The Bit About Bits: Choosing the Right Horse Bit for Comfort and Communication

An Aussie Guide for Horse Owners, Riders, and Trainers

When it comes to our horses, ensuring their comfort and welfare is always at the heart of good horsemanship. One of the most important pieces of tack influencing your horse’s experience is the bit. With so many types available, choosing the right bit can feel a bit overwhelming. This blog post will break down the most common types of horse bits, how to pick the best one for your mate, and how to read your horse’s reactions to make sure they’re happy and comfortable. We’ll also take a look at how English and Western riding styles shape bit choices, and which bits are considered kindest to your horse.

Common Types of Horse Bits

Let’s start with the basics: bits come in all shapes and sizes, each designed for specific purposes and riding disciplines. Here are a few you’ll see most often:

• Snaffle Bits: These are among the most popular and widely used. Snaffles are a direct action bit, meaning the pressure applied by the rider's hands is directly applied to the horse's mouth via the reins. Snaffle bits work by applying pressure primarily to the lips, tongue and bars of the mouth.

• Leverage Bits/Curb bits: Leverage bits, such as pelhams, weymouths and gags, use leverage action, meaning they multiply the pressure of the rider's rein pressure via a leverage mechanism. The extra pressure is applied to the mouth but also to the poll (top of the head) and under the chin via a curb chain. They’re common in Western disciplines but do appear in English riding too, especially for more advanced horses.

  Some of the main types of leverage bits are:

  
  

  • Pelham Bits: Pelhams are a combination bit, offering both snaffle and curb action depending on which reins are used. They’re often seen in English disciplines when a bit more control is needed without using a double bridle. Pelham bits must be used with a curb chain to ensure the bit does not over-rotate in the horse's mouth.

  • Weymouth Bits: Weymouth bits are used in a double bridle, and used in conjunction with a snaffle bit. This combination is required in higher level dressage competition. The Weymouth bit has a shank and the rein is connected to the bottom of the shank. This allows the rider to use more leverage when required for more refined movement. These bits also need a curb chain to ensure they don't over-rotate in the horse's mouth.

  • Gag Bits: Gags apply pressure to the lips and poll, and are sometimes used for strong horses that need extra control, especially in jumping or polo. The way pressure is applied with a gag bit can be confusing for the horse, therefore these bits should only be used by experienced riders who have excellent hand and body control.

  
  

• Other Types: There are plenty of variations and specialty bits (like kimberwickes, hackamores, or bitless bridles), each with its own use and design.

Parts of the Bit

A bit is comprised primarily of the mouthpiece and the sidepiece. The mouthpiece is the part of the bit that sits in the horse's mouth. The horse is the one that really gets to chose what type of mouthpiece they like, since it's in their mouth! The mouthpiece is made up of the cannons and, if applicable, the link or lozenge (i.e. in double jointed bits).

There are many different types of mouthpieces, such as single jointed, double jointed, mullen, ported etc.

The side pieces are chosen by the rider, and there are lots of different types of side pieces.

The main ones for snaffle bits are:

I highly recommend the Baucher side piece as this stops any bits from dangerously going into their mouth and causing damage when riding, it helps create a steadier contact and communication line between horse and rider. Just check the top ring of the Baucher isn't rubbing on your horse's cheeks when rein contact is applied.

For many horses/riders, bitless can be an amazing choice as it uses no pressure on the horse's mouth. It should only be used when the horse has mastered the cues from a cavesson in-hand or rope halter in-hand and softly responds to the aids this gives. And yes, you can ride the more advanced, fancy-pants moves with bitless.

An example, doing half-pass bitless and in a bareback pad:

Competition Requirements - Is it Legal?

If you are competing, ensure you check which bit and ring combinations are legal. For Australian riders, check it out in the Equestrian Australia rules (it varies depending on what discipline you are competing in too).

How to Choose the Right Bit

Picking the right bit isn’t just about what’s trendy or what everyone else in the paddock is using. Consider these factors:

• Your Horse’s Mouth: Horses have different shaped mouths, tongues, and palates. Some need thinner or thicker mouthpieces, while others do better with a shaped or curved bar. Always check for dental issues or injuries that may affect bit comfort.

• Experience Level: Young or green horses typically do best with more stable bits, like a single jointed bit that locks, or a mullen. More advanced horses might need bits that allow for finer communication.

• Riding Discipline: English and Western styles often have their own traditional preferences for bits (which we’ll get to soon).

• Rider Skill: A gentle hand is crucial. Even a mild bit can become harsh if used roughly, and a severe bit in soft, skilled hands can be manageable.

When in doubt, start mild and only move to stronger bits if there’s a genuine need – and always with the guidance of an experienced instructor or trainer.

Reading Your Horse: Signs of Comfort and Discomfort

Horses are pretty good at telling us how they feel about their tack – if we know what to look for.

If you spot any of these signs, it’s time to reassess your bit choice, fit, and riding technique. Sometimes a trip to the equine dentist or a tack check is in order, too.

English vs Western: Bit Choices and Why They Differ

English riders often favour snaffles, especially for dressage, showjumping, and eventing, because they allow clear, direct communication and are generally milder. More advanced disciplines (like upper-level dressage) may use double bridles, combining a snaffle (bridoon) and a curb for subtle cues.

Western disciplines, such as reining, cutting, or western pleasure, traditionally use curb bits with shanks and a curb chain. These bits provide leverage and are designed for one-handed riding and neck reining, reflecting the needs of working cattle horses. Western bits often have a solid or ported mouthpiece and require a well-trained, responsive horse.

The choice between English and Western bits often comes down to the type of riding, the horse’s training, and the expectations for communication between horse and rider.

Kinder Bits: Features and Examples

Gentle or “kinder” bits share a few key features:

• Smooth mouthpieces (no twists, serrations, or sharp edges)

• Not to thin, or to thick

• Simple snaffle designs

• Flexible or shaped mouthpieces that follow the horse’s contours

Examples include a single jointed snaffle with a lock up design, a double jointed bit with a lozenge, mullen mouth snaffle, or a soft rubber bit. These are often the first choice for young or sensitive horses.

Harsh Bits: Features and When They’re Used

More severe bits tend to have one or more of the following:

• Twisted or wire mouthpieces

• Thin bars (which concentrate pressure)

• Long shanks or leverage action creating forceful pressure

• High-arched mouthpieces that may press on the roof of the mouth

Bits like the twisted wire snaffle, high-port curbs, or certain gag bits can be quite strong. They’re sometimes used for difficult or very strong horses, but only by experienced hands and never as a shortcut for good training. Using a severe bit without proper skill or reason can cause pain and behavioural issues.

Still Unsure

Maybe invest in a bit fitting service. That way you can have professionals help you choose the right bit for you and your horse.

Here is a link to various bit fitters across the states of Australia:

Bit Bank Australia (offer a 30-day trial period)

Horse Bit Emporium

If you are in the Canberra region, we are lucky enough to have a local bit and bridle fitter:

Free Flow Equine

Alternatively, check out the local services directory.

Conclusion: Putting Horse Welfare First

Regardless of your discipline or experience, the most important thing is your horse’s comfort and trust. The right bit should allow for gentle, effective communication without causing pain or fear. Always be ready to reassess your choice as your horse’s needs, training, and experience evolve. If in doubt, reach out to a Bit Fitter - they are passionate about helping you find the right bit for your horse, and helping you understand why your horse might have chosen that bit! Your horse will thank you for it – and you’ll both enjoy many happy rides ahead!