Biting:
Biting:
The Curb and Snaffle are two of the most common bits. There are many different variations of these two bits that can either be harsher or soft. This all depends on the purpose of the bit.
Material
The material of the bit can vary from metal to rubber. The most commonly found metal is Stainless steel because it does not rust and is very shiny. Copper is another metal commonly used because it causes the horse to salivate. Aluminum bits are also common because they are very light, however they can be very low in quality. Bits may also have copper inlays or rollers for the horse's tongue to play with and help with salivation. I like to use these if the horse plays with the bit. Last most common bit is one made out of synthetics, plastic, or rubber. These are normally too mild, and normally used on younger horses. I like to use these bits when going on long pleasure trail rides, that way the horses mouth doesn’t get irritated on the long ride.
Size:
When choosing the size of the bit, it all comes down to what size is needed for the horse’s mouth. These bits can range in size form 2.5 inches to 5.5 inches for larger horses. If needed, you can also have a custom bit made for your horse. This however, can be pricey.
Type Mouth Pieces
There are two different types of mouth pieces: Snaffle or Curb. Either bit can have a broken or jointed mouthpiece that fits to the mouth. Also you can have a solid mouthpiece that puts more pressure on the mouth and side of the lips. As mentioned before with long trail rides another option that I like to use is a hackamore. This is a bitless bridle or nose piece that acts with pressure on the nose or pressure points, indicating to the horse to slow down.
Snaffle bits normally come in O-ring, D- ring, Eggbutt, or Full Cheek. These rings can vary from 2.5 inches (smallest), 4 inches (largest). However, 3 inches is the standard size. O-rings and Eggbutt are the most popular. Larger bits are less severe than smaller diameters, and also bits can be smooth or textured. These bits apply more direct pressure with less break at the poll than then curb. Some bits have sharp points on the actual mouth piece to give you more control. Common textures are twists which are corkscrew and twisted wire. Normally, a moderate bit is a good choice, so new riders will not hurt the horse. Often time younger riders will be harsher on the mouth.
Curb bits are similar in how you select them but with curbs bits there are shanks on either side of the bit. The shank is long pieces hanging on either sides of the bit that the reins attach to. This is what gives the bit leverage and action at the poll. The length of the bit will determine the bit's severity. The average length of a shank is 6-7 inches but can range from 4-8 inches. The type of shank is important too. For example, a straight shank is quicker acting than a curved one. Also longer shanks have more leverage than a short shank, but long is slower acting. Another thing about Curb bits are the port in the middle of the bit, it is the raised section. The port provides relief for the tongue. Often times the port in the middle can also be moveable.
The Curb and Snaffle are two of the most common bits. There are many different variations of these two bits that can either be harsher or soft. This all depends on the purpose of the bit.
Material
The material of the bit can vary from metal to rubber. The most commonly found metal is Stainless steel because it does not rust and is very shiny. Copper is another metal commonly used because it causes the horse to salivate. Aluminum bits are also common because they are very light, however they can be very low in quality. Bits may also have copper inlays or rollers for the horse's tongue to play with and help with salivation. I like to use these if the horse plays with the bit. Last most common bit is one made out of synthetics, plastic, or rubber. These are normally too mild, and normally used on younger horses. I like to use these bits when going on long pleasure trail rides, that way the horses mouth doesn’t get irritated on the long ride.
Size:
When choosing the size of the bit, it all comes down to what size is needed for the horse’s mouth. These bits can range in size form 2.5 inches to 5.5 inches for larger horses. If needed, you can also have a custom bit made for your horse. This however, can be pricey.
Type Mouth Pieces
There are two different types of mouth pieces: Snaffle or Curb. Either bit can have a broken or jointed mouthpiece that fits to the mouth. Also you can have a solid mouthpiece that puts more pressure on the mouth and side of the lips. As mentioned before with long trail rides another option that I like to use is a hackamore. This is a bitless bridle or nose piece that acts with pressure on the nose or pressure points, indicating to the horse to slow down.
Snaffle bits normally come in O-ring, D- ring, Eggbutt, or Full Cheek. These rings can vary from 2.5 inches (smallest), 4 inches (largest). However, 3 inches is the standard size. O-rings and Eggbutt are the most popular. Larger bits are less severe than smaller diameters, and also bits can be smooth or textured. These bits apply more direct pressure with less break at the poll than then curb. Some bits have sharp points on the actual mouth piece to give you more control. Common textures are twists which are corkscrew and twisted wire. Normally, a moderate bit is a good choice, so new riders will not hurt the horse. Often time younger riders will be harsher on the mouth.
Curb bits are similar in how you select them but with curbs bits there are shanks on either side of the bit. The shank is long pieces hanging on either sides of the bit that the reins attach to. This is what gives the bit leverage and action at the poll. The length of the bit will determine the bit's severity. The average length of a shank is 6-7 inches but can range from 4-8 inches. The type of shank is important too. For example, a straight shank is quicker acting than a curved one. Also longer shanks have more leverage than a short shank, but long is slower acting. Another thing about Curb bits are the port in the middle of the bit, it is the raised section. The port provides relief for the tongue. Often times the port in the middle can also be moveable.
Snaffle Curb