Abington Hills Farm
Waverly PA
2010


The bit is an item of a horse's tack. It usually refers to the assembly of components that contacts and controls the horse's mouth, and includes the shanks, rings, cheekpads and mullen, all described here below, but it also sometimes simply refers to the mullen, the piece that fits inside the horse's mouth.

By definition, a bit is a piece of metal or synthetic material that fits in a horse’s mouth and aids in the communication between the horse and rider. It’s part of the bridle and allows the rider to connect with the horse via the reins. Bits normally lay comfortably in the interdental space between the incisors and premolars, commonly called the “bars” of the mouth, unless there are dental issues that need addressing. Most horses are worked in a bridle with a bit; however, horse owners who don’t care for bits will use a hackamore, or “bitless” bridle.

Bits come in a variety of types, shapes and materials. Most bits are made of metal. Stainless steel is popular; however, some bits incorporate copper, or may even have a rubber or plastic coating.

Snaffle Bits
Snaffles are one of the most popular bits and are used for both English and Western riding, as well as in driving. A bit is considered a snaffle if it has rings on each end of the mouthpiece rather than shanks. It may or may not be jointed in the middle; although, most snaffles are. A snaffle bit acts on the horse’s bars (the area of gum between the front and back teeth), where it sits; the corners of the mouth and on the tongue. Snaffles are non-leverage bits; pressure is felt on the lips and sides of the mouth when the rider draws back on the reins. The exact areas of action will depend on the type of snaffle. Only one set of reins is used with this type of bit.

Curb Bits
Curb bits have a long shank (a piece that extends down from the ends of the main body of the bit) on each side that connects to the horse’s cheek-piece and reins. A curb bit will also usually have a chain or curb strap that fits under the horse’s chin. The shanks add leverage on the mouthpiece, and pressure can be applied to the poll and chin, which causes it to be considered a “stronger” bit. The longer the shank, the more severe the bit can be; however, the severity can be adjusted by loosening the curb strap. On English bridles, there are usually two reins attached to these bits, as used in the upper levels. Two examples are the Pelham (a snaffle/curb combo bit) or a double bridle (which uses both a snaffle and a curb bit at the same time). For Western riding, only one set of reins is used, attaching to the bottom of the shank.