There are many kinds of horse bits made from diverse materials. The horse bit is a critical tool to teach a horse to turn and stop or perform other maneuvers. It serves as the communication signal from the rider to the horse especially in first stages of coaching to put pressure on the horse’s mouth and face. The horse tries to figure out the correct way to avoid pressure and moves into the direction of least pressure. As training advances, the horse depends less on the bit and more on the rider’s body cues for control of speed, direction and stopping. The bit only functions as a reminder.

Different stages of horse coaching need different bits designed for varied levels of expertise, both horse experience and training and trainer’s or rider’s experience and experience. There are 2 main sorts of bits based on bar configuration: bits with solid mouthpieces for example the curb-type bits, and bits and split mouthpieces such as the snaffle-type bits.

Harsher and simpler bits are utilized for the 1st stages of coaching to teach certain moves. Less harsh bits are used for later stages as the horse has mastered the basic moves. Snaffle bits with no or very short cheeks and with thick, smooth bars are the best training bits. They pressure the horse’s lips, bars and tongue and teach turning and stopping. The most often used first bit is the single-joint regular or simple snaffle bit and the 2-piece snaffle with curved bars. These are usually used for a specified time as they’re not exceedingly comfortable for the horse but are necessary for early coaching. Bits with a 3-piece mouth or the loose-cheek snaffles are best for middle stage coaching as they place less pressure on the tongue and more throughout the horse’s mouth. Loose-cheek snaffles are frequently used as the bridge between the 2-handed snaffle and the 1-handed curb bit. Curb bits are not very effective at teaching turning but are extraordinarily effective for teaching a horse stopping. They put some pressure onto more areas than straightforward snaffles but can make a horse high headed. Because of this, they are commonly used on neck reining horses and aren’t recommended for horses less than 5-6 years in age.

Dependent on the coaching stage of the horse, the experience of the rider and trainer, and the utilisation of the horse, differing kinds of bits can enhance or deteriorate a horse’s obedience. For example, shanked-snaffle bits with 2 rein loops are utilised for dressage work. Loose cheek snaffles with 3-piece mouth and a lower rein are ordinarily seen in ponies where more control is needed.

The sort of material that bits are made from is also a crucial consideration for selecting a horse bit. Chrome steel mouths last a lot longer. Sweet iron bits are used in Western riding as the oxidation of rusting seems sweet and is believed to inspire horse salivation. Salivation makes a horse more relaxed and obedient. Copper also inspires salivation and heats up quickly in colder weather conditions but does not last particularly long. A well-liked mix is the sweet iron bit with copper inlay.

Selecting a horse bit needs consideration of the experience of the rider, tutor and horse as well as the activities the horse and rider take part in. One must also know how the bit is used to train the horse, what areas it places pressure on and how the horse reacts to it.

Anna Sola is a longtime content author publishing articles on a large choice of subjects including travel, sport and medical subjects.

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