Finding the Appropriate Bit

Q:

The number of bits available for riders boggles my mind. What are the appropriate bits for dressage in the lower levels? What do you use when you move up to a double bridle? Is there a metal or alloy horses like the taste or feel of better? What should I look for from the horse when evaluating a bit? Does a fat bit feel better than a smaller (sharper on the tongue) bit to the horse?

~Gail

A:

Hi Gail,

Because of the literally mind-boggling number of bits on the market, this is a complicated question that shows you are thinking about the well-being of your horse. The best answer for the first point you make is in referring you to the USDF Rule Book for dressage (go to www.usdf.org for more information). In it, you will find a complete list as well as diagrams of the types of snaffles that are considered acceptable for dressage training and competition. It may take some experimentation to find out which bit your horse works best in, but the snaffle is your best choice for dressage, and in fact ALL training at the lower levels. No conversation should be had about the bitting or fitting of the double bridle until the horse is confirmed in the third level movements, so I recommend leaving that question until your horse is much further along in training.

There are many materials manufacturers are using to make mouthpieces. From sweet iron and copper to Aurigan, mouthpieces taste different and have different effects on the horse. The cowboys of old swore on sweet iron; copper is supposed to promote a "wet" mouth; other alloys are said to produce particular effects. I try to look for the right kind of foam, a bit that does not pinch the corners of the lips, one that the horse is happy to be soft and light in, and one that fits the horse's mouth. Responses to poor bit choice can range from head tossing, stiffness in the poll, stiffness of the jaw, sores on the tongue, lips or bars, as well as inability to bend or to have the appropriate bit response. The conformation of the horse's mouth can also influence your choice of bits. Some horses have relatively low palettes and require low ports in the curbs we choose. These horses may also prefer French links, Dr. Bristols or lozenge link snaffles that don't "nutcracker" upward against the palette. Some horses have thick, fleshy lips that make using higher diameter snaffles problematic, and for them, the thinner mouthpiece is more comfortable. Small-muzzled horses may be more comfortable in slightly smaller diameter mouthpieces because the large diameter snaffles and curbs keep them from closing their jaws comfortably. It is also very important to remember that the bit is only as severe as the operator and ANY bit in the wrong hands can inflict pain or cause discomfort in the horse's mouth. Riders must take care to educate themselves so that the simplest bit can be used to best effect.

~Michelle

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