How many different types of horse bits are there?

The two basic types of bits are snaffle bits and leverage (curb) bits. These differ in the areas on the horse where each applies pressure. In addition to these two types of bits, there are hackamores, which generally do not have a mouthpiece.

What type of bit should I use on my horse?

A soft, mild bit possibly with a rubber or plastic covered mouthpiece may help, and possibly even a single jointed bit if the palette with allow to relieve pressure from the tongue. In extreme cases it may even be necessary to use a bitless (hackamore) bridle for a time until the horse is less sensitive.

What horse bit is the most gentle?

One of the most common types of snaffle bit is the eggbutt, which is considered to be the gentlest type of snaffle bit because it doesn’t pinch the corners of the horse’s mouth. It has an egg-shaped connection between the mouthpiece and the bit-ring.

What is the most commonly used horse bit?

1) Snaffle Bits (french links and jointed)

The snaffle bit is one of the most common amongst horse bridle bits. It is commonly used for most english riding disciplines and comes with either a single jointed or french linked mouth. A snaffle bit is usually made of stainless steel and is seen as a relatively soft bit.

Is a twisted snaffle bit harsh?

The single twist wire snaffle is a very severe bit for two reasons. Firstly, the thinner a mouthpiece is, the more severe it is. So, by definition this wire snaffle is very severe. Secondly, the fact that the wire is twisted makes it strong across the bars and tongue of the horse’s mouth.

Are snaffle bits harsh?

A snaffle is sometimes mistakenly thought of as “any mild bit”. While direct pressure without leverage is milder than pressure with leverage, nonetheless, certain types of snaffle bits can be extremely harsh when manufactured with wire, twisted metal or other “sharp” elements.

What is the least harsh bit?

A French link snaffle has two joints connected via a “lozenge” in the center of the mouthpiece. Considered one of the mildest snaffle bits.

What is the difference between a snaffle and Bradoon?

The difference between a bradoon bit and a snaffle bit is that a bradoon bit is meant to work with a curb bit in a double bridle, whereas a regular snaffle bit is designed to be used on its own.

Are Spurs abusive?

Ideally, spurs do not hurt horses. That being said, spurs can lead to skin scratches, bleeding, and other pain if used incorrectly. For this reason, spurs should not be worn by inexperienced riders. More specifically, spurs should only be worn by experienced riders on horses that need spurs.

Is a Tom Thumb bit harsh?

The Tom Thumb bit is a more severe and uncomfortable bit than many people realize. In unskilled hands, this particular tool can be quite a harsh bit, which can cause your horse to object because of the discomfort it causes.

What is a snaffle bit used for?

A snaffle bit is a common type of horse bit that is gentle on the horse’s mouth. Comprised of either a single bar or two to three jointed pieces between large rings on either side, snaffle bits make it easy for riders to communicate with their horse and are commonly used to train young horses and beginner riders.

What does a Dutch gag bit do?

The Dutch Gag was designed to combine this sliding and pulling on the lips with the leverage action of a shank. A bit with leverage pressure- a shank extension below the mouthpiece- is asking for head lowering, “outline” and nose retraction. So, the Dutch Gag is trying to ask for lifting and lowering at the same time.

What does a gag bit do?

The gag bit works on the horse’s lips and poll simultaneously. The pressure on the lips tends to make the horse raise its head, which is useful for a horse that tends to lean on the bit. Gag bits are used mainly for horses that are strong pullers or for horses that need retraining.

What bit to use after a snaffle?

5. Regular Correction Bit. This is probably our most used bit, a go-to everyday bit that works great on almost any horse to work or just ride in. This is also the bit Tim will transition a young horse out of a snaffle with, it is a soft step up from a snaffle bit and won’t shock them.

What is a Tom Thumb bit?

The Tom Thumb bit is a type of leverage bit, typically used by Western riders. This means that the pressure the rider puts on the horse’s mouth is multiplied due to the shanks of the bit. This bit is often mistaken for a snaffle because of the jointed mouthpiece.