How to choose the right shape of bit for your horse

We’re kicking off 2026 with an educational blog that we hope will help you choose the right shape of bit for your horse. Our choice of bit - and how happy the horse is being ridden in it - is such a fundamental element of the partnership between a rider and their horse that it’s worth taking some time over. We love helping riders find the right balance between communication and control whilst ensuring the horse is totally comfortable, and we’ll look at four things that influence the bit choice, then the most common bit shapes and their effect on the horse. Let’s get started…

1. Horse mouth and tongue confirmation

This should be the starting point for choosing a bit shape and design - what sort of mouth and tongue does your horse have? Do they have a small tongue or a big and fleshy one (warmbloods are often in possession of the latter, as are draught horses, unsurprisingly), or perhaps they have a low palate or particularly large mouth? If you’re not sure what you’re looking for, you can ask other liveries in your yard or friends with horses and ponies if you can take a look at their horse. By looking at a range of types/breeds you’ll start to get a feel for what constitutes a big mouth, large tongue etc.

That information will then guide you in what bit shapes to try. For example, a horse with a large tongue can benefit from a ported or anatomically shaped mullen mouthpiece. Horses with small mouths and low palates might be more comfortable in a slimmer double-jointed bit than they are in a chunky design. Read on for a more in-depth look at the different shapes that you can choose from.

2. The horse’s stage of training

This one applies to all aspects of the bit - the shape of the mouthpiece and the cheekpieces you choose - but it’s important to assess where a horse is in their training when selecting a bit. For example, a young or green horse might be inconsistent in the contact or lean on the rider's hands for balance. A more experienced horse will understand finer rein aids and have better self-carriage (we hope!), so you can explore a greater range of bit shapes.

3. Rider skill and experience

Some shapes of mouthpiece can be effective and kind when they’re in the hands of an experienced rider who uses them sympathetically… and less so when they are used by a novice rider. For example, a bit with a large port or an angled tongue plate should be used by riders who know the impact of rein aids and when to use them. Of course, it can be argued that any bit can be harsh in the wrong hands, but some bit shapes will have a greater impact than others, so this needs to be considered.

4. Their own preference!

Some horses really don’t like pressure on their tongue; others hate leverage on the bars or poll. You might already know what they like and don’t like, or you may have to do some trial-and-error work to figure it all out. That’s where a service like our bit bank’s 30-day trial comes in, allowing you to experiment with different shapes and designs until you get it right.

A reminder of the most common bit shapes

In this part of the blog, we’re taking a look at some of the most common bit shapes out there and how they work. It’s not a totally comprehensive list and some of the brands we stock have their own clever designs that help stop a single-joined snaffle’s ‘nutcracker’ effect or lock a barrel bit under certain circumstances. If you think a bit shape sounds perfect but there’s one little niggle that isn’t quite right for your horse, make sure to ring our free bitting advice line. Jodie will almost certainly know a bit design that has a tweak that will make it a great choice for your horse.

Single-jointed

A single-jointed mouthpiece has one joint in the centre. This can create pressure on the tongue and bars, and in some cases towards the roof of the mouth. While many horses go perfectly happily in a single-jointed bit, it may be less comfortable for horses with low palates or those that are sensitive to tongue pressure.

Double-jointed (lozenge)

Double-jointed bits feature two joints with a central link or lozenge. This allows the mouthpiece to sit more evenly in the mouth and reduces the nutcracker effect seen in single-jointed bits. They are often well tolerated and are a popular choice for a wide range of horses, particularly those that prefer a softer, more consistent feel.

Mullen mouth

A mullen mouth is a solid mouthpiece with a gentle curve that follows the shape of the horse’s mouth. It provides even, steady pressure across the tongue and bars and is often favoured by horses that like stability and a quiet contact. Mullen mouthpieces can work particularly well for sensitive horses or those that dislike too much movement in the mouth.

Straight bar

Similar to a mullen mouth but without the curve, a straight bar mouthpiece applies uniform pressure across the tongue and bars. Some horses appreciate the clarity and consistency this provides, while others may find it too direct, particularly if they prefer tongue relief.

Ported

Ported mouthpieces include a raised section designed to reduce pressure on the tongue. The height and shape of the port are important, as higher ports can transfer more pressure to the bars of the mouth. These mouthpieces can suit horses with larger tongues or those that object to constant tongue pressure, but they should be chosen carefully and fitted correctly.

Waterford

A Waterford mouthpiece is made up of multiple rounded links, creating a very flexible mouthpiece that moves freely in the horse’s mouth. This design makes it difficult for a horse to lean or take hold of the bit, and while it can be useful for horses that fix or set against the hand, it is not suitable for all horses and requires sympathetic, educated hands.

Roller

Roller mouthpieces include one or more rollers that rotate independently. These can help discourage a horse from grabbing or leaning on the bit and may encourage relaxation in the jaw. Some horses find the movement of the rollers soothing, while others prefer a more stable feel.

Elliptical or oval link

An elliptical or oval link is a variation of a double-jointed mouthpiece, with a flatter, more elongated centre link. This design is intended to sit comfortably on the tongue and distribute pressure more evenly, often providing clearer communication and improved comfort compared to traditional French links.

Hopefully this blog helps you see that choosing the right bit shape isn’t about finding a universal “best” option and more about understanding your horse as an individual and matching the bit to their mouth, training stage and preferences. Small changes in shape can make a big difference to comfort, communication and overall way of going. If you’re unsure where to start, our professional advice and the opportunity to trial different options can be invaluable. Taking the time to get it right is an investment in a happy and successful partnership with your horse - and that’s always worth making.