What Is The Best Horse Bit To Use?

The 10 Best Horse Bits

1. Copper Lozenge Link Eggbutt Snaffle Horse Bit — Best All-Purpose Bit.
2. Stubben Easy-Control Loose Ring Snaffle Horse Bit — Best for Beginners.
3. JP Korsteel Blue Steel Oval Link Loose Ring Snaffle Bit — Best for Barrel Racing.

What is the best kind of bit to use on a horse?

A soft, mild bit possibly with a rubber or plastic covered mouthpiece may help, and possibly even a single jointed bit if the palette with allow to relieve pressure from the tongue. In extreme cases it may even be necessary to use a bitless (hackamore) bridle for a time until the horse is less sensitive.

What is the most commonly used horse bit?

Bit width is the distance between the two cheek pieces. Standard bits are 5 inches wide and are the most common. Pony bits are generally 4 1/2 inches wide, and bits that are designed for Arabians and other light-boned, refined horses are 4 3/4 inches wide.

How do you decide what bit to use on a horse?

Measure between the two points on the string. The measurement will be the size bit you need. The bit on either side of the mouth should stick no further than 1/2 inch out of the horse’s mouth. That would mean that the bit is too big.

What is the least painful bit for a horse?

One of the most common types of snaffle bit is the eggbutt, which is considered to be the gentlest type of snaffle bit because it doesn’t pinch the corners of the horse’s mouth. It has an egg-shaped connection between the mouthpiece and the bit-ring.

What does a snaffle bit do for a horse?

A snaffle bit is a common type of horse bit that is gentle on the horse’s mouth. Comprised of either a single bar or two to three jointed pieces between large rings on either side, snaffle bits make it easy for riders to communicate with their horse and are commonly used to train young horses and beginner riders.

What is the harshest horse bit?

The table below scores the severity of each bit, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the most severe.

What is the difference between a Tom Thumb bit and a snaffle bit?

Tom Thumb
They have a single joint in the middle, and it might be easy to confuse them with the much milder jointed snaffle mouthpiece. But, a Tom Thumb bit has shanks instead of rings. This makes it a leverage bit. The longer the shanks, the more power that your hands exert on the bit.

How thick should a horse bit be?

16 – 18 mm
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.

Are snaffle bits cruel?

Most riders agree that bits can cause pain to horses. A too-severe bit in the wrong hands, or even a soft one in rough or inexperienced hands, is a well-known cause of rubs, cuts and soreness in a horse’s mouth. Dr. Cook’s research suggests the damage may go even deeper — to the bone and beyond.

What happens if a bit is too big for a horse?

Often bits are either too small or too big. If your horse’s bit is too big, you will find that the bit will move back and forth in your horse’s mouth which may hit your horse’s teeth. If this occurs, your rein aids will be unclear and will not be transmitted effectively to your horse.

How do you know if a horse is uncomfortable with a bit?

Your horse throws his head up and down or from side to side at a standstill or when you cue him to move forward, backward, or turn. Possible bit problem: The bit could be causing pain or irritation on the bars (the gum or inter-dental area between the front teeth and the molars) or on the corners of your horse’s mouth.

What is a cowboy bit?

The curb bit is a leverage bit, which works by amplifying the amount of pressure applied by the rider; 5 pounds of pressure might feel like 10, 15, or 20 pounds to the horse. This allows the rider to rate speed and encourage collection with only minimal hand movement.

Why do they put copper in horse bits?

Copper and Sweet Iron Material
Bits that use copper or sweet iron encourage the horse to salivate, relax their jaw, and accept the bit easier. Commonly seen in Western bits, this material naturally rusts to produce a sweet taste that the horse enjoys.

What kind of bit do racehorses use?

The two most common bits worn by racehorses are a D-bit and a ring bit. Both bits are snaffles, meaning the mouthpiece is made up of two jointed segments of metal. The D-bit is easiest on a horse’s mouth and the simplest. Its name describes the D-shaped rings that attach the ends of the bit to the bridle.

What is a stronger bit than a snaffle?

Curbs. These provide greater control compared to the snaffles. How it works: by putting pressure on four areas, the tongue, corners of the mouth, bars and the chin groove.

What is the best horse bit for trail riding?

5 Best Horse Bits for Trail Riding Success

• Mullen Training Bit.
• Full-Cheek French Link Snaffle.
• Curb Bit With Copper Roller.
• Pelham Bit.
• Single Jointed Snaffle.

Is a hanging cheek stronger than a snaffle?

Hanging Cheek Bit
Is slightly stronger than the snaffles featured here. The hanging cheek offers more stability than a loose ring and due to the action within the mouth, it generally offers more braking control than an eggbutt.

What is a dog bone bit used for?

Dog bone bits are western bits designed to lie flat on the horse’s tongue while you ride. This is achieved by using a specific 3-jointed mouthpiece with a link that is in the shape of a dogbone.

What bit to go to after a snaffle?

5. Regular Correction Bit. This is probably our most used bit, a go-to everyday bit that works great on almost any horse to work or just ride in. This is also the bit Tim will transition a young horse out of a snaffle with, it is a soft step up from a snaffle bit and won’t shock them.

Should a horse chew on the bit?

Constant bit chewing is often a sign of nervousness, particularly in younger horses, or discomfort. Consulting your vet and chiropractor is a good start, but you may need to dig deeper to discover the root of the bit chewing problem.