A Guide to Different Types of Horse Bits with Pictures

Horse bits come in various shapes and sizes, each designed to suit a horse's unique personality and riding style. The Snaffle Bit is a popular choice among riders, with its curved shape allowing for gentle pressure on the horse's mouth.

The Snaffle Bit is typically made of metal or plastic and has a single joint that connects the bit to the bridle. This design allows for precise control and communication between horse and rider.

The Snaffle Bit is often used for young or inexperienced horses, as it's gentle and easy to use. It's also a great choice for horses that are sensitive or mouthy.

The Snaffle Bit is available in various sizes, from 3 1/2 inches to 5 inches, to suit different horse breeds and riding styles.

A different take: Spade Bit

Snaffle bits are one of the milder types of horse bits, applying pressure directly to the horse's mouth. They work by distributing the pressure evenly, making them a great choice for horses that don't take the contact confidently.

For your interest: Horse Bits

A snaffle bit with a thick mouthpiece is generally softer for the horse, making it a good option for riders who do a lot of one-rein stops and bending during training. Thick mouthpieces also prevent the bit from sliding through the horse's mouth.

The fulmer is a type of snaffle bit that won't slide through the horse's mouth and has no moving parts that can pinch the sides of the horse's mouth. It's a great option for riders who want a bit that's both soft and secure.

Curb bits, on the other hand, work by leverage, making them stronger than snaffle bits. The kimberwicke is a type of curb bit that applies pressure on the horse's chin when pulled on, making it a good option for horses that need a bit with more authority.

A pelham bit is a double-rein curb bit that acts like a snaffle bit when one rein is attached and a curb bit when the other rein is attached. This makes it a versatile bit that can be used for a variety of riding styles and horses.

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Snaffle bits are one of the simplest bit designs, and consist of a mouthpiece and rings. The mouthpiece can be jointed, straight-bar or mullen mouth. It’s often thought that snaffles are all mild bits, but this isn’t always true.

There are several different types of snaffle bits, including Eggbutts, which are mild as they do not pinch the side of the mouth. The mouthpiece does not rotate, which can feel more comfortable to some horses.

The Loose Ring Polymer-Covered Mullen Snaffle is a very popular bit for young horses’ first rides, combining a soft polymer covering with a bit that allows the horse a little more "play" with the bit. This bit is suitable for training youngsters, lower level dressage, and hunter/jumper.

Here are some popular types of snaffle bits:

Snaffle bits come in a variety of types, each with its own unique characteristics. The most common types of snaffle bits are jointed, straight-bar, and mullen mouth.

A jointed snaffle bit has a movable joint that allows for more flexibility and can be more comfortable for the horse. On the other hand, a straight-bar snaffle bit has a solid, non-movable bar that can be more severe if not used correctly.

Some snaffle bits, like the loose-ring snaffle, have a ring that allows the mouthpiece to slide freely, making it more comfortable for the horse. This type of snaffle bit is often used for young horses or those that are sensitive in the mouth.

Here are some common types of snaffle bits:

Each of these types of snaffle bits has its own unique characteristics and is suited for different types of riding and horse personalities.

Full Cheek Snaffles are designed to help with lateral guidance and keep the bit's position consistent in the horse's mouth.

The long arms on either side of the bit help to achieve this, and the ring is attached to these arms for added stability.

This type of snaffle is often used with young horses to teach them steering without the bit being pulled through their mouth.

It's especially helpful for inexperienced horses to learn how to steer without discomfort or confusion.

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A hanging cheek snaffle is a type of bit that's commonly used in western disciplines. It has single round cheekpieces that the reins attach to.

The bridle attaches to a piece about half an inch higher than the circle, giving the bit a mild amount of leverage. This makes it a versatile option for horses.

The copper lozenge in a hanging cheek snaffle promotes salivation, which encourages the jaw to stay loose. This is especially helpful for horses that tend to get tense.

The longer the shanks, the more power that your hands exert on the bit. This means it's essential to have soft hands when using this bit.

An optional roller in the middle of the port helps keep the horse's jaw loose by letting him roll his tongue around.

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If you're looking for a snaffle bit that'll help your horse stay soft at the poll, a Cathedral or Spoon bit with Sweet Iron might be just what you need. This type of bit is designed for horses and riders with advanced training.

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These bits have a tall, narrow port with a flat addition to the top, making them a bit more extreme-looking than other snaffle types.

Cathedral bits sometimes have rollers below the port, which can provide extra comfort for your horse. Spoon bits, on the other hand, are a slightly less extreme version of Cathedral bits.

Sweet Iron is a key component of these bits, and it helps horses salivate and stay soft in their jaws. This is because Sweet Iron has a taste that horses love, making it a great choice for horses that tend to get stiff in their mouths.

While Sweet Iron does rust easily, this isn't usually a problem because horses still love the taste.

A twisted mouthpiece is a design that applies concentrated pressure throughout the mouth. It's typically used for horses who have become unresponsive to rounded mouthpieces.

The twist can be slow or fast, with a slow twist having fewer turns than a fast twist mouthpiece. This makes a slow twist mouthpiece less severe than a fast twist one.

A twisted mouthpiece is a good option for horses that need a stronger, more precise correction.

Pelham and Kimberwick bits are designed to provide a comfortable and effective way to communicate with your horse. The Kimberwick bit, in particular, offers a unique feature.

You can choose whether you want direct rein action or more leverage with a Kimberwick bit, depending on your horse's needs. The top rein slot provides direct action, while the bottom slot offers more leverage.

The port on a Kimberwick bit is a raised area that touches the roof of the mouth when rein pressure is applied, making it easier to exert pressure with a higher port.

Expand your knowledge: Free Rein

Pelham bits are a type of bit that can be used with two sets of reins, allowing for both direct pressure and leverage on the horse's poll and chin.

You can add a leather strap called a "Pelham converter" to use a Pelham bit with single reins, or remove the bottom curb rein for beginner riders.

Pelham bits are used with a curb chain due to their leverage action.

Note that Pelham bits are not allowed in dressage, regardless of the level.

The Kimberwick Medium Port is a versatile bit option that offers riders a choice between direct rein action and more leverage.

You can choose whether you want direct rein action or more leverage, depending on your riding style and the needs of your horse.

The port is the raised area in the bar, and it touches the roof of the mouth when rein pressure is used.

Higher ports require less effort to exert pressure on the roof of the mouth, and low ports require more.

Ports sometimes have rollers, which may or may not be made of copper, allowing horses to play with the bit a little.

A double bridle is a type of bridle used in upper level dressage and saddle seat riding, consisting of two bits: a snaffle bit and a curb bit with a solid bar.

The snaffle bit is always a bridoon, while the curb bit is a weymouth when used in a double bridle. The weymouth has a solid bar, which can be with or without a port.

The port is a raised area commonly seen in western mouthpieces, providing more space for the horse's tongue.

In a double bridle, the weymouth's solid bar provides a more subtle and nuanced communication between the horse and rider, allowing for finer control and precision.

Here are some key features of a weymouth bit:

A double bridle is a sophisticated bitting system used in upper level dressage and saddle seat riding. It consists of two bits: a bridoon and a Weymouth.

The bridoon is always a snaffle style bit. In a double bridle, one of the bits is a curb bit with a solid bar, which is called a Weymouth.

The raised area commonly seen in many western mouthpieces is called a port. This feature is not mentioned in the context of the Weymouth bit.

The double bridle is used in two specific disciplines: upper level dressage and saddle seat.

The Mullen Mouth Curb with Grazing Shanks is a versatile bit option. It's particularly well-suited for Western pleasure riding and barrel racing.

This bit is often paired with short curved or angled shanks, which helps to create a mild and gentle feel. The shanks are designed to prevent horses from chewing on them while grazing.

The angled shanks on this bit are sometimes referred to as grazing shanks, due to their original purpose of protecting the bit from horse teeth.

In addition to the main types of horse bits, there's a few other bits worth mentioning.

Some horse bits have a specific purpose, such as the snaffle bit which is great for young horses or those that are easily spooked, as it allows for more control and gentle communication.

The curb bit is another option that's often used for horses that are strong-willed or resistant to bitting, as it provides a stronger and more direct influence on the horse's mouth.

Horse bits can also be made from different materials, such as metal, plastic, or even a combination of both, which can affect their durability and comfort for the horse.

The ported curb roller is a unique bit design that provides more space for a horse's tongue to move around. This can be particularly beneficial for horses with sensitive tongues.

High ports on the curb roller can touch the roof of the mouth, exerting pressure on the horse's mouth. This can be a useful tool for trainers who need to communicate with their horses more clearly.

Angled shanks on the curb roller allow the horse to feel tension in the reins gradually increasing, providing a built-in warning system. This can help horses become more sensitive to rein aids.

Straight shanks, on the other hand, do not provide this warning system, making it more difficult to train horses to be light on the aids.

Chain bits have a mouthpiece made of chain, which allows the mouthpiece to be very flexible and to exert less pressure on the lower jaw than bits with single joints.

Chain bits can be used to encourage lateral flexion, a useful technique for trainers.

Some chain bits consist of a couple links of chain on either side of a port, which can be low or tall.

Cavalry shanks, also known as S-shanks, are a type of shank that allows for more refinement of the rein aids.

The flexibility of chain bits makes them a popular choice for horses that are sensitive or have a tendency to lean on the bit.

The French Link mouthpiece is a double-jointed design that features a small, flat plate between two bars of the bit.

This unique design reduces the nutcracker effect, which can be uncomfortable for horses. The French link mouthpiece still enacts pressure on the tongue, bars, and lips of the horse.

It's a very popular choice among equestrians, suitable for green to experienced horses.

Western bits removed are typically not jointed, unlike some other types of bits. Most western bits are curb bits with leverage action.

Many western riders prefer curb bits with leverage action because they allow for more subtle communication with the horse. This type of bit is often used in western riding disciplines.

Some western bits are designed for specific riding styles or horse breeds, but curb bits with leverage action are generally a popular choice.

In barrel racing, you typically need to communicate with the reins using just one hand, so a Western bit is ideal.

A curb bit is commonly seen during barrel races, but it's not the only option.

There are several types of mouthpieces, including those that are specifically designed to provide a softer or more severe feel for the horse.

A snaffle bit is one of the milder bits, which applies pressure directly to the horse's mouth. Some snaffles can be made severe by altering the mouthpiece, such as making it very thin or twisted.

I prefer to use a snaffle with a thick mouthpiece because it makes it softer for the horse. This type of mouthpiece is less likely to pinch the sides of the horse's mouth.

The Kimberwicke bit is a curb bit that works by leverage, making it a stronger bit than the snaffle. One pound of pressure may cause two or even more pounds of pressure on the horse's mouth.

A Pelham bit is a double rein curb bit, which acts like a snaffle bit when pulled on the snaffle ring, but also has a curb ring that multiplies the pressure on the horse's mouth when pulled on the curb rein.

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Horses with a sensitive mouth can benefit from a single-jointed bit, which allows riders to give softer aids via the reins.

Riders who use a single-jointed bit can communicate more effectively with their horses, especially those that don't take the contact confidently.

A twisted mouthpiece is another option for sensitive horses, as it applies concentrated pressure throughout the mouth.

Twisted mouthpieces come in different severities, with a slow twist having fewer turns than a fast twist mouthpiece, making it less severe.

Jointed mouthpieces have a break or multiple breaks in the bit, engaging pressure on the tongue, bars, and lips of the horse. This can create a "nutcracker" effect, especially with single-jointed bits.

A single joint has only one break in the mouthpiece, which can be harsh on the horse's mouth. Double-jointed mouthpieces, on the other hand, have a link or plate in the middle of the bit, reducing the nutcracker effect.

Double-jointed bits are typically thought of as being softer than single-jointed ones, making them a good option for horses that are sensitive in the mouth. Some riders swear by double-jointed bits for their gentle yet effective action.

Non-jointed mouthpieces feature a straight or slightly curved solid bar, making them milder than jointed bits in the right hands. They can't employ the nutcracker effect, which is a plus for horses that are easily irritated by harsh bits.

The English Shank bit is a great choice for riders who want to give their horses a little extra lift. It's characterized by long pieces that hang down past the horse's chin.

These bits can have a variety of mouthpieces, including joints or ports. This flexibility makes them suitable for different riding styles.

Gaited horses often benefit from English Shank bits because the extra leverage helps to keep the head up, allowing the shoulder to move freely. This is particularly useful in Saddle Seat and gaited classes.

If you're looking for a versatile bit that works for both English and Western riding, you might want to check out the Herm Sprenger Turnado Bit.

As you consider the different types of bits, it's essential to understand their order of harshness. This helps you choose the right bit for your horse's comfort and training needs.

Loose ring cheekpieces are generally considered the mildest choice due to the play they offer, making them a great option for sensitive horses.

Full cheek snaffles provide more control over the horse, but come with a trade-off in terms of comfort.

Mullen mouths are a mild mouthpiece for a snaffle, as they don't have a nutcracker action.

A single joint snaffle can dig into the roof of the mouth and apply significant pressure to the lower jaw, making it one of the harsher options.

French links offer a middle ground between the mildness of loose ring cheekpieces and the control of full cheek snaffles.

Smooth mouthpieces are gentler than twisted or textured mouthpieces.

Thicker mouthpieces are generally believed to be gentler than thin ones, but it's essential to consider the individual horse's mouth size and shape.

Here's a quick reference guide to help you visualize the order of harshness:

The severity of curb bits can also be judged on the length of the shank, with shorter shanks being milder than longer ones.

A bridle is the entire setup that includes the bit, reins, and cheekpieces. A bridle is typically made of leather or synthetic materials.

There are different types of bridles, but for the purpose of this article, we'll focus on the ones that work with the horse bits we're discussing. A bridle can be made for a specific type of horse bit, such as a snaffle or curb bit.

Some bridles have a more secure fit than others, which is important for horse safety. A bridle with a dee ring or full cheek works well with a snaffle bit because it won't slide through the horse's mouth.

A snaffle bit is a great choice for an all-around horse because it works well in various disciplines without fussing with a different bit.

Snaffles are one of the milder bits, applying pressure directly to the horse's mouth. Not all snaffles are soft, though - some are made severe by altering the mouthpiece.

Using a snaffle with a thick mouthpiece makes it softer for the horse, which is a good thing. I prefer snaffles with a thick mouthpiece for this reason.

A dee ring or full cheek can help prevent the bit from sliding through the horse's mouth, which is a problem with some other types of bits. This is especially useful for one rein stops and bending during training.

The Kimberwicke bit is a curb bit that works by leverage, making it a stronger bit than the snaffle. One pound of pressure can cause two or even more pounds of pressure on the horse's mouth.

Pelham bits are a type of bridle that combines a snaffle ring with a curb ring. They act like a snaffle bit when pulled on, but also use leverage to multiply the pressure on the horse's mouth.

A bridle is a piece of equipment that is attached to a horse's head. It consists of a headstall, throatlatch, and reins, which work together to communicate with the horse. The headstall is the part of the bridle that rests on top of the horse's head, just behind the ears. Horses have no teeth at the corners of their mouth, which is where the bit rests, on top of the tongue. The bridle allows riders to control the horse's movements by applying pressure on the bit, which can affect the horse's lower jaw, tongue, and roof of their mouth. The reins are attached to the bit and are used by the rider to communicate with the horse.

When barrel racing, you typically need to communicate with the reins using just one hand, making a Western bit ideal.

The exact style of the bit depends on how well the horse responds to your cues to turn and to stop. A curb bit is commonly seen during barrel races, but it's not the only option.

Experimentation is often the best way to determine the right bit for you and your horse, as it depends on each individual rider and horse.

Assessing a horse's mouth is a crucial step in choosing the right bit. Horses have incredibly powerful jaw strength, around 500psi, which can easily crush a finger if it's mistaken for food.

To assess a horse's mouth, do it when the horse is relaxed and not eating. Gently separate the lips, top lip upwards and bottom lip downwards, so you can see the resting tongue, bars, and tushes. Be careful not to pull the lips back towards the cheek teeth and to keep your fingers clear of these teeth.

A large, thick tongue may bulge out the sides and be the most prominent part of the mouth. A thinner bit would be beneficial for the horse so that it doesn't take up too much room and they can still easily swallow.

Consider reading: Horse Teeth

Choosing the right bit for your horse can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you're new to horse riding. Mullen mouths with thick, smooth bars tend to be the gentlest option.

A Mullen mouthpiece with loose ring cheekpieces is a great combination for a gentle horse. I've seen this combination work wonders for horses that are sensitive in the mouth.

For a western option, consider a bit with short shanks and a Mullen mouthpiece. This will provide a comfortable and gentle ride for your horse.