Which bit for my horse

The bit lies steadier in the horse's mouth and with the help of the side parts a more lateral effect is the result. The bit thickness should be adapted to the anatomical conditions of the horse's mouth. In cooperation with the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover we have carried out a measurement of the oral cavities.

It showed that the horse's mouth cavity is smaller and flatter than before assumed. Also, no conclusion is possible from the size of a horse to the size of the mouth cavity. With the help of a horse dentist or the "2-finger test" it is possible to find out how much space there is in the horse's mouth. This is how you can also determine the required bit thickness: Place the index and middle fingers in the horse's mouth at the toothless place where the bit lies.

Push the tongue to the side and wait until the horse starts to chew and the incisors come together. If the distance between the upper and lower cheeks is small, you can feel pressure on both fingers. The recommended thickness is then 14 - 16 mm. If the distance between upper and lower jaw is greater, you will hardly feel any pressure on your fingers. The recommended thickness is then 16 - 18 mm. If a too thick bit is chosen, there is a risk that pressure is exerted on the sensitive palate.

This can cause pressure points and injuries. In any case it is unpleasant for the horse and can lead to head bangs, opening of the mouth or pushing against the hand. But also a bit that is too thin is not ideal for many horses and riders.

The pressure distribution is then more selectively. This makes it necessary to provide sensitive aids. There are innumerable bit models and forms available on the market. It is not so difficult to make a choice with a little basic knowledge about the most common bit styles.

Single jointed bits send the rider's rein aid over the tongue edges and the lower jaw bones to the horse's mouth. Chacos and I enjoy training across multiple English and Western disciplines. Written by Cathy H. What is the best horse bit to use? Short answer: it depends. Article Quick Links show. How Do Horse Bits Work?

Colt Bit. Loose Ring French Link Snaffle. Waterford Snaffles. Ported Curb Bit. Cathedral, Spoon, Spade, and Correction Bits. Elevator Bits and Gag Bits. Pelhams or Double Bridles. Tom Thumb. Horse Bit Severity Chart. Frequently Asked Questions What is the best horse bit for trail riding? What is the best horse bit for control?

What is the best horse bit for beginner riders? What is the best bit for a horse that pulls? What is the best bit for a green horse? Parting Thoughts. Click to see this bit at Amazon. Click to see this bit at State Line Tack. Love it? Share it! Sticker shock: How much does it cost to feed a horse? Loose Baucher is to prefer if you have problems with wounds in the corners of the mouth or wears on the premolars P2.

The Loose Baucher will reveal these places from constant pressure and help the horse to relax. The Kimblehook can be described as a fixed ring with the possibility to add leverage when you need it. The further down you place your rein; the more pressure will be added and divided between chin, poll, and mouth. The stable feeling Kimblehook creates can be good for fuzzy and worried horses that gets strong, unbalanced and hard to turn. The Kimblehook puts the pressure further down in the mouth which can help a horse that gets too high in the neck.

Kimblehooks are always used together with a chain or strap behind the chin. The Universal rings work as a Gag-bit when the reins are placed in the lower rings. The ring will glide and put pressure on the neck as well as the mouth. Attach a chain or strap between the top rings that goes behind the chin, and you will divide the pressure on Chin, Poll and mouth. Many different ways to try to find out what your horse prefers.

The Universal rings creates a very flexible and light feeling that can help a horse who gets heavy, stiff, too long and low but still can be sensitive if the bit moves too much in the mouth. Similar to a Kimblehook, but is used with two reins. It is a combination of a Baucher bit and curb bit in one. The rein placed in the snaffle ring will not add any leverage, and the rein in the bottom ring will.

This will give the rider the advantage of adding leverage only when needed.