Western Horse Bits Guide Information

Western riding bits are used for training leading to competition riding and pleasure riding today, but they were invented to offer an easier way of riding for cowboys. Western bits come in a variety of types and materials that serve specific purposes. Western bits provide a tool for horse and rider to communicate and produce the desired results.

  1. History

    • Western horse bits have evolved from bits used in the Medieval times. Spanish vaqueros, or cowboys, influenced the first western bits based on necessity. Western bits were designed to keep a horse's mouth injury-free after several hours of riding or working.

    Parts

    • The western bit is composed of two working parts: the mouthpiece and cheek piece. The mouthpiece may be either solid or broken and places contact on either the tongue or roof of the horse’s mouth to initiate a response. The cheek piece is referred to as a shank and are straight or curved bars that extend from the mouthpiece, offering leverage for the rider.

    Types

    • There are two main types of western bits: curb and snaffle. Curb bits are leverage bits that work off of pressure in the horse’s mouth as well as on his pole, or top of his head. They contain shanks that add pressure to the pole. A snaffle bit is considered a direct-action bit because it does not have a shank, but uses rings attached to the mouthpiece. Snaffle bits work by placing pressure on a horse’s lips to trigger a response.

    Benefits

    • Using the correct bit results in a well-trained horse that performs western riding activities, such as trail riding, working cows and penning livestock. A western bit, when used properly, offers a line of communication between the rider and horse without causing pain.

    Materials

    • Western horse bits are made with various types of metals. They include stainless steel, copper and sweet iron. Using metal to compose a western bit helps the horse to salivate, keeping his mouth moist when riding.