Suitable for every horse
Bits for your horse
A bit is the connection between the rider's hand and the horse's mouth. At Lepona you can buy horse bits: snaffle bits, eggbutt, bar and curb bits as well as snaffles in many sizes and materials, also for ponies. Filter by bit type, material, size and manufacturer. If you are unsure, our guides Bits for horses explained simply and Measuring a bit correctly will help.
Please note that we do not give any warranty on bits that have been chewed through. Please do not test the bit in the horse's mouth if you are unsure about the size, as we cannot take back bits with scratch marks.
Which bit suits you and your horse?
A bit always works in interaction with the rider's hand. Which shape and material are right depends on the horse, its level of training and your style of riding. Here you will find an overview of the types of bit in the shop. Our guide Bits for horses explained simply gives you a detailed explanation of construction and effect.
Types of bit at a glance
- Snaffle bits: bits with movable, loose rings, single or double jointed. They are the classic choice for many horses.
- Eggbutt bits: bits with fixed cheeks and olive-shaped heads at the ends. The cheeks give the mouth a little more lateral guidance.
- Bar bits: bits with a rigid or flexible bar, often with tongue relief. They require a calm, finely tuned hand.
- Curb bits and snaffles (bridoons): for riding in a double bridle, where snaffle and curb are ridden together.
- Other types: The range also includes Pelham, shanked, Baucher, D-ring and three-ring bits as well as lifting snaffles (Baucher-type) and hackamores. Use the category filters for these.
Single or double jointed?
With snaffle bits and eggbutt bits you can choose between single and double jointed models. With a single jointed bit, two shanks are movably connected in the middle; with a double jointed bit there is a centre piece between the shanks. It cannot be said across the board which variant is better. Some horses prefer one, others the other, and your own riding also plays a part. Your horse will show you whether it accepts the bit you have chosen. You will find more on this in the guide.
Material: stainless steel, Sensogan, Sweet Iron, copper and rubber
Bits come in different materials, for example stainless steel, Sensogan, Sweet Iron, copper alloys or rubber. They differ in taste, appearance and behaviour in the mouth. Which material your horse prefers often only becomes clear in training. With a new bit, watch how your horse reacts to it and discuss anything unusual with your riding instructor or vet.
The right size and thickness
The width of the bit is given in centimetres or millimetres, the thickness in millimetres. In the shop you can filter by size. With bits with movable cheeks the bit should not sit too tightly; with fixed cheeks it can be slightly smaller. You can find out how to measure correctly in the guide Measuring a bit correctly. If in doubt, contact us.
Bits for ponies and young horses
Ponies and small horses often need smaller bits. Use the bit size filter in the shop to find suitable models. For young horses, the choice depends heavily on the level of training and the shape of the mouth. It is best to ask your riding instructor or trainer for advice.
Brands at a glance
In this category you will find bits from Trust, Sprenger, BR, Waldhausen, Velari and Kavalkade, among others. Filter the category by manufacturer to find your preferred model more quickly.
Matching accessories and alternatives
The bit is part of the bridle. You will also find matching snaffle bridles and reins with us, and for the curb bit also double bridles. If you prefer to ride without a bit, take a look at the bitless bridles.
Advice
Not sure about the type of bit, size or material? We are happy to advise you by phone, WhatsApp or video.
That cannot be said in general. It depends on the shape of the mouth, level of training and your riding style. Many horses get on well with a single- or double-jointed snaffle. Whether another bit makes sense, you should discuss with your riding instructor or trainer. We are happy to advise you on the choice in the shop.
The snaffle bit has movable, loose rings. On the eggbutt bit the side pieces are fixed and end in olive-shaped heads. That way the eggbutt guides the mouth a little more laterally. Both types come single- or double-jointed. You can find more in our guide to bits.
The size depends on the mouth width, the thickness on your horse's mouth. You can measure the bit yourself. How to do that is explained in our guide “How to measure a bit correctly”. With bits with movable side pieces it should not sit too tightly. If in doubt, we are happy to advise you.
In the shop you will find, for example, stainless steel, Sensogan, Sweet Iron, copper alloys and rubber. The materials differ in taste, look and behaviour in the mouth. Which material your horse likes often only becomes clear in practice. The manufacturer states the exact material with the article.
Yes, there are bits in smaller sizes. With the size filter in the category you will find suitable models. Measure your pony's mouth, as the correct size is more important than the label. If you have questions, our advice will help you.
That varies from horse to horse. Some horses accept a new bit quickly, others need more time. Watch for signs of discomfort such as head tossing, overbending or going against the bit and discuss them with your riding instructor or vet. Bits in other materials or shapes can be an option.