Types of Bits for Horses

English and Western horse bits come in styles to accommodate different equestrian needs. Some bits are tailored to a horse in early training, while others are more suited to the intricate movements of dressage, the intense needs of the jumper, or the subtle control of Western Pleasure. For riders of any level, choosing a bit is essential to enhancing communication with the horse.

  1. Snaffle Bit

    • The snaffle is one of the basic of all bits, consisting of a ring on each side and a jointed mouthpiece in the middle. Snaffles are generally regarded as very mild bits, although as with any bit they can be harsh in untrained or inconsiderate hands. Riders can choose from a wide variety of snaffle bits, including happy mouth, twisted wire and double-twisted wire. Complementing the various mouthpieces are a number of cheek pieces for snaffle bits, including eggbutt, loose ring and d-ring. D-ring snaffles sometimes provide several rein attachment fittings to make adjusting the bridle to different horses easier.

    Roller Bit

    • Roller bits are frequently seen in Western riding, but there are some roller bits for English riding as well. The typical roller bit has a solid mouthpiece, with a small rolling piece in the middle. This roller gives the horse something to play with and move around while riding, and the action of the roller on the horse's tongue helps to keep his mouth moist as well.

    Curb Bits

    • A curb bit has a solid mouthpiece, with a raised section in the middle where it lies against the horse's tongue. Curb bits typically complement Western tack, though a version of the curb also appears on the English double bridle. The curbs used by riders in Western Pleasure and other judged classes can look quite ornate.

    Cathedral Bits

    • Cathedral bits are designed to refine the horse's headset and movement, and they should only be used by expert riders with very light hands. These bits are somewhat similar to curb bits, but the port in the horse's mouth is very high, and in the wrong hands a cathedral bit can be very severe. When used by a highly experienced rider, however, the bit can refine the way the horse moves.