, as is the Lamicell leather Verdun. These soft materials wear: check that no tooth marks have left a sharp edge.

Gag bits and pelhams

These bits, like the three-ring Pessoa, have a stronger action than a snaffle, spread between the mouth and the poll. They are justified on a horse that leans on the hand or pulls, in steady hands, and never as a substitute for schooling. Gag bits, including the Metalab Magic System and the Pro Confort models, have their own page gag bits. Bit guards, pelham roundings and tongue guards are in the bit accessories.

To find out more, read our guide to choosing the right bit size for your horse.