Guide to Horse Bits

The right horse bits help your horses give smooth, comfortable rides

By Rhyah Fletcher

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There are many different types of horse bits available from tack suppliers. There are two basic types, leverage and non-leverage. Leverage attaches to a shank or cheek piece, such as a curbed bit. Non-leverage attaches to a mouthpiece, such as a snaffle bit.

When choosing a horse training bit, you must consider the experience of your horses. New horses need time to get used to a bit in their mouth, so it's not always best to start with a severe bit. Gaited horses benefit from a double bridle that uses a combination of snaffle and curbed bits. There are a few things you should remember when shopping for a horse bit.

1. A curb horse bit has a pressure ratio of three to one. These bits are best used for braking a horse, rather than direction, due to their severity.

2. A straight bit puts pressure on the tongue and less on the bars, while a curbed bit increases the pressure mostly on the bars.

3. Specialty tack suppliers can make custom horse bits with adjustable widths. These suppliers also have the best information on horse bit manufacturers and products, so request recommendations from knowledgeable suppliers.

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Pick the best horse bits based on your horses use

Your horse bit needs will change depending on the desired use of your horses. If you're using your horses for ranch work, you want a bit for horses that delivers enough pressure that it keeps your horse going in the right direction. For horses who give trail rides to visitors, you want a gentle bit that won't hurt the horse when the reins are in the hands of inexperienced riders.

I recommend: Pick a gaited horse bit from the huge selection offered by the National Bridle Shop, Inc. There's an extensive collection of horse bits for a variety of horse needs at Dover Saddlery, Inc.

Shop for custom horse bits based on style or bit construction

Some bit design adds style to your horse and gives your horse tack more personality. There are English and western horse bits. There are also customized bits that include adjustable pieces or interchangeable bit parts. The mouthpieces of horse bits differ greatly, too, and you may want a gentle mouthpiece or a mouthpiece that applies more pressure.

I recommend: NAG's Tack & Western has a selection of horse bits, including snaffle, a walking horse bit and training bit. Both Tack Traders and Chick Harness & Supply, Inc. have handsome western bits available.

Consider the comfort and safety of your horse when shopping for horse bits

Information on horse bits varies when it comes to the cruelty of certain bits. It's important that you always consider the comfort of your horse when using a bit. Horse bit makers are conscious of the horse owner's need for safe, comfortable bits, and many have manufactured more humane horse bits.

I recommend: Look at the selection of humane bits created by American Bridle Bit. Check out the new Pee Wee Bit, created with the horse's comfort in mind.

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Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

The wrong horse bit can cause a myriad of problems, affecting both you, your horse and your horse business. If you pick the wrong bit, your horse can avoid the bit, run through the bit, experience dry mouth or over chew the bit. Make sure any bit you choose isn't too thin, or it causes painful pressure in the horse's mouth.

The official source of Horse Bits is the Horse Bits page at Business.com

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