What Are the Type of Bits for Horses?

No one type of bit works for every horse. Classified as either a snaffle or a curb, a bit should be chosen based on the horse's level of training, the rider's level of competence, the horse's temperament and the riding discipline. Bits are made up of two primary parts: the cheek pieces that sit on either side of the mouth and are attached to the reins and the bridle, and the mouthpiece which sits inside the horse's mouth.

  1. Snaffle Bits

    • A snaffle is a bit that has no shanks on the cheek piece and therefore does not use leverage on the horse's head or mouth. It relies on direct pressure to control the horse. Common cheek piece styles include the d-ring, eggbutt and loose ring. In general, the thicker the mouthpiece, the milder the bit. The mouthpiece can be solid, or broken up into two or three pieces. The metal may be made of smooth metal, twisted wire, rubber or even bicycle chain.

    Curb Bits

    • A curb bit uses leverage on the mouth to help control a horse via a shanked cheek piece. The shanks on the bit vary in length and shape. The longer the shank, the harsher the bit is considered. A curb bit can have numerous mouth pieces including both solid and jointed. The mouthpiece may also have a port -- a raised section in the center of the mouthpiece that adds to the shank's leverage.

    Combination Bits

    • A combination bit utilizes both nose and mouth pressure. The hackamore portion of this bit uses shanks to create leverage on the horse's chin and nose while the bit works on the horse's mouth. The two are connected and allow the rider to use utilize both to control the horse. Both the hackamore portion and the bit portion can be made up of different mouth pieces, materials and cheek-piece styles.

    Bit Material

    • Bits can be made from a variety of metals and other materials. The most traditional material used for both the cheek piece and the mouthpiece is stainless steel. The mouthpiece of a bit can also be made fully or partially of copper or sweet iron, both of which encourage saliva production and aid in the horse's acceptance of the bit. Bits are often covered in rubber to reduce the harshness of the bit or to make the horse more comfortable.