BITS AND BITTING

The comfort and welfare of your horse or pony is of prime importance when you wish to decide which bit and bridle would be most suitable for your own animal.

There are certain factors which may influence your choice and they should be considered carefully, preferably with the help of an experienced instructor, to allow you to work with your horse in partnership.

The various types of bridles and bits are often classified into three main families and two additional groups:

  1. Snaffles.
  2. Pelhams.
  3. Curbs including the double bridle (Weymouth) which has a Bridoon (a snaffle) and a Curb bit with a curb chain and lip strap.
  4. The Gags.
  5. The Bitless group.

Frequently, various nose bands and martingales may be used which can modify the action of a bit and great care is needed to obtain a satisfactory fitting for both comfort and effect.

Most importantly any bit is only as mild as the hands and fingers which hold the reins.

Even a simple snaffle can be harsh in the wrong hands.

A bridle and bit work by acting together on the following sensitive areas:

  1. The poll (top of the head).
  2. The nose.
  3. The chin groove.
  4. Lips and corners of the mouth.
  5. The bars of the mouth (a sensitive part of the membrane of the mouth).
  6. The tongue.
  7. The roof of the mouth.

Irrespective of the overall size of the horse or pony, the shape, general condition and mouth size must be carefully assessed. Sometimes there are sore places on the lips and in the mouth itself. Problems may be caused by sharp, uneven teeth or you may find the presence of additional teeth and a veterinary surgeon should be consulted about these difficulties directly.

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