How to Adjust a Walking Horse With the Port Bit

Walking horses, more properly known as Tennessee Walking Horses, are famous for two distinct walking gaits; these are known as the flat walk and the running walk. Tennessee Walking Horses traditionally compete wearing bits with long side-shanks. The shanks of the bit act as a lever, encouraging the horse to lower its head and relax its jaw. The mouthpiece of the bit incorporates an arch, known as a port. The height of the port affects the action of the bit. A shallow port places pressure on the tongue, and a high port places pressure on the "bars" or gums.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure
  • Old bit
  • Bridle
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the mouthpiece of your horse's present bit. Do not include the shanks in this measurement. Bits that are too small might pinch and rub the corners of the horse's mouth; bits that are too big might slide. A correctly sized bit protrudes no more than 1/2 inch from the side of the mouth.

    • 2

      Examine your horse's mouth to determine the port height. A high-port bit provides more room for the horse's tongue.

    • 3

      Attach the bit to the bridle. Undo the buckles at the end of each cheekpiece, and attach them to the rings at the top of the bit. Attach the reins to the rings at the bottom of the shanks. The bit must look like an arch rather than a "U" shape when it is inserted in the horse's mouth. The rings must face backward.

    • 4

      Put the bridle on the horse. Adjust the cheekstraps using the buckles near the horse's eye. The bit must sit squarely in the horse's mouth, with both cheekstraps being the same length. The side of the mouthpiece must slightly raise the corner of the horse's lip.