Are you looking for bitting advice? Read this blog and find out more...
First things first, is your horse wearing the correct bit? Are they happy and comfortable in the mouth?
Ensuring your horse is wearing the most suitable bit for them is important. If your horse is not happy in the mouth this can cause a chain of problems. Your bit should be fitted to suit you and the horse so you can aid your equine in the most effective way.
If your horse suddenly becomes uncomfortable in a bit they previously accepted, it's worth having their teeth, tack fit, and overall health checked before assuming a different bit is needed. Sometimes a bit change isn't a quick fix to your problems so please ensure to check.
What to consider when fitting a bit:
Your bit must be the correct width, sit at the correct height and be the correct shape and thickness for your horses mouth.
How to measure?
- Bit width gauge
- OR Place a rope in the mouth, place your fingers next to the corner of the mouth and then measure the width and add 0.5 to 1 cm to it.
- Better still - if you're happy with the fit of your bit send us a picture, we can check and then help you measure the bit you're using
What do i need to consider when choosing my bit?
This depends on the horse's anatomy, age, character, state of health and level of training of horse and rider. If in doubt, consult a trainer, specialist dealer or bit specialist. You can also borrow and try out common bit models.
You should always aim to ride with a normal bit. A more specialised bit shape is needed from increasing requirements in the further training of horse and rider or to help with any problems you're experiencing. However, the trainer or a specialist should always be consulted and the rider should be able to give fine and independent aids.
Which bit do i need?
Single or double jointed?
Single-jointed bits may suit horses that prefer a more defined signal and have enough room in their mouths.
Double-jointed bits are often a good starting point for many horses because they tend to distribute pressure more evenly and reduce the chance of palate interference.
D-ring, Egg-butt or Loose ring?
Loose ring → More movement, encourages softness, but requires a horse that likes a mobile bit and a rider with steady hands.
Eggbutt → A good all-round option that suits many horses thanks to its stability and comfort.
D-ring → Ideal if you want extra steering assistance or have a young horse or one that tends to drift through the shoulder.
Size?
Fixed cheek bits need to fit snuggly against the side of the mouth. The image below shows a bit that is way too big. A loose ring should be 1cm more generous so that there is no pinching at the corner of the mouth.
Next is deciding which mouthpiece style is best suitable...
All of the following bits are SENSOGAN- high-quality and toxicologically tested bit material.
KK ULTRA- double jointed
- anatomically adapted mouthpiece, middle link shortened and angled forward by 45°
- noticeable improved effect in comparison to conventional double jointed bits
- designed for improving the precision of the rein aids and the contact
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suitable for horses with sufficient space in the mouth
WH ULTRA- double jointed
- anatomically adapted KK ULTRA mouthpiece with unique roller in the center section
- improves chewing activity, concentration, and attention of the horse
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supports the relaxation of the jaw musculature and the entire top-line
- to improve harmony and suppleness
DYNAMIC RS- single jointed, double jointed
- ergonomic shape enables even pressure distribution onto the tongue, joint angled forward by 45°
- lies anatomically correctly between the tongue and palatal arch, allows effective rein aids
- ideal for sensitive horses or horses with a fleshy tongue
- allows direct pressure transmission on the tongue and lower jaw due to the fixed cheeks
- lies steady in the horse's mouth, gentle on the corners of the mouth
TURNADO- single jointed
- innovative joint, angled forward by 45°
- therefore the contact surface of the mouthpiece on the tongue is equal on both sides
- enables an even effect on both tongue edges
- allows direct pressure transmission on the tongue and lower jaw due to the fixed cheeks
- the lateral contact helps horses that tend to fall out whilst riding or approaching an obstacle
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sandblasting characterizes the unique inclination of the joint
NOVOCONTACT- single jointed, double jointed
- innovative novocontact geometry
- enlarged contact surface on the tongue for soft impact
- ideal for super sensitive horses that do not take the contact confidently
- allows direct pressure transmission due to fixed mouthpiece
- lies steady in the horse's mouth, gentle on the corners of the mouth
PRONAMIC- single jointed
- anatomically and ergonomically adapted
- with forward flared port
- helps horses to approach the hand better when they are relatively upright
- effective, but not too strong for horses that pull energetically to an obstacle and tend to tighten through the neck
- also suitable for sensitive horses
- ideal for refining the rein aids
COMFORT MOUTH- mullen mouth
- Comfort Mouth - relieves the middle of the tongue, exerts pressure only when pulling the reins
- ideal for horses with very fleshy tongue
- also suitable for horses that are strong and tend to pull
Have you got a horse with a sensitive mouth? Or perhaps a youngster
Try Nathe...
Nathe bits are made from a flexible, thermoplastic material rather than metal. They're designed to feel warmer and softer in the horse's mouth, and many horses accept them readily. Some Nathe bits are also available in two types of hardness (soft & hard).
Another option for sensitive horses is bit wrap! Available in apple flavor this helps with the comfort in the horses mouth as well as the acceptance of the bit. WARNING- do not wrap the middle joint of the bit as this changes the action of the bit and you will be disqualified from competition.
If you have any questions or would like personalised advice please contact kait@classicdressage.com and I'd be more than happy to assist!