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    A well-fitting bit is important for communication between rider and horse. The right bit ensures comfort in the horse's mouth and strengthens the cooperation during training. When making the right choice, the anatomy of the horse, the type of riding style and the experience of the rider play a major role.

    Why the right bit is important

    A bit is an important part of the tack and contributes to good communication between the horse and rider. However, an ill-fitting bit can lead to discomfort, tension, and even health problems in the horse’s mouth or body. This can include wounds, pressure points, or excessive tension in the neck and back. A properly fitting bit not only prevents physical discomfort but also leads to better cooperation and relaxation during your training.

    More about bit materials

    The material of a bit plays a significant role in the comfort and acceptance by the horse. Some common materials include:

    • Sweet iron: These oxidize and stimulate saliva production through a sweet taste.
    • Stainless steel: Durable and smooth.
    • Bakelite: Bakelite is smooth and maintains a constant temperature, which is especially important for horses with a drier mouth.
    • Leather: Soft, comfortable, and molds to the mouth.
    • Copper or aurigan: These stimulate saliva production, making wearing the bit more comfortable for the horse.
    • Rubber bits: Soft materials, such as rubber bits, are good for sensitive horses.

    Each material has unique properties, so it’s important to find what works best for your horses.

    The right size of a bit

    The correct size of a bit is crucial for effectiveness. A bit that is too small will pinch the corners of the horse's mouth, while one that is too large will shift unnecessarily and can create pressure points. The ideal size depends on the width of the horse’s mouth and the type of bit.
    For a single-jointed snaffle, there should be about half a centimeter of space on each side between the bit and the corners of the mouth. With a full cheek snaffle, a snug fit is important to prevent the sides from becoming uncomfortable.
    The sharpness of a bit is determined by factors such as thickness, material, and type. A thinner model distributes pressure over a smaller area and works sharper, while a thicker model applies a softer pressure. If a horse has a slightly smaller mouth, a thicker bit can cause discomfort. This makes the right choice highly dependent on the rider’s hand and the horse’s sensitivity.

    The importance of mouthpieces and cheeks

    When choosing the right bit for your horse, both the mouthpiece and the cheeks play an important role in its effectiveness. Well-designed bits combined with the correct cheek pieces help improve communication between rider and horse, reduce discomfort, and enhance cooperation.

    Mouthpieces

    The mouthpiece of a bit is the key factor in how the bit works in your horse’s mouth. There are various designs, each with different effects on pressure distribution and the horse's response. The most common types are:

    • Single-jointed mouthpieces: These have a hinge and can be useful for horses that respond well to direct pressure from the bit, but they may apply too much pressure for sensitive horses.
    • Double-jointed mouthpieces: With two hinges, these provide an even distribution of pressure across the mouth. This type is often better accepted by horses with a sensitive tongue or mouth, as it exerts less direct pressure on specific parts of the mouth.

    Cheeks

    The cheeks of a bit have a different but equally important function. They are responsible for stabilizing the bit in the mouth and helping to guide the horse. They contribute to how the rider’s aids are communicated to the horse and determine the effect of the reins.
    There are several types, each with its own effect on the horse:

    • Loose ring snaffle: A loose ring snaffle has movable rings that allow the bit to move freely in the mouth. Many horses accept this design well because of the freedom of movement.
    • Fixed ring snaffle: The fixed ring snaffle is a basic bit with fixed rings, making it more stable in the horse's mouth. The rings do not move, so the rider’s aids are applied more directly.

    Buy bits at HorseOnline.com

    At HorseOnline, we are happy to help you choose the right bit for your horse. Our staff is ready to advise you, no matter what you are looking for. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions. Email us at [email protected], or you can WhatsApp or call +31 6 12 40 19 41, or visit our showroom.

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