Tune Your Competition Horse with the Right Bit.

The different types of horse bits available can be somewhat overwhelming.  To the casual observer why the huge variety?   This variety has arisen over time in response to the needs of different riders and their specific activity.  Also what might be surprising to the non horse person is the great variety of different horse activities.  This variety also leads to the desire for differently performing horse bits and especially in competition where this can be difference in winning and loosing.

Probably the three most popular or well known horse activities are horse racing, equestrian events such as show jumping, and sports such as polo and driving.  Within each of these sections there is a lot of variation of horsemanship that can require different horse bits for maximum performance. 

In horse racing the Racing Snaffle or more generally the Dee-ring snaffle is one of the most popular designs.  The Dee-ring snaffle has two rings either side of the mouthpiece with the distinctive D shape. The straight bars of the Dee-ring is pulled against the side of the mouth opposite to the rein pulled, pushing the sides of the Dee against the horse’s mouth provide the ability to guide the horse and turn as required in a race.

Eventing is a multi-discipline event involving dressage, cross-country and show jumping which tests the ability and adaptability of the horse and the rider to the limit. From the viewpoint of the event rider there are seemingly competing issues that might confound choosing perfect multipurpose horse bits.  On paper one needs very specific control during dressage, somewhat more free rein allowing the horse freedom to be rapid between fences and finally in the case of cross country allowing the horse to efficiently apply power, without too many distractions.

In show jumping in general a bit that gives good control is popular especially with a heavier horse that might lean on the bit or take hold.  Gag bits are a popular solution and when rein pressure is applied the bit slides upward rotating slightly in the mouth so giving a firm signal to the horse. Show jumpers find the Cheltenham a popular type of gag bit. The Cheltenham gag is a specific gag bit often used by show jumpers.  It has “eggbutt” rings, which help prevent the lip pinching that can occur with a loose ring snaffle.

Curb style bits are used where leverage is required which the snaffle cannot achieve.  In show jumping the swales 3-in-1 which is a modification of the old Swales driving bit has become popular with show jumpers whom have found it effective with strong horses which are common in show jumping events .  Also problems where the horse goes overbent can be reduced by the Swales 3 in 1 due to lack of poll pressure. 

Some horses have a tendency to rush off after clearing a fence and can therefore make control and judgement of next obstacle more difficult. It might be easy to opt for a curb bit that will pull up the horse but as is often the case fix the issue by training the horse correctly rather than “fixing” the problem when it happens. Be aware that a horse that rushes his fences may be reacting to a bit they are finding uncomfortable .

When we look at the dressage part of the eventing sequence horses may only be ridden in snaffle type bits. And only certain type of snaffles as well. Cross country is more flexibly governed and gag bits are popular choices .

The types of issues that the every day horse rider has to address in their choice of horse bit are not far removed from the issues of the experienced professional riders in horse racing, show jumping and the like.  However the effectiveness of the relationship between rider and horse is typically achieved through the intelligent hands of the rider and not the application of a particular bit to fix a particular problem

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