Bitting Mysteries

Don't let your horse suffer with the discomfort of the wrong bit. Here's how to assess whether you have the right bit, and whether or not it's properly fitted.

Riders seem to understand the importance of a well-fitted saddle, understanding that one which pinches and rubs causes discomfort and limits the horses movement.  However, riders rarely put much thought into the bit once the initial selection and adjustments have been made. Many horses have suffered from this negligence, plodding on willingly (or perhaps not so), with a bit that pinches or scrapes across the palate. Often times, after a period of bitting abuse, the result is a damaged or deformed mouth.
The worst signs of poor bitting arrangements are generally readily spotted, such as incessant head tossing, but subtle problems are easily missed or dismissed as behavioural issues.
The fact is, a bit can have a significant impact on how a horse approaches his work, and how well he performs. Hundreds of English and Western bits are readily available, with many designed for specific disciplines or riding maneuvers. Bits for green horses, those with sensitive mouths, and those that exhibit dull responses are all available. Some types claim to increase stopping power, while others work in encouraging a horse to raise or lower his head, while others, still, are designed to aid in bending or flexion.
No matter what the discipline, the bit that works best will be determined in part by the shape of his mouth, the palate, and the size of his tongue. But it is important to recognize that the contours of his mouth can change over time, as a horse gets older and space becomes limited. As age increases, bit changes will likely need to become part of the routine.
Even if you’re happy with your horse’s current bit arrangements, you should be prepared to consider other options in the future. At the very least, after reading this, you will become better informed as to the function and use of your particular bit, and this will, in turn, make future bit purchases that much easier.  

There are two main categories to consider when choosing a bit: direct pull and leverage.
A direct pull bit is designed to convey a signal straight from the rider’s hands to the horse’s mouth, with the bridle’s reins and cheek pieces attached to the same rings on the bit. There is no mechanical advantage in these bits, in that one pound of rein pressure constitutes to one pound of mouth pressure.
A leverage bit, on the other hand, is designed to amplify the rider’s cues. This style of bit has shanks which extend below the mouthpiece with rings at the end to attach reins. This design relies on the length of the shank to determine the amount of pressure placed on the mouth. Take for example, a 4 ½ inch long  shank-bit, with 1 ½ inch-high cheek piece rings above the mouthpiece would create a ratio where, for every one pound of pressure on the reins equals three pounds of pressure on the horse’s mouth.
Take into account curb straps or curb chains, which rest at the chin groove, are used to heighten the effect of a leverage bit. When pressure is applied via the reins, it pulls the chain up behind the chin, creating a squeezing motion.
Leverage bits also put more pressure on the poll than direct pull bits do. Rein pressure applies pull on the cheek and crown piece, encouraging the horse to flex at the poll, and thus drop his head.

It must also be considered that the design and thickness of the bit’s mouthpiece determines whether it will be mild or severe. For most horses, a thicker mouthpiece is easier on the mouth because it more evenly distributes pressure across the tongue and bars of the mouth. There are exceptions, however, where a horse who has a small mouth or even a large tongue which can incur trouble making room for a very thick bit- especially when the palate is flat, and without arch.
Both English and Western bits may incorporate a variety of design features in the mouthpiece.

Jointed bits allow more room for the tongue, but put more pressure on the corners of the mouth. The problem with some of these bits is that they can create a “nut-cracker” effect, where it pinches the mouth and bars while pushing the joint towards the palate when rein pressure is applied. Some bits have devices to prevent such problems, such as French-link bits. These bits are compromised of three cannons plus a centre piece. This design gives the bit a ‘U’ shape as opposed to a ‘V’, in prevention of a nutcracker effect.
Straight bar bits are most commonly found on leverage bits, as it places more pressure on the tongue and bars of the mouth.
Ports consist of an upward bend in the centre of the bit that allows more room for the tongue. They are popular in both English and Western bits, and are almost exclusively found on leverage bits. It is commonly believed that port bits are severe because they put pressure on the horse’s sensitive palate, but in reality, the port would need to be pretty high (generally over 1-1/2  inches) before it would make contact. More often the severity of the bit is dependant upon the action of the curb chain.
Mouthpieces can also be shaped to give them more feel in the horse’s mouth, especially on the tongue. The thickness of the mouth piece, or characteristics of it (such as the sharp or round edges on twist or corkscrew bits), or the configuration of the chain all influence the bit’s action. Although the ultimate decider in the severity of the bit depends in part on the skill of the rider.
Rollers are rounded, barrel-shaped pieces built into the centre portion of the bit. These are designed to give the busy or nervous-mouthed horses something to do, much like the athlete who chews gum. Others consider rolls and additional means of control, adding severity to the bit's action- which as yet remains under debate.

To evaluate your bit fit, you must remember that a well-fitted bit has a delicate balance, where it must place enough pressure on a horse’s mouth to provide him with direction, but not so much as to cause discomfort or serious injury.
Bits are sold in quarter-inch increments. On a well-fitted bit, the mouthpiece measures a quarter inch longer than the horse’s actual mouth, preventing the cheek pieces from pinching the corners of the mouth and the bit from pushing against the cheek teeth.
Adjusting the cheek pieces or headstall allows the bit to be places at the bars of the mouth, with one or two wrinkles forming at the corners of the mouth when the bit is placed properly.
A common problem is when people adjust the bit too tight. If when you create contact through the reins and the bit changes position to move up in the mouth, then correct fit has been achieved. However, it must be noted that if the bit is always pulled upwards, there is constant contact pressure on the lips, which is incorrect and often-times painful.

Signs of trouble are often hard to distinguish, as poor bit fit/selection often mimics training or behaviour problems or even pain elsewhere on the body. Commonly, however, a horse indicates a problem when he is raising his head and/or opening his mouth, holding his head at an angle, using his tongue to move the bit around, attempting to spit out the bit, tucking his chin towards his chest in an attempt to drop behind the bit, or leaning on the bit. If you ever suspect that your bit is causing a problem, consult a knowledgeable trainer or instructor (who values the importance of a well-fitted bit) to help you evaluate the situation. Ill-fitting bits can cause temporary discomfort or permanent damage to the structures of the mouth, with trauma to the bars of the mouth being most common, making it important to act if you have any doubts as to whether your bit is doing its job.

As long as your horse seems happy and responsive, there’s no need to tinker with the hardware in his mouth, but if you sense that your bit does not match your horse, or you are beginning a new type of riding or training, explore other bit options. Remember to ask for advice when choosing your bit by a qualified professional and it doesn’t hurt to have your horse’s mouth examined by a veterinarian or equine dentist to describe your horse’s oral anatomy, such as whether the palate is flat or arched, and the amount of space between the upper and lower bars.
In cases where you learn that your horse mouths the bit in a way that damages his teeth, leading to excessive wear or tooth shifting, it may be wise to either choose another bit or even pursue a bitless bridle.
Remember, many of the disorders associated to bits by bitless bridle enthusiasts is due to the fact that many riders don’t realize the importance of selecting the right bit, and their horse suffers the ultimate result. As your horse’s rider and caretaker, it’s your duty to regularly evaluate his bit along with all his other tack to ensure an enjoyable, pain-free ride.