The Bit Gallery – Curb Bits

| Jayne Wilson Curb bits are leverage bits. They act on the horse’s mouth, poll and chin in several ways. The mouthpiece acts as a fulcrum. When contact is taken…

Snaffle Bits and Chin Straps

True snaffle bits, with rings that attach directly to the corners of the mouthpiece, are “direct pulling” devices. They act on the tongue, lips, and corners of the mouth without…

Bits About Saddles

Whenever I start with a new student, one of the most frustrating things to deal with is an equipment issue, especially with saddles, but also often with bits. Riders seek…

Loud Bits Destroy Communication

…bit is in his mouth. What actually happens is that the horse gets used to the bigger and bigger bits. Eventually, you need the bigger bit because the horse is…

Find the Bit That Fits

…the most general sense, snaffle bits act with direct pressure on the mouth, whereby curb bits employ an element of leverage. Mouthpieces can be jointed [single or double] or unjointed…

English Horse Bridle Choices: Make it Simple

…buy curb horse bits, walking horse bits, gag horse bits, snaffle horse bits, hackamores, sidepulls, kimberwickes, pelhams-the list goes on. The common denominator among all this horse headgear is that…

Bit-Metal Choices

…have a duller finish, and bits that contain copper have a gold tinge. Many bits have a mouthpiece of one material and bit rings of stainless steel for the sake…