Basics & effect
Bits for horses explained simply
The subject of bits is a recurring theme in equestrian life. Either you are a proud new horse owner and want to find out about the different types of bits, or you have a horse that no longer wants to wear the bit it is used to. In either case, it makes sense to find out about the different types and materials before buying a new bit. We provide you with basic knowledge about bits.
Here you will find out which types of bit there are, how they work and what material they are made of. Do you already know what you are looking for? Then go straight to the bits, the snaffle bits or the bar bits. How to find the right size is explained in the guide Measuring a bit correctly.
Which is better?
Single & double jointed bits
There really is no general answer to this question. It always depends on the combination of horse and riding. Some horses prefer a single bit and others a double bit. You should also take your own riding into account when making your decision. If you have a rather strong hand, the double jointed bit is probably not the right choice.
Simply broken bits:
- consist of the side rings (loose or D-rings) and two cannons that are movably joined in the middle
- acts on the bars and tongue of the horse
- with one-sided rein aids only on the bar addressed
- possible to give very differentiated aids
- the horse can briefly counteract pressure if it presses the bit against the palate with the tongue
- the "nutcracker effect" (the bit lifting with too much rein pressure) has since been disproved by studies
Double jointed bits:
- double jointed bit consists of side pieces, two shanks and an olive-shaped piece in the centre
- it acts on the horse's tongue and bars
- Encloses the tongue and therefore lies more quietly in the mouth
- Pressure should be better distributed
- with strong rein pressure, it has a very strong effect on the bars
- if the pressure is too strong on both sides, the tongue is squeezed
- the horse CANNOT escape this pressure if it presses the bit against the palate
Which is better? Single or double broken?
Your horse will show you whether it likes the bit you have chosen or not. Signs of discomfort can be head banging, rolling in, going against the bit, locking, tongue misalignment (sticking out the tongue), discarding and generally all signs of a lack of suppleness. These signs can appear very quickly or gradually over a few weeks. If you are using a new bit, pay close attention to your horse's signs.
A well-known saying on this subject is: The rider's hands determine how the bit works, not the bit itself.
The classic
Water snaffle
A water snaffle is a bit with continuous rings. Water snaffles work exclusively by pulling. As the ring is flexible, it can easily compensate for an unsteady or untrained hand. In addition, the horse can temporarily avoid too much pressure by lifting the tongue.
Water snaffles are available as single-jointed and double-jointed bits, but also as bar bits. Multijoint bits are also available with continuous rings, but are rather rare.
The water snaffle is the classic bit with which all horses generally run well and are also trained.
Direct effect
Olive head bit
Olive head bits are comparable to water snaffles in their mode of action, but the rein aids are transmitted more directly. Due to the firm connection between the mouthpiece and the ring, the bit lies quietly in the horse's mouth. This bit also makes it easier to guide the horse laterally.
Olive head bits are not recommended for young horses if the horse is not yet familiar with a bit. Riders with a hard hand or beginners with unsteady hands should also choose a water snaffle bit, as the movement is transmitted directly to the tongue and not cushioned. Olive head bits should generally be 0.5 to 1 cm smaller than a ring snaffle so that the side parts fit loosely on the horse's mouth.
Olive head bits are also available as single and double broken versions, as well as bars.
For independent hands only
Bar bit
Mullen mouth bits come in many different materials and shapes. They belong only in experienced riders' hands, because one-sided rein aids or working on flexion and bend are not possible with a mullen mouth bit.
Mullen mouth bits apply even pressure across the whole tongue. Unlike single- or double-jointed bits, less pressure reaches the edges of the tongue. You should always choose the bit to fit your horse exactly, because if the bit is too large, it can twist with one-sided rein pressure.
Mullen mouth bits are often used for very strong horses that, for example when approaching a fence, evade the rider's aids. Also for horses with tongue problems (pressure sensitivity – tongue pulled up or stuck out sideways) a mullen mouth bit with tongue relief can be an advantage.
Flexible mullen mouth bits are especially suitable for horses that occasionally brace and are often well accepted by horses that do not get on well with jointed bits. A good alternative to the classic mullen mouth is also the Max Control bit by Sprenger, which first acts like a normal jointed bit and becomes a bar under strong pressure.
But what always matters is the sensitive handling of the mullen mouth bit. The rider should be able to ride the horse with weight and leg aids independently of the rein.
Mouthpiece bar and bars of the mouth: what are they?
With a bar bit, the mouthpiece bar is the continuous bar that lies on the tongue and the bars of the mouth. The bars are the toothless areas of the lower jaw between the incisors and the molars. This is where the bit rests. How strongly the bit acts on the tongue and bars depends on the shape, thickness and material of the bit, but above all on the rider's hand. You will find more on the effect under bar bits in our category.
Rarely seen in English riding
Baucher bit / Fillistrense / B-ring bit
- sits much more quietly in the horse's mouth due to its firm buckling with the bridle
- works towards the corner of the mouth, which leads to more uprightness in many horses
- also has a lateral effect due to the fixed side parts
- unlike simple snaffles, they do not sag downwards
- can only be pushed minimally towards the stallion and incisors
- is suitable for horses with a short mouth gap
Contrary to popular belief, this bit does NOT have a leverage effect. When the reins are tightened, the strap to which the bit is attached moves outwards in a similar way to a water snaffle. This is because the bit needs a counter-pole, i.e. a chin chain, to be able to exert pressure on the poll.
Also called gag snaffle
Shank snaffle
- has lateral bars that have a directional effect
- lies more quietly in the horse's mouth
- often used for training young horses, for lunging or by show jumpers
- the right size is crucial so that the corners of the mouth are not pinched
For experienced riders only
Snaffle bit
- achieves a high degree of control through effective, targeted action on the corners of the mouth and poll
- has a raising effect
- only usable with special cheekpieces
Also called racing bit
D-ring bit
- do not differ in their mode of action from eggbutt bits
- The difference lies in the slightly more angular shape of the side pieces
- Shanks are usually firmly attached to the side pieces
For experienced riders only
3-ring bit, multi-ring bit or Pessoa
- acts on the corner of the mouth and neck
- sharp bit that works very quickly
- if you strap the reins into the large, centre ring, the bit acts like a snaffle bit
- if the reins are buckled into the lower small ring, it becomes a sharp bit, as the leverage effect and thus pressure on the poll is added here
- Pessoa bit is used with two pairs of reins, similar to a curb bit
Brand for plastic bits
Nathe dentures
- made from thermoplastic
- suitable for sensitive horses and horses with a sensitive mouth
- are hypoallergenic and thus have very high compatibility
- are food-safe and free from plasticisers and solvents
- only medium to short lifespan due to the soft material
- a bit with bite marks should be replaced immediately
For fine hands
Double bridles & snaffles
Curb bits are usually only used in advanced dressage and serve to refine the aids in advanced exercises. Both rider and horse should be trained accordingly. The rider should have a seat that is independent of the reins and a fine, gentle hand. This is referred to as "curb maturity".
Which bit material is suitable for horses?
Slightly sweetish
Sensogan bit
- material developed by Sprenger
- consists of a special composition of copper, manganese and zinc
- tastes slightly sweet, which should encourage the horse to chew
- material is toxicologically tested and classified as harmless
Favourable classic
Stainless steel bit
- do not rust, are very durable and absolutely tasteless
- Weight depends on whether it is solid or hollow
- heavy use can cause sharp edges to form over time, which can injure the mucous membrane in the mouth
Plastic, rubber or leather
Soft teeth
- the solution especially for sensitive or allergic horses
- soft bits require more care and show signs of wear more quickly
- are not suitable for horses that chew hard
- material must be checked for sharp edges before riding
Sweet teeth with slight susceptibility to wear
Copper dentures
- designed to stimulate salivation and mouth activity
- Made from a stainless steel core with copper alloy
- surface scratches easily due to the soft surface material and can form sharp edges
Blue dentures from Trust
Sweet Iron bit
- Colour changes to brown-grey through use of the bit
- surface forms a light rust layer through contact with moisture
- tastes sweet and stimulates your horse to salivate and chew more
Bits in the shop
The most frequently asked questions
Bits FAQ
We get asked this question a lot. The answer depends on the circumstances and can't be generalised. As a rule, all horses go well in a snaffle bit – whether single or double jointed.
For horses that need a little more lateral guidance, or for lunging, a full-cheek snaffle or an eggbutt snaffle is a good choice.
Does your horse curl up behind the bit or come above it? Answer this question first, because it leads to different answers. Horses that don't really take the contact usually have no problem with the bit itself – the engine (hindquarters) is simply switched off. Try to get your horse's hindquarters more active first before looking for the problem in the bit.
If your horse's hindquarters are active (fast doesn't necessarily mean active, though) and you still have problems, these bits, among others, may help:
Sprenger offers the WH Ultra bit. The rolling element encourages mouthing, suppleness & concentration. It relaxes the jaw and the topline, so the horse softens and chews more quickly.
The Sprenger Turnado bit is suitable for horses with tongue problems.
The Sprenger Novocontact bit is something really special. The single-jointed version is suitable for horses that don't want to take the contact, while the double-jointed version is designed for horses that occasionally brace themselves and lean against the hand.
Single- or double-jointed snaffle bits are suitable for young horses, because as a rule all horses go well in them to begin with. The moving rings compensate for an unsteady hand, and the horse can briefly escape too much pressure by lifting its tongue.
With a bit that has moving cheek pieces (e.g. a snaffle bit), the bit shouldn't fit too snugly, because the rings need to move freely. Bits with fixed cheek pieces (e.g. eggbutt bits) can be chosen half a size to a full size smaller.
As a first rough guide, you can use the "2-finger test": put your index and middle finger into your horse's mouth where the bit sits. If you feel pressure on both fingers, the recommended thickness is 14 – 16 mm. If you hardly feel any pressure, you can also use a bit with a thickness of 16 – 18 mm.