As I began to write this article about bits, I very quickly realized how large a subject matter this really is. Therefore “A Bit of Know How” will be a series – with potentially 3 or 4 articles in our future! Today we will be focusing on the main points of how bits work.
But first let’s set the stage…
So, you walk into the tack shop looking for fly spray or some other routine horse product. You take a stroll through each isle, mostly just to observe what’s out there. There is an appealing array of colorful halters and lead ropes and brushes and leg wraps and sheet. Then you get to the riding equipment, and you stop to take a real look at the wall decorated in bits. Yeah, the whole wall – it’s covered with bits! It strikes you for the first time. What is the purpose for soooo many different bits? It’s not just different sizes either.
I have heard people surmise that it is a stylistic difference for looks. In western bits there is some of that, but it may surprise a few folks to learn that every kind of mouthpiece and every kind of ring or shape of shank really does have a functional reason and a correct use. Admittedly there are plenty of bit types that I do not yet understand. However, I can’t say with any certainty that they are just plain wrong to use as I haven’t handled every type of horse in every possible discipline. But I don’t want to begin any debates here. What I hope to do is shed a little light on some of the most commonly and practically used bits you might find on just such a trip to the tack shop.
The Ideal Function of the Bit.
Let’s start with understanding what a bit is supposed to do. The appropriate bit should be able to sit neutrally in the horse’s mouth, not applying pressure to any part of the horse until the reins are used. The horse should not be afraid of bit contact. In fact they should be comfortable seeking the rider’s hands for guidance, but not pull against the rider either. In short, the bit should be respected, but not harsh as applied to the horse’s job and training level. “Harsher” or “stronger” bits should not be used until the correct responses can be achieved with lesser pressures. Then the increased bitting is used to refine responses that are already developed.
There are a lot of factors that affect how the bit works, so I’m just gonna blast through it! Each part of the bit impact how pressure is applied to the horse.
The Mouthpiece –
The shape and thickness of the mouthpiece has a big impact on how the bit works in the horse’s mouth. It can impact whether the bit works mostly on tongue pressure, lip pressure or on the bars (jaw bones) and with how much “bite”. A thinner bit has more “bite” it has applies pressure over a small surface area whereas a thicker mouthpiece spreads pressure over a wider surface area, applying a duller pressure. Bits with either a mullen mouth, or with 2 or more breaks in the mouthpiece such as a Dr. Bristol, French Mouth (shown below) or Waterford are generally considered gentler as they can not create any sharp pressure points inside the horse’s mouth.
By comparison a snaffle with a single-break mouthpiece can apply a pointed pressure on the horse’s tongue when used with pressure on both reins or when the horse resists pressure. In addition, the two separate pieces of the mouthpiece create a “nut cracker” effect on the bars of the horses mouth when both reins apply pressure at once.
There are various different materials the mouthpiece can be made from including metals, plastics, rubbers and even leather. Horses can have preferences or dislikes for any of them.
Ring Shape and Size –
Even the size of the ring attached to the mouthpiece can impact how pressure is translated through the bit. Large rings can deflect some pressure to the cheek pieces which slows and softens the action on the horse’s mouth. Smaller rings can have a more snappy translation of pressures. Round rings are good for horses who are experienced and accept the bit. Full and half cheek bits and D rings are suited to horses who may gap their mouths to big pressure. This can happen more often with green horses or those performing higher stress, fast-paced jobs.
Leverage –
Shanked bits are examples of those using leverage. Bits that use leverage have different places for the cheek pieces and reins to attach so the bit draws down on the horse’s lower jaw when pressure is applied. The length of the shank, or otherwise the distance from the cheek piece attachment to the rein attachment determines the amount of the leverage. The further the distance, the more leverage.
“Gag” is coupled with leverage to raise the bit higher in the horse’s mouth with pressure, then drop back down when pressure is released. Many speed event horses benefit from gag action in their bit for the ability to get big changes in the horse’s body position with less time and action from the rider. – again refinement. While plain shank bits cause a downward pressure in the mouth, gag bits create an upward pressure in the mouth for better lift of the front end.
So there we have it…
A sneak peek at bits! If you find yourself still scratching your head don’t worry, you’re not alone. Since this is such an immense subject matter let’s consider this an introduction to articles yet to come in which we can delve more into specific bits and their common uses. You can always ask questions in the comments in the meantime.
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