Bit Basics

Bits come in all shapes, sizes and materials and rest on the tongue in the space between the incisors and the molars.   It places pressure on the tongue, the fleshy sides of the mouth, called the bars, and, in some cases, the poll or top of the head.

I am going to focus on the snaffle type bit here today because it is the only type that uses a single rein and is also the most common.  There are several different types of cheek pieces and mouth pieces which, when combined, create a myriad of styles that can be as unique as the horse that wears it.

Loose Ring and Eggbutt Snaffles

This picture has examples of two of the most basic snaffles, an eggbutt in the center, and loose ring on either side.  On the eggbutt, the ring is fixed and can not rotate through the mouthpiece so it does not pinch the horse's lips.  The loose ring tends to let the horse relax it's jaw a bit more, but it can pinch the lips.  All three of these bits are stainless steel and have a basic single joint in the middle.

Rubber Full Cheek

This is a full cheek snaffle.  This also is a single joint, but it is rubber coated.  The full cheek's distinguishing characteristics are the bars that extend above and below the ring.  This was Toby's first bit.  I choose this because the bars  help to guide the horse laterally and prevent the bit from sliding through the mouth.  An important tool for training a young horse how to turn.

The rubber coating helps a young horse except the bit easier.

French Link Full Cheek

This is what I ride Toby in now.  It is still a full cheek that will aid in turning, but I have switched him to a regular stainless steel with a double jointed "french link" in the middle.  This link lays flat on the tongue and reduces the "nutcracker" action that the single joint has.  This is a very mild bit.


The french link is not to be confused with the "Dr. Bristol" which looks very similar, but the link in the middle in turned 45 degrees so the edge rests against the tongue.  This creates a pressure point on the tongue and is more severe.

 Synthetic French Link D-ring

This is the bit I ride Casey in.  It is a D-ring french link snaffle with a plastic mouthpiece.  Casey has a very sensitive mouth and it took me years to find a bit that doesn't make him "chomp" constantly.  The synthetic plastic material is often more acceptable to horse with sensitive mouths and the french link makes this very mild. The straight sides of the D-ring help to aid in lateral movement much like the full cheek, without being overpowering.  Casey has accepted this bit although there is still some chomping occasionally.  I think he would be much happier in a hackamore or a bitless bridle.  That will be my next endeavor.

So that is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to bits and bitting.  I hope to cover more in future blogs so, stay tuned!