Different Horse Bits

Horses have a convenient gap in their mouths where there aren't any teeth. This is where a bit can fit. Bits work by pressing against the sensitive bars of a horse's mouth. Bits can be made of many different materials but are now often made of metal. The oldest bit found was at Pazyrk, Siberia, where the cold preserved horses and their tack from around 3000 B.C.

  1. Snaffle

    • The snaffle is the simplest and least expensive type of horse bit. This is the bit recommended for a horse that is going to be ridden by a beginning rider because it causes the least pain. There are different types of snaffles. Bar snaffles are made as one straight metal bar that goes across the mouth, while broken snaffles are jointed in the middle. The joint rests on the horse's tongue.

    Racing

    • The most common bits used in horse racing are called D-ring snaffles, because the metal ring that rests against the outside of the horse's mouth is shaped like a capital letter D. These can also be made into a straight bar or a jointed bar. Some also have metal projections in order to give the rider more control. Another bit is called the Dexter (named after the jockey who invented it), where in addition to a snaffle there is a large metal ring that fits around the lower jaw.

    Double Bridle

    • Many horses are ridden in what is called a double bridle, because it requires two types of bits and two sets of reins. These are for advanced riders only. When properly used, just a feather light touch can help control a horse. The bits used are usually the curb and a snaffle. A chain is usually attached to the H- shaped curb bit that goes under the horse's jaw.

    Gaited Horses

    • Gaited horses include breeds such as the Tennessee walking horse that are trained to perform exaggerated gaits. They are trained with devices on their hooves and bits so severe that they are considered controversial. They are known under various names such as twisted wire bits or long shank bits. They are shaped like heavy curb bits but often have projections to cause pain.

    Hackamore

    • Hackamores use pressure against the nose in order to control the horse instead of putting pressure on the mouth bars. Some hackamore will not have bits of any kind, but some will have a thin bar to help keep the hackamore in place. Hackamore bridles are considered the least severe, but they need an experienced rider. If the rider is inexperienced, then he will cause the horse less pain with a simple snaffle.