How to Choose a Bridle Bit for a Horse

Check your horse's teeth before you choose a bridle bit. A good dental check-up by your veterinarian will make sure there aren't any sharp or uneven teeth that may cause lacerations on the inside of the cheeks or on the tongue from the pressure of the bit and bridle.

Study the two most common bits, which are the snaffle and curb. The snaffle is fairly straightforward. The direct pressure the rider puts on the reins is the same amount of pressure the horse feels in his mouth. The curb bit works with leverage, which intensifies the rein pressure on the horse's mouth. It's more complicated than the snaffle. This bit is for horses with previous training.

Consider the type of metal used to make the bar. Bridle bits are made of a variety of metals, but sweet iron is one that most horses like. It's a metal alloy and has a sweet taste when it begins to rust which enhances salivation. This is important since moisture in the horse's mouth helps prevent injury to the delicate mouth tissue. Aluminum is drying to the mouth; copper tastes bad and damages easily. Rubber and rubber-coated metal tend to be too thick, causing discomfort. Nylon bits may be a better non-metal bit choice.

Select the right width, which can be up to a half inch wider than the mouth. If the bit is too narrow, it may pinch the horse's lips, and if it's too wide, it may slip and place uneven pressure on the mouth. If the bit doesn't exert even pressure, your signals with the reins will be confusing to your horse.

See if the bridle bit fits comfortably in the horse's mouth. If it's too high, there will be constant pressure on the lips, pulling them back uncomfortably, and if it's too low, it may hit against the front teeth.