The Essential Guide to Horse Bits: Finding the Perfect Fit for Western Riding
Whether you're a seasoned rider or embarking on a Western riding adventure, understanding horse bits is crucial for effective communication with your horse. Horse bits serve as essential tools to convey your intentions and cues, enabling better control and guidance over your horse's movements. It's important to choose a properly fitted bit that suits your horse's needs to ensure a comfortable and successful riding experience.
In this guide, we'll explore the purpose and types of horse bits, popular brands for Western tack, tips for buying the right bit, measuring your horse, and addressing common bitting issues.
Whether you're an experienced rider or just starting out on your Western riding journey, understanding the purpose and types of horse bits is crucial for effective communication with your horse.
Why Are Horse Bits Used?
When it comes to horse riding, communication is key. Horse bits play a vital role in establishing a clear line of communication between you and your horse. They are essential tools that help convey your intentions and cues while riding.
Bits work by applying pressure to specific areas of the horse's mouth, creating signals that the horse can understand and respond to.
By using horse bits, you can achieve better control and guidance over your horse's movements. However, it's important to note that using bits should always be done with respect and consideration for the horse's well-being.
The Different Types of Horse Bits
Horse bits come in various shapes, sizes, and designs, each serving a specific purpose. Let's take a closer look at some of the most common types of horse bits you'll encounter in Western riding:
Snaffle Bits
Snaffle bits are gentle and versatile, making them popular among Western riders. They consist of a jointed mouthpiece and apply direct pressure on the corners of the mouth and the tongue. Snaffle bits come in different materials, such as stainless steel, copper, or sweet iron, which encourage salivation and acceptance.
Curb Bits
Curb bits are leverage bits that provide additional control. They have a shank, which is a long arm extending below the mouthpiece, creating leverage when reins are engaged. Curb bits apply pressure to the horse's mouth, chin, and poll. These bits are best suited for experienced riders who have developed a light touch and understanding of rein cues.
Combination Bits
Combination bits, as the name suggests, combine the functions of both snaffle and curb bits. They offer greater control and flexibility, with the option to engage either snaffle or curb action based on the rider's needs.
Gag Bits
Gag bits feature a set of sliding or adjustable rings above the bit mouthpiece. When the rider pulls on the reins, the bit mouthpiece moves upwards, putting pressure on the horse's mouth and poll. Gag bits are commonly used in Western performance disciplines.
Popular Brands for Western Tack
Now that we have a good grasp of the types of horse bits available, let's explore some popular brands that offer quality Western tack, including bridles and bits:
Weaver Leather Bridles
Weaver Leather is a renowned brand known for its exceptional craftsmanship and durability. They offer a wide range of Western bridles and bits that combine style with functionality.
Circle Y Bridles
Circle Y is another well-respected brand that specializes in Western saddles and tack. Their bridles and bits are designed with both rider and horse comfort in mind, providing top-notch performance.
Martin Saddlery Bridles
Martin Saddlery is a trusted name in the Western riding community. They produce high-quality saddles, tack, and equipment.
Billy Royal Bridles
Known for their exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail, Billy Royal creates beautiful bridles and bits that not only perform well but also make a statement in the show ring.
Alamo Saddlery Bridles
Alamo Saddlery is a brand that focuses on producing Western saddles and tack, including bridles and bits. Their products are known for their durability and affordability, making them a popular choice among riders of all levels. Their entire line of horse tack is affordable, durable, and made with top quality and craftsmanship.
Classic Equine Bits
Classic Equine is a brand that offers a wide range of Western horse tack, including bridles and bits. Their products are designed with the latest technology and innovation to provide comfort and performance for both horse and rider.
Myler Bits
Myler Bits is a brand recognized for its innovative designs and attention to horse comfort. Their bits are anatomically shaped and offer various levels of control, allowing riders to find the perfect fit for their horse's needs. One of the main reasons people love Myler bits is that they promote better communication between you and your horse. They're designed to be comfortable for your horse, which means less resistance and a more responsive ride.
Reinsman Bits
Reinsman bits is a reputable brand that has been producing high-quality Western tack for over 50 years. Their bridles and bits are crafted with precision and expertise, ensuring optimal communication and responsiveness.
Professional's Choice Bits
Professional's Choice is a trusted brand known for its innovative products that prioritize horse health and performance. Their bridles and bits are designed to provide comfort, support, and effective communication between horse and rider.
Partrade Trading Company Bits
Partrade Trading Company offers a diverse selection of Western tack, including bridles and bits. They provide riders with a range of options to suit different riding styles and horse preferences.
How To Buy A Horse Bit
Finding the right bit for your horse is crucial for effective communication and a comfortable riding experience. Let's break it down step by step:
Understand Your Horse's Needs: Start by assessing your horse's needs and riding discipline. Consider factors such as your horse's level of training, temperament, mouth sensitivity, and any specific challenges you may encounter. For example, a young horse may require a gentler, snaffle-type bit, while a more experienced horse may benefit from a bit with leverage for added control.
Consult with Professionals: Seek advice from knowledgeable trainers, experienced riders, or equine professionals who can provide valuable insights based on their expertise and experience. They can help you evaluate your horse's conformation, temperament, and riding goals to recommend suitable bit types and styles.
Consider the Bit Material: Bits come in various materials, including stainless steel, copper, sweet iron, and more. Each material has its own advantages and considerations. For instance, copper and sweet iron encourage salivation and acceptance, while stainless steel is durable and easy to maintain. Evaluate your horse's preferences and any sensitivities to specific materials when making your selection.
Evaluate Bit Types: Familiarize yourself with different types of horse bits, such as snaffle, curb, combination, or gag bits. Understand their designs, functions, and the pressure points they engage in the horse's mouth. Assess which type aligns best with your horse's needs and your riding goals.
Proper Sizing is Key: The right fit is crucial for both comfort and communication. An ill-fitting bit can cause discomfort and hinder effective communication between you and your horse. Measure your horse's mouth width using a bit-sizing tool or consult with a professional to determine the appropriate bit size.
Try Before You Buy: Whenever possible, try out different bits before making a purchase. Borrow or rent bits, or ask for a trial period if available. This allows you to assess how your horse responds to different bits and helps you make an informed decision based on their comfort and responsiveness.
Quality Matters: Invest in quality brands and reputable manufacturers known for their craftsmanship and attention to detail. Brands like Weaver Leather, Circle Y, Martin Saddlery, and others mentioned earlier in the article have earned the trust of riders worldwide.
Consider Your Riding Experience: Your level of experience as a rider also plays a role in bit selection. Novice riders may benefit from simpler, direct-acting bits like snaffles, while experienced riders with refined hands can explore leverage or combination bits for more nuanced control.
Ongoing Evaluation: As your horse progresses in training or if you encounter any behavioral or performance issues, reassess your bit choice. Sometimes a horse's needs change over time, and a different bit may be more suitable for their current stage or challenges.
How To Measure Your Horse For A Bit
Measuring your horse for a bit is a simple process that ensures a proper fit and comfortable communication. Here's a step-by-step guide to measuring your horse:
Gather the Materials: You'll need a smooth round wooden rod, such as a wooden spoon handle or doweling, along with two rein stops. While rubber bands can be used as rein stops, they may be slightly less accurate.
Insert the Wooden Rod: Carefully place the wooden rod into your horse's mouth, positioning it so that it lifts the corners of the lips just enough to create no more than two wrinkles. Ensure that the rod is horizontal and not causing any discomfort.
Position the Rein Stops: With the wooden rod in place, slide the rein stops up the rod until they touch your horse's lips on both sides. This creates reference points for measuring the correct bit size.
Remove the Wooden Rod: Gently take out the wooden rod from your horse's mouth while keeping the rein stops in their positioned spots.
Measure the Gap: Using a measuring tape or ruler, measure the distance between the outer edges of the rein stops. This measurement gives you the correct bit size, including the appropriate clearance for the bit.
Choosing the Right Size: If you find that your measurement falls between two sizes, for example, 5 1/4", it's generally better to opt for the smaller of the two sizes, such as 5". However, if you're considering a loose ring bit, it can be advantageous to go slightly larger to prevent pinching.
By following these steps, you can ensure an accurate measurement for your horse's bit size, promoting a comfortable fit and effective communication during your rides.
Remember to regularly assess the fit of the bit and make adjustments as necessary to ensure your horse's ongoing comfort and well-being.
3 Common Problems With Horse Bits
First off, it's important to note that certain breeds of horses have specific mouth shapes that can influence their bit preferences.
Horses With Large Tongues
Cob horses often have large tongues, leaving less room for a thick bit to sit comfortably. When a thick bit is used on a horse with a large tongue, it can cause discomfort, leading to behaviors like opening their mouth, sticking out their tongue, or attempting to get their tongue over the bit - anything to relieve the pressure. A common misconception is using a flash noseband. But it’s more of a Band-aid than a solution.
Symptoms of Large Tongue
When you lift the horse's lip, you may notice that their tongue bulges out from the space where the bit sits between their teeth.
Solution
Bit thickness can help relieve the symptoms horses with large tongues can have. Thin bits can be kinder to a horse with a thick tongue. It’s a bit counterintuitive. You may think a thin bit hurts more.
But a thinner bit actually allows the horse to relax, swallow, and find comfort where a thicker bit may not. But using thin bits on a horse with a large tongue requires a competent rider with a light touch. Relying heavily on the reins for support isn’t comfortable with a thin bit.
Horses with a large tongue benefit from using a thinner than average bit, and opting for a gently ported or double-jointed design can provide more tongue space and enable easier swallowing
Parrot Mouth
It's not uncommon for horses to have an overshot (parrot mouth) or undershot jaw, where their molars don't meet squarely. This misalignment can cause sharp hooks to develop earlier than expected, resulting in potential bitting issues.
Symptoms of Parrot Mouth
You may notice an uneven and misaligned bite. This is because your horse's front teeth don't align properly which can cause the molars to also lack proper alignment.
Solution
Choosing a thinner bit and positioning it slightly lower than usual helps avoid excessive contact with the teeth. This can give some relief to your horse.
Parrot mouth, an uneven jaw alignment in horses, can lead to bitting issues due to misaligned teeth. Choosing a thinner bit positioned slightly lower can provide relief by minimizing contact with the teeth.
Low Palate Horse
A low palate is a common trait found in various breeds like Arabians, Thoroughbreds, and their crosses. Using some horse bits might apply too much pressure on the palate of the mouth. This results in discomfort for the horse.
Symptoms of Low Palate
Push down on your horses tongue and check the height of their palette.
Solution
Avoid using a single jointed bit as it can jab the roof of the horse's mouth. This causes your horse to toss their head because they’re trying to escape the discomfort. So instead, try a double-jointed bit, preferably with a lozenge center. If your horse has a large tongue or a gentle mullen mouth, choose a thin bit.
A low palate is a common trait found in various breeds like Arabians, Thoroughbreds, and their crosses.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right horse bit is a critical aspect of Western riding. It ensures effective communication, comfort, and control between you and your horse. By understanding the purpose and types of horse bits, consulting professionals, considering your horse's needs, and evaluating various factors such as bit materials and sizing, you can find the perfect fit for your Western riding adventure.
Remember, the well-being of your horse should always be a top priority. Regularly assess the fit and suitability of the bit, and be open to making adjustments as needed. Additionally, familiarize yourself with reputable brands like Weaver Leather, Circle Y, Martin Saddlery, and others that offer quality Western tack to ensure durability and performance.
By following the guidelines provided in this essential guide to horse bits, you'll enhance your communication with your horse, promote comfort, and ultimately enjoy a more rewarding and successful Western riding experience. Happy trails!
Richard Sutherland
RichardSutherland@bitsnspurs.orgRichard is a western lifestyle author for Bits N' Spurs, the weekly newsletter that keeps pace with today's rodeo. His articles are featured on dozens of rodeo and Western related websites and provide a window to the world of cowboy culture.