Different Types of Western Horse Bits

No matter what breed of horse you ride, it is important to have the right equipment. Western riders have a wide array of bits to choose from, each designed for a specific purpose. Before choosing a bit for your Western riding it is helpful to review the different bits available. Choosing the type of bit best suited to your horse's needs and level of training is the best way to ensure that any future training goes smoothly.

  1. Tom Thumb Bit

    • The Tom Thumb bit is one of the most frequently used bits among Western riders. Tom Thumb bits have a number of advantages over other types of bits, including the fact that they are generally priced lower than many other styles of bit. The Tom Thumb is essentially a snaffle bit with a shank. Like a traditional plain snaffle the mouthpiece is jointed, but unlike a traditional snaffle the Tom Thumb bit has a shank that provides additional leverage to the rider. The Tom Thumb bit also has a chin strap that provides additional leverage and stopping power. These bits are often used to start young horses, and the Tom Thumb bit can be a good transition between the snaffle bit many trainers use on their two- and three-year-olds and the curb bits they will use for more refined training.

    Curb Bits

    • Unlike the snaffle and the Tom Thumb, the curb bit uses a solid mouthpiece. The middle of the mouthpiece is raised to varying degrees, creating a curb in the mouthpiece. There are many varieties of curb bits, some with a curb that is barely noticeable and others with a curb that comes up quite sharply. Riders with less experience should stick with lower curbs, since the higher curbs require soft hands and some refinement to use properly. Using a severe curb improperly is uncomfortable for the horse, since the curb moves against the tongue when the rider applies pressure to the reins. But in the right hands a high curb can be used to produce refined movements and get the horse to display the proper headset for the show ring.

    Roller Bits

    • No matter what type of bit you use, it is important that your horse be comfortable wearing it. One of the challenges riders face is that the horse's mouth can become dry during a ride, resulting in a cranky horse and an unhappy rider. Roller bits are designed to combat this problem by encouraging the horse to move the roller around with his tongue. As he moves the roller around saliva is produced, keeping the mouth moist and helping the horse avoid discomfort. On a typical roller bit there is a solid piece, then a roller and then another solid piece. The size of the roller varies, but the roller is always in the center of the bit. Many horses enjoy playing with these rollers during a ride, and many horses that do not do well in a typical curb tolerate these bits much better.