Bits: Understanding, Choosing, and Adjusting the Horse's Mouthpiece

The bit is a central element in communication between rider and horse. It directly influences the transmission of aids, the quality of contact, and mouth comfort. Its selection must always consider the morphology of the mouth, the horse's sensitivity, the rider's level, and the desired work. This selection includes all bits and bit accessories to approach the choice of mouthpiece in a clear and structured manner, distinguishing between bit types, materials, and adjustment elements.

Why is the choice of bit crucial?

A bit is never neutral. Its design influences:
• the precision of aids,
• the stability of contact,
• the distribution of pressure,
• the horse's understanding of demands.

There is no universal bit. A suitable bit is one that allows for clear, progressive, and respectful communication, without creating unnecessary tension.

Bits by type: primarily a mechanism of action

Bits by type are mainly distinguished by their mechanism of action. Depending on their design, they can act directly or through a lever effect, offer more or less lateral stability, frame the mouth, influence balance, or modify the neck position.

The type of bit determines:
• the nature of the action exerted,
• the progressiveness of aids,
• how pressures are distributed,
• the horse's reaction to contact.

It is always the primary selection criterion, even before material or accessories.

These include:
• full cheek bits, loose ring bits, eggbutt bits, Verdun bits,
• Baucher bits, Pelham bits, Pessoa bits, gag bits,
• bridle bits,
• more specific models such as the Spanish bit and the coup de poing bit, 
• the chifney, which is only used on foot,
• the hackamore, which works without a bit in the mouth.

Bits by material: feel and sensation in the mouth

Beyond the shape, the material of the bit influences the sensation in the mouth and the horse's acceptance of contact. Some materials are considered neutral, offering a stable feel, while others are more active, promoting salivation or jaw relaxation.

The material allows for:
• adjusting the feel of contact,
• improving bit acceptance,
• refining a mechanically sound choice.

It constitutes a complementary adjustment lever but does not alter the fundamental action of the bit.

These include:
• stainless steel bits, known for their neutrality and durability,
• copper bits, prized for their stimulating effect on salivation,
• rubber bits, sought after for their flexibility and more enveloping contact.

Bit accessories: adjusting and stabilizing the action

Bit accessories play an essential role in the overall functioning of the mouthpiece. They help improve its stability, progressiveness, comfort, and precision. These include:
• hackamore accessories (shanks, nosebands),
• bit converters,
• bit guards,
• curb chains and curb chain accessories (curb chain guards, hooks).

A well-chosen but poorly adjusted bit loses all coherence.

A comprehensive and coherent approach

The choice of a bit should always be considered within a comprehensive approach: bit type, material, accessories, adjustment, and the rider's hand quality. It is the balance between these elements that ensures a fair, stable, and comfortable action for the horse. The choice of bit has a direct impact on the quality of contact between rider and horse. A suitable bit allows for clearer communication, more stable action, and better mouth comfort, while an unsuitable bit can lead to misunderstandings or tension. Considering the bit type, material, and accessories allows for adjusting the mouthpiece as closely as possible to the horse's needs, sensitivity, and the desired work, in a logical and precise manner.