Riding is practiced in couple with the horse. Good communication between horse and rider is essential to ensure comfort, well-being and performance. This is a prerequisite for both members of the horse/rider couple to enjoy themselves.

 

The mouthpiece and bridle are tools that allow for better communication. Any step in this direction requires a rethinking of the rider and an analysis of the sensitivities of his horse. In addition to the feelings of the rider, it is interesting to solicit an eye on foot,You must be aware of the horse’s attitude, salivation, relaxation, tension on the hand, whether he shakes his head or not. It is necessary to be attentive to the attitude of the horse, the salivation, the relaxation, the tension that it takes on the hand, if it shakes the head or not.


 

The bit or bridle choice must be done according to the sensitivities and physical particularities of each horse. It is a personalized approach that takes into account the age of the horse, the type of practice or the discipline but also the rider and his mount.

 

« Each bit is unique to a couple and not to a horse or rider. »

 

It is important to opt for the simplest mouthpiece solutions before considering the use of more complex bits(2 rings, olives,verdun…).

 

We advise you to start by choosing the most suitable mouthpiece, this one beingt in direct contact with the horse’s mouth. If you meet difficulties with a bit in a majority of cases, it is at the level of the barrel that the problem is solved. In general, a poorly fitting barrel is more detrimental to the horse’s comfort than one type of ring could be. The mouthpiece is in contact with very sensitive areas such as the tongue and the bars. The choice of rings is of secondary importance.

 

Here are our suggestions for choosing your bit :


1. Choice of the mouthpiece – Which mouthpiece to choose ?

 

 

To choose the barrel, you must take into account the size of the horse, its age and its balance. The size will determine the space available in its mouth and thus the thickness of the barrel. It is necessary to privilege a fine barrel in a small mouth and conversely. The objective is to make the gun as discreet as possible for the horse.

 

A young horse needs to gain more confidence in his bit, we recommend soft straight bits that help provide symmetrical contact (Left/Right) and encourage the horse to take tension and move forward.

 

In general, a horse that has a tendency to shake its head may have tongue sensitivities, in which case it should be offered a bit that frees up space for the tongue, such as an anatomical bit and/or a bit with tongue passage.

 

 

A horse that has difficulty stretching on its bit will need a symmetrical contact that is more easily achieved with a straight bit or a bit with limited articulation (the opposite of a ball bit).

 

2. Choice of alloy – Which alloy to choose?

 

The traditional base alloy is stainless steel. Its price is often more reasonable than a copper bit. Most of the yellow alloys are composed mainly of copper which allows a good relaxation of the horse.

 

The sweet iron is a black or blue colored metal which, by oxidizing, offers a taste very appreciated by horses. Very relaxing alloy and having a sweet taste.

 

The soft rubber is the softest bit that provides maximum comfort for the horse. It therefore helps to obtain a better tension. It is ideal for sensitive horses. To be used for salivating horses.

 

The resin is slightly harder than a soft rubber jaws. But this alloy remains particularly pleasant in the mouth, it spares the tongue and the lip corners of the horse.

 

The leather is a natural material that activates chewing and therefore relaxes the horse by the taste it gives off.

 

3. Model selection – Which model to choose?

 

The large ring bit provides better channeling than a bit with conventional rings. (65 à 75mm). It has a slight lifting effect.

 

The full cheek bit and the D ring bit are often recommended for young horses because they allow a better supervision. They also avoid pinching at the commissure.

 

The 3-rings and bevel bits are generally suitable for horses that pull slightly and become unbalanced towards the front.

 

The gag bit is often used for horses that are generally balanced on their shoulders. It can be used with 4 reins: the net reins will have a lifting effect while the reins attached to the lifting posts will have a lowering effect.

 

The Pelham bit allows you to control hot and/or strong horses.

 

The swales bit is the only lever bit that does not act on the neck and therefore allows for better tension.

 

The baucher bit has a slight rocking effect, so it has a small lowering effect on the neck.

 

Other bits also exist: the Goyo Aga, the combined bits, the elevator bit… They all have a very If you are interested in a different product, our experts advise you to visit the product sheet of the different products to learn more about it.

 

Choosing the right size?

 

It is quite complicated to advise a bit size according to the size of your horse because some small horses have big heads and vice versa some big horses can have a very thin head.

 

What you need to know:

 

  • If it is an anatomical bit (Arched) it is better to take a slightly larger size.
  • A pony up to size B generally uses 105 mm, C and D ponies 115 mm, horses up to 1m65 use 125 mm, those between 1m65 and 1m75 at the withers 135 mm and 145 mm beyond or for horses with massive heads.
  • On bits with a tongue port, it is preferable to choose a fitted size.

 

Bit rental service: the best way to ensure your choice is right

 

Every horse and rider pairing is unique. While different bits can achieve similar effects, the choice depends on the specific dynamics between horse and rider. That’s why we offer a bit rental service for all bit purchases made on our website. This allows you to test the bit before committing to a final choice.

Learn more about bit rental service

 

Need help choosing the right bit?

 

Our team of bit and bridle experts is available to assist you in selecting the most suitable equipment for your horse. Feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns—we’d be delighted to help!

 

Mors and More partners with a network of Bit and Bridle Fitters, experienced professionals who provide in-person consultations. They assess your horse’s unique needs and recommend adjustments to your equipment, including bits, bridles, and bitless bridles. These fitters prioritize your horse’s comfort and well-being, considering: the horse’s morphology and biomechanics, the riding discipline and your specific goals and preferences. Their expertise ensures that your horse’s equipment is not only comfortable but also tailored to support optimal performance.

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