Bit A metal mouthpiece that aids the rider in controlling the horse. It rests on a toothless, gummed portion of the horse’s jawbone known as the bars. Manipulating the horse’s reins moves the bit, causing a trained horse to respond as desired.

Snaffle Bits

The loose ring snaffle is a jointed or broken snaffle bit on which the rings are free sliding. The loose ring prevents the horse from grabbing hold of the bit. If the horse attempts to grab the bit, it rotates, which makes it difficult to get hold of.

The eggbutt snaffle is similar to the loose ring, but the rings are fixed on a hinge which does not allow freedom of movement in the bit. The eggbutt was designed because of the tendency of the loose ring to pinch or cut the horse’s mouth.

The D-ring snaffle is similar in design to the eggbutt, the largest difference between the two bits is that the ring connection is even further away from the horse’s lips making it even safer for the horse.

Curb Bits

A curb bit is the epitome of western riding. The horse is light in the mouth and moves on a loose rein while responding to the slightest cue from the rider. The bit itself works off leverage, transmitting a light touch of the reins to the horse’s delicate mouth.

The western curb bit is designed for one-handed riding, which traditionally left a cowboy with one hand free for roping. Horses first educated in a hackamore or snaffle bit graduate to the curb bit after extensive training. Today, curbs are used for showing, ranch work and trail and pleasure riding.

Pelham Bits

This bit can have a solid or jointed mouthpiece. There is a larger ring directly connected to the mouthpiece on to which the 'snaffle reins' attach, and shanks that extend down terminating in rings on which 'curb reins' attach. Because this bit has leverage action a curb chain or strap loops under the horse's chin to prevent the bit from rotating too far and also providing another pressure point. A small 'lip strap' on this bit prevents the horse from trying to nibble at the shanks.

It is a popular bit for schooling and general riding, providing the rider is knowledgeable about using a curb bit and riding with double reins. An English Pelham bit somewhat mimics the action of the bridoon (small snaffle bit) and weymouth (curb) bit combination used on a 'double bridle'. A Pelham may be used when a horse can not hold the two bits comfortably, or for convenience.

Bit guard

A piece of equipment used on a horse to protect the animal's lips from chaffing or pinching by the bit. It is usually made of rubber, and is placed between the side of the horse's face and the bit ring. Bit guards are usually used with loose ring snaffle bits, as these bits in particular have an ability to pinch the horse's lips. They may also be used as a temporary fix to make a bit fit better, as they add space between the ring and the side of the horse's mouth. Bit guard are usually seen in jumping events, such as eventing and show jumping. They are not permitted in competitive dressage, and are not seen in hunt seat competition.

Bit ring

The bit ring is the ring on the side of a horse's bit, particularly on a snaffle. It is used as a point of attachment for the cheekpieces of the bridle and for the reins. It also has an effect on the action of the bit. Therefore, the design of the ring is something to consider when choosing a bit for a horse, even though the bit mouthpiece generally has a greater effect than the ring.

Choices in bit rings can be found in direct pressure bits such as snaffles or bradoons, as well as gag bits. Leverage bits such as the pelham, and curb bit have a bit shank rather than a bit ring. (see bit shank). The kimberwicke has a unique design in that the side of the bit resembles a bit ring, but actually is a very short bit shank, as it applies leverage pressure to the mouthpiece.

Bit ring designs also are subject to fads. The loose ring is currently one of the most popular overall designs, but several years ago the eggbutt and dee-ring were quite common. There are also differences in the popularity of a given design from one discipline to another and from geographic region to the next.