Common problems and practical solutions to find your horse’s perfect bit
A quick browse around our website uncovers hundreds of bits. Snaffles, curbs, ports, lozenges, double-jointed and straight bars, a myriad of materials and designs. With so many bits on the market, it’s no wonder lots of us can end up feeling overwhelmed and unsure of the right path forward. Of course, the variety of bits available today is of great benefit to our horses. No two horses or ponies are the same and, instead of an old-school tack room with just a handful of bits hanging on the wall, today there are options for different mouth confirmations, stages of training and more.
But picking the right bit can feel like a minefield. You don’t want to cause your horse any pain or discomfort, and you want to ensure you’ve got effective communication with them. Whether you're bringing on a young horse, fine-tuning a seasoned competition partner or trying to solve a training issue, the bit plays such an important role… and the wrong one can make life harder for both of you.
That’s where we come in. At The Horse Bit Bank, we help riders at every level, from grassroots to Grand Prix, find bits that suit their horses’ mouths, temperaments and way of going. We know that if you’re having issues and think you need to change bits then finding the right fit starts with understanding the problem. So, here are four of the most common bitting challenges we’re asked about, and the solutions we often recommend.
1. Resistance to the contact
One of the most frequent problems owners talk to us about is a horse who doesn’t feel comfortable in the contact. This might show up as leaning heavily on the reins, snatching them away or avoiding the connection altogether by going behind or above the bit. While rider input and balance always play a role, resistance like this can often be improved by finding out more about your horse’s mouth confirmation and sensitivity. Some horses hate pressure on the bars; others avoid tongue pressure. Knowing if your horse has a small mouth /big tongue /sensitive bars or an aversion to a type of pressure means you can experiment with different mouthpieces and cheekpieces to find what works.
2. Mouth sensitivity or injury
If your horse throws their head up or backs away when you go to put the bridle on, it could be more than just a behavioural quirk. Often, they’re trying to avoid a bit that has previously caused discomfort. A kinder mouthpiece or even just warming the bit slightly in winter can help improve the experience for them. There are amazing materials out there to choose from now, with sweet iron and copper rollers, super lightweight titanium and even leather mouthpieces. The latter might sound strange, but when it is warmed and moist from saliva, leather works surprisingly well for some sensitive souls. There are bits designed to sit perfectly over the tongue and bars, so pressure is spread out, and a whole range of gel and soft silicone mouthpieces too.
Watch out for injuries too - if your horse develops rubs at the corners of the mouth, shows signs of bruising on the bars or seems generally uncomfortable, it could be a sign the bit fit isn’t quite right. A bit that’s too small can pinch; too large and it can move around and cause damage. If you’re not 100% sure on the right size, you can print out a tool to help you measure their mouth here.
3. Head tossing or shaking
Excessive head movement is a common concern, and while it can have medical causes, the bit is often the first place to check. Older riders will probably remember seeing ponies kitted out with a classic eggbutt snaffle paired with a standing martingale. The nutcracker effect of the bit (especially in novice or very young hands) can lead to the jointed part of the bit hitting the roof of the mouth. That in turn leads to the pony sticking its head in the air to avoid discomfort… which was remedied with the martingale. Now, we know that for many horses, double-jointed or Mullen mouth bits are kinder in novice hands.
That’s just one example of why it’s important to try a range of different styles. Some horses love the clear aids and slight face pressure of a fixed ring (including D-rings and full cheeks), others prefer a loose ring with more subtle aids. Some horses aren’t suited to a port; others love the tongue relief they offer. If your horse tosses and shakes its head, it’s time to start experimenting!
4. Wooden or stiff in the hand
If your horse feels wooden in the hand or inflexible when you’re schooling, choosing a bit that encourages softness and suppleness can make a big difference. The right bit can help clarify your aids and/or encourage the horse to relax through their jaw and poll.
Double-jointed snaffles with a lozenge tend to be a good starting point. These styles lie more comfortably across the tongue often encouraging better acceptance and a more elastic contact. For horses that struggle with tongue pressure, lateral flexion or feel particularly stiff through the neck, a bit with a curved mouthpiece and a shape that promotes clear, independent rein aids can encourage bend and a more open frame. If your horse feels unresponsive or reluctant to take the bit forward, trying a thinner mouthpiece or one made of a warmer metal like sweet iron or copper can also stimulate mouthing and improve sensitivity and responsiveness.
No one wants to play a guessing game when it comes to bitting, but the good news is, that you don’t have to. Here at The Horse Bit Bank, we offer free bitting advice and offer a 30-day trial on many of our bit designs. That means that you can make confident, informed choices with your horse’s comfort at the centre of it all.