Why should you be aware of the most common horse bit types? A horse bit is an essential tool for equestrian riders. It can be used to encourage a horse to go faster, stop, or turn. The severity of the bit you use depends on your goals and preference in riding style.

If you are looking for a basic type of training without any severe bits, find out more about English bits. If you want to become a competitive rider who needs more control over the horse’s mouth, check the common types of Western bits. This article will briefly explain the different types of these bits and how they are best suited for certain horses.

The Common Types of Horse Bits
English and Western horse bits are often confused with one another. This is a misconception, as the two types of these bit variations have entirely different purposes for riding styles.

Trail riders have used the English horse bit for centuries. It delivers gentler corrections than the Western horse bit does. If you want your horses to be more responsive when riding them competitively or need better balance control over their mouths during jumping competitions, use a Western bit instead. Both bit types come in many shapes, like a broken mouthpiece or gag cheek designs which alter severity levels. Both offer horse bits for all disciplines, so you can pick the one fitted to your needs.

Types of Western Horse Bits
1. Snaffle Horse Bit

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A snaffle bit usually consists of a mouthpiece, a cheekpiece on either side of the horse’s head, and a shank. The word “snaffle” is derived from its use. An abbreviation for “snaphaunce” or “snap bit” is the horseshoe-shaped metal part with small prongs that goes into the horse’s mouth to hold it steady. The snaffle bit applies pressure to the area between the front and back teeth.

Snaffle bits are typically used for pleasure riding. And to teach young riders how to control their steeds without using force. Western riders usually prefer this type of bit because they want gentle pressure from both horse reins when communicating directions through rein aids. However, at times you may need more severity if you’re trying to get your horse out of some bad habits. Or when dealing with high levels of resistance while training your horse.

2. Curb Horse Bit
A curb bit is a metal bar with two curved prongs, one on each end. Curb bits are used for horse training purposes. Such horse bits create more severity than snaffles. These types of bits are also referred to as “curb chains” in the UK and Australia or even “choker sets.” They’re harsher than plain snaffles, so use them sparingly.

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The curb bit is effective when you want your horse to stop moving forward and obey commands without question, such as during show jumping competitions. You may find curb bits helpful if your horse habitually loses focus while being ridden. Or the animal gets spooked easily by loud noises or sudden movements. The curb bit creates more pressure on the mouth’s bars and under the horse’s chin.

Types of English Horse Bits

1. D-Ring Snaffle Horse Bit
The D-ring snaffle is an English horse bit in the shape of a “D” with two rings. There are four variations of this type: plain, with port or side bits, loose ring, and eggbutt.

This particular bit is gentler than other types of horse bits. It doesn’t have any chain-like features on the shanks as they create more severity when your animal pulls back against pressure applied by reins while riding.

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2. Eggbutt Snaffle Horse Bit
The Eggbutt Snaffle is an English bit similar to the D-ring snaffle but with a close-fitting mouthpiece.
This type of horse bit works best for horses who tend to lean on one side or the other. Or if they pull back when being ridden and are sensitive in their mouths. The eggbutt prevents your horse from leaning.

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Because it has less pressure than other types of bits, it also doesn’t allow them to pull back as easily which can help prevent pulling habits like head tossing and biting at the mouthpiece.

Eggbutts come in either plain form or ported/side versions. You can choose between a loose ring or full cheekpieces depending on your preference: control or a loose feel.

3. Loose Ring Horse Bit
The Loose Ring Snaffle Bit can be adjusted for varying degrees of tightness depending on what you need as a rider from your mount at any time. The horse can be ridden with a loose rein or pulled on without causing too much discomfort when the reins are tightened.

The bit will still act as an anchor for your horse’s mouth. And they can’t toss their head around uncontrollably in reaction to direct pressure from the rider. The horse has more control over how much force is applied. This means you’ll be less likely to cause harm by using excessive pull on the reins, which could lead to injury to both horse and rider.

That said, the loose bit does provide some grip. So if desired, there is a limited amount of pain infliction available at all times. You just need to know what level of severity you’re working within.
There are even more horse bit types. Some of them are designed for very sensitive mouths. Use a Chifney bit in case of a sensitive mouth.

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