The term “snaffle” serves only to describe the fact that these bits have no curb or leverage action.A snaffle creates direct pressure on the bars of the mouth without the use of leverage. Dutch (or three rings) gag bits, on the other hand, consist of three or four rings: one attached to the mouthpiece, one on top to attach the bridle’s cheekpiece, and one or two more below. The world of horse bits can often seem like something of a black art, and with so many different bits and mouthpieces on the market, it can be easy to see why. Generally used in showing or dressage. The snaffle bit is more popular in English riding but used in Western as well. The gag bits are popular in showjumping, cross-country, and polo but forbidden in dressage. This blog contains affiliate links, however, I’ve only picked items that I genuinely feel may be of help to you. The Pelham is a single mouthpiece bit with a cheekpiece that includes a shank, allowing the use of two sets of reins. The Gag bit is for a horse that may pull downwards on the bit. In the Loose-Ring snaffle, the mouthpiece is attached to a full-round ring, and can slide around on it, allowing the bit to lay in the most natural position, whatever horse it is used on.. When rein pressure is applied, certain configurations cause the chin strap to pinch the corners of a horse’s mouth, between the strap and the mouthpiece. Gag bits appear to look like snaffle bits, but they also provide the opportunity for the use of a second rein. These can be straight-bar mouthpieces (which, as the name says, are a solid bar of metal or other material such as rubber or plastic), jointed mouthpieces (which often give a nutcracker pressure on the horse’s mouth), a mullen mouthpiece (solid, but with a curvature that accommodates the horse’s tongue), and ported mouthpieces (also has a curve, but more pronounced; often acts on the roof of the mouth as well). Alternatively, if you’re intending to measure a lot of horse’s then you might want to consider investing in a set of calipers. They can be used while performing in the show ring or just on a ride in the yard. A gag bit can be a good option for a strong horse, but only in the hands of an experienced horse person. The mouth of some horses will be more sensitive than others so it’s always better to use the ‘kindest’ bit you can.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'horsefactbook_com-box-4','ezslot_6',134,'0','0'])); It’s always important to use the right bit and mouthpiece for the job, after all, you should never use a curb bit with a specialist mouthpiece such as a spade-shaped port as a correction bit. Then there are the different types of riding, how can both English and Western have so many different types of bit? They sometimes can support two sets of reins as well. Gag bits are popularly used on horses where more leverage action is required. Go straight to the latest news about horse bits and bitting. A Gag bit is for Eventing, or Polo. The stiff yet flexible shanks are what make my gag bit so unique and unconventional. In these, the mouthpiece does not rotate, and this may be more comfortable to some horses. This additional pressure can either be used to back up that created by the bit or instead of it.eval(ez_write_tag([[468,60],'horsefactbook_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_1',133,'0','0'])); To sum it’s purpose up in just one sentence, the bit is an aid used by the rider to communicate with the horse. These work like snaffle bits but offer some leverage, which varies according to the needs of the rider and the horse. Gaits are the ways in a horse & pony can move, either naturally or through training. Some are loose-jawed, that is, they let the mouthpiece rotate more, while others are not. This isn’t quite the case. Dr. Bristol. A simple horse bit guide: All about the 16 top horse bits for english and western riding. It’s vitally important that you get the right sort of bit for your horse because if the bit is too small then it’ll pinch your horse’s mouth but conversely if it’s too large it won’t stay in place and is likely to rub against the teeth and damage them. Gag bits are somewhat similar to snaffles except that the horse will "lean" into the gag. So equip yourself with an understanding of how bits work - and the different action of each bit, to make choosing the right bit easier. Whatever bit I select to compete in, when I’m training and exercising my horse, I use a complimentary bit. One such type is the Chifney bit, which is special for anti-rearing and often worn to lead horses, in special stallions when near mares, to control them further. The sliding action of a Gag Bit applies most of the pressure to the horse… Usually, they consist of a mouthpiece with two rings, as in a snaffle, but these rings come with holes on either side, through which the gag cheekpieces run. Examples of loose lever bits include the Dutch Gag, Universal Gag, Pessoa and 3 Ring French Link Gag. Because the cheek piece and reins attach to different rings (instead of freely moving on the same ring, like in a snaffle bit) there is leverage action. The length of the shank also translates into severity, as longer shanks mean more pressure on the horse’s mouth. Horse bits enable clear, concise communication with your horse. Curb bits can also be used with or without a curb chain or strap that attaches to the top of the purchase, this helps to reduce the pressure that is applied to the horse’s poll. This is not necessarily the case.While many snaffle bit options are soft, there are also harsh snaffle bits on the market. It usually comes with plain loose snaffle rings although you can also buy Waterfords with full cheeks or gag-type rings. The gag bit range from: loose-ring rope gag, eggbutt, American straight apple mouth, jointed gag apple mouth, three and two ring Portuguese, Waterford, French link, nylon, rubber, apple mouth, elliptical, loose ring mouthpieces. The Curb or Double Bridle This consists of 2 bits – a bradoon and a curb. The bit has no leverage, but its single joint provides a “nutcracker” action, squeezing the bars of the mouth and placing pressure on the palate. The rope's resistant body allows the... View Video. A Gag bit mouthpiece has rings on either side. "There are a lot of different types of gags out there, but the main thing about a gag bit and the success you can have in the box is that there’s no curb pressure," Brazile explained. If this is the case though don’t worry, its better to go for a bit that is slightly too big and then use bit guards (or cheek guards). Problem #1: The Strap That Binds. The horse is responsive to any movement or pressure on those bars and instinctively moves away from it, which means that they actually move in the direction the rider wants them to go. English horse bits are a necessary piece of tack equipment when competing in English style riding events. When you consider that the bit, in most cases at least, sits inside the horse’s mouth it’s important to get the right one. For example, if I compete in a stiff bit or hackamore, I’ll exercise and tune my horse with an O-Ring or gag. ... Million dollar NRHA rider Casey Deary and Professional Barrel Horse Trainer Dena Kirkpatrick discuss how a bit's mouthpiece effects a horse's innate instinct to go to or push against pressure. These bits apply some pressure on the horse’s poll, depending on where the reins are attached. After all the bit is your primary contact with the horse and, as such, he’ll feel any movement you make with your hands, no matter how subtle. Not all horses adapt to all sorts of bits, and some might require different types. Weymouth curb bits are popular in English riding when using a double bridle. The bit works with the reins to apply this pressure but in the case of curb bits, it can also work with the bridle to exert additional pressure on various parts of the horse’s head such as the cheeks, chin, and nose. Some bits, such as those with a high port spade-shaped mouthpiece, require a horse to be specially trained to a certain level before they can even consider using this type of bit so you’re likely to do your horse’s mouth a lot of damage if you use something like this too soon. The hackamore works through a noseband, which puts pressure on different areas of the horse’s face — except the mouth. This is a plastic shank with a stopper on one end, the idea is that you put it in your horse’s mouth with the stopper positioned against his cheek. Learn how different bits work from the snaffle to the pelham bit. Snaffle bits is one of the simplest bit designs. As such, one uses the bradoon for some purposes, and the curb bit in others. They are what is called strong snaffles. A Gag bit is for Eventing, or Polo. Stockists of top brands including Neue Schule, Korsteel, Shires and more. The double bridle, then, is a good tool for refined control, but in the wrong hands, it can also be misused and harmful. eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'horsefactbook_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_14',140,'0','0'])); Many bits will are interchangeable with different disciplines so if you’re intending to just ride for fun then it doesn’t really matter what sort of bit you choose as long as you’ve taken the above into consideration. Instead, it’s far better to start with a milder bit and then change it if you find that isn’t strong enough. Rope Gag The rope’s resistant body allows the shank to bounce back like rubber, slowing and muddling inconsistencies in your hands. These cheeks include the shank which is below the mouthpiece and the purchase which is above it. Bit guards, curb straps, and curb chains keep them in place and provide the necessary leverage. Curb bits and hackamores control the rear end and gather the horse up. Curb horse bits work with indirect pressure. Top: Skybreaker jumping in the gag this fall. As always, it’s important to know your horse, your needs, and adapt to both. A Gag bit mouthpiece has rings on either side. If any of our Horse-Pros.com friends would like to contribute, please feel free to do so. There is no one perfect bit for every horse; snaffle bits, gag bits, and walking bits each have their own specific designs and purposes. They still have a mouthpiece but instead of the bit rings, they have cheeks. If you’re new to horseback riding and horse ownership, horse bits can be one of the most confusing subjects you’ll encounter. Most snaffle bits are generally round with a joint in the middle and allow the horse to move forward in a natural motion. The double bridle uses a special snaffle bit, called a bradoon. Quiet-mouthed horses generally go well in it, but fussier horses such as thoroughbreds, or horses with low palates such as draft horses, can often object to the nutcracker action. The cheekpiece on a gag snaffle has two holes (one at each end) with a rope or leather cord running through them that the reins are also attached to. Roller snaffles, sometimes called Cherry Rollers bits, encourage relaxation in the lower jaw and while are strong are not very severe. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'horsefactbook_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_9',632,'0','0'])); Curb (or leverage) bits on the other hand are slightly different. Simply put it in your horse’s mouth and use a pen to mark either side of his mouth and then measure that. Entire books have been written about bits and finding the best bit for you and your horse. In dressage, for example, it’s common to ride on the bradoon: this bit is used more often, only engaging the curb to encourage collection. Whether you are looking for a snaffle, pelham or gag we have plenty of options to choose from. If you have trouble stopping or turning your horse, the answer probably isn't a more severe bit, but a solid review of the basics. These give varying positions to attach the reins, according to the need. The Bit Guide is a resource for all equestrian enthusiasts looking for information about horse bits and horse bitting issues. Horse’s reaction: Every time you use a direct rein with this bit, you’ll simultaneously stab your horse’s cheek on the same side. Contrary to popular belief the bit isn’t designed to actually control the horse, it is, in the simplest of terms designed to communicate the rider’s wishes to the horse. There are different types of snaffle bits, with differences in design for different results. It typically has a jointed mouthpiece and multiple rings down the shank to allow you to determine how much leverage action you want. I am not an expert in Gag Bits. Quiet-mouthed horses generally go well in it, but fussier horses such as thoroughbreds, or horses with low palates such as draft horses, can often object to the nutcracker action. While you’re telling him to bend his head in … A lot of people erroneously assume “snaffle” equates to being soft and gentle. The shape does not allow the bit to rotate, and also applies some lateral pressure on the horse’s mouth. The gag bit is a type of bit for a horse. The curb bit is more popular in Western riding styles, but it’s also present in English. As the name says, the D-ring snaffles have their “rings” in the shape of a D, rather than circular. The Gag cheek piece is made of rounded leather or of rope that run through these holes. This keeps him bending. Most online saddleries have a wide selection of bits but I prefer to use horse.com because I find their collection of both Western and English very good.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'horsefactbook_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_16',141,'0','0'])); I hope you found this article helpful. This piece attaches to a bridle and the reins and helps the rider control the horse. The cheek pieces of many curb bits will also be highly decorative which doesn’t affect the way the bit works but does look nice.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'horsefactbook_com-leader-3','ezslot_11',152,'0','0'])); Also known as double bridles, they are in reality two bits rather than two bridles (although the bridle will have two cheek straps) and are typically used with two sets of reins or a rein converter which means you only need one set of reins. From Lila: Finding just-the-right bit for jumping can be exhausting. These links will cost you no more than the standard cost of the item(s) in question but a small percentage of the price will go towards the upkeep of this site and help me to continue with the site so that I can hopefully help others. But there are a lot of choices out there: snaffle bit, curb bit, double bridle… in this article, we’ll explore the different types of horse bits and what they are for. The Gag bit will cause the lowering of the horse’s head through and increase in poll pressure. A snaffle bit which is the most common English bit, in most cases, comprises of just two parts, the mouthpiece, which as you’d expect goes in the horse’s mouth, and the bit rings that the bridle and reins are attached to. Curb bits can be split into three categories: Pelhams, Weymouths and Kimblewicks. Gag bits are often used to encourage elevation in the front end and to re-balance a horse before a jump. Usually, they consist of a mouthpiece with two rings, as in a snaffle, but these rings come with holes on either side, through which the gag cheekpieces run. See more ideas about horse bits, horse supplies, english bits. It’s made up of a bar that comes in a number of forms and can be a straight bar (with or without an inverted u shape known as a port), two bars (that are either linked to each other or to a connecting link or ring) or in some cases it can be a chain. But some horses who may be a little stronger in a snaffle with the same mouth can benefit from a gag, and they can be quite popular for eventers. Gag bit rings have two holes one on the top, one on the bottom. It’s also a mistake to believe a snaffle is any mild bit. Gag bits are probably Trevor Brazile's last choice, but he's had success with them when a chain or a port failed him in the box. You might think that a bit is only for riding but there are also a number of bits designed specifically for horses that are being led in-hand and should never be used for riding.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'horsefactbook_com-leader-4','ezslot_12',138,'0','0'])); When it comes to choosing the right sort of bit for your horse there are a few things that you need to take into account before. Some have been designed for horses that are bit shy or have very sensitive mouths and these can be made from vulcanized rubber (that has been baked onto the metal mouthpiece), high tech plastic that has a strong apple scent or ‘sweet iron’ which is mild or carbon steel. Picking the right one might be a daunting thing to do, so in this article, we’ll explore some different types and designs of horse bits and their different usages and characteristics. Hackamores are often not allowed in competitions, excepting endurance riding, trail riding, and some showjumping and cross-country competitions. Gag Bits. The S shape on the shanks of this bit contributes to the weight, balance, … It creates this by increasing pressure on the corners of the lips, asking for the horse to raise his head. You've probably seen gag bits on horses galloping cross-country, and maybe somebody's suggested that you try one on your own horse. In this video Bomber Nel tells us about the actions of the different Gags and Snaffles. Western S-Shank Curb Bit. Obviously every horse is different, and every rider and horse … There are generally three types; the ‘American’ style, not seen as often in the UK now, has long shanks and uses the action of the mouthpiece sliding on a curved cheek to achieve the ‘lift’ in the horse’s mouth. Snaffle bits are direct reining devices which lay across the horse's tongue through which the horse is directly guided, or "direct reined". Usually has a solid mouthpiece, either straight or with a slight port. Get the bit that works for you. This article serves as a simplified guide to teach you all about the most common bits found in both English and Western disciplines. Walk, trot, canter, gallop explained with animations and graphics. While often jointed, the mouthpiece doesn’t have to be so — a common mistake is to believe all snaffle bits have joints in them. Gag bits are kind of a happy medium between curb bits and pelham bits, in terms of severity. The name of this bit is misleading. The culprit: In a shank bit, this problem arises from the way the chin strap attaches to the bit and causes the mouthpiece and the strap to interact. When you ride your hands will need to move independently from the rest of your body and it takes time to learn to keep your hands steady while riding. The bit has no leverage, but its single joint provides a “nutcracker” action, squeezing the bars of the mouth and placing pressure on the palate. The idea of the bit is to apply pressure to the horse’s mouth and or tongue but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it will hurt the horse. They consist of a mouthpiece and rings, which attach directly to the reins. This is why I wanted to write this article, to help explain some of the mystery surrounding them. A gentle eggbutt snaffle will have little effect on a horse with a hard mouth but conversely, a jointed bit may hurt a horse with a sensitive mouth. Snaffles normally have either a straight mouthpiece or are single jointed and can have a variety of different ring styles, each with their own purpose, some of the most common ones are:eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'horsefactbook_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_15',137,'0','0'])); Also known as a leverage bit because the arms (or shanks) pull against the curb chain (or strap) and bridle to not only apply pressure to the horse’s mouth but also to the poll, checks, and chin. Double bridles come with two bits, simultaneously, a snaffle and a curb. Curbs. But there are the main types of horse bits in use today, within and without the show ring of different disciplines. The snaffle bit is a broad category that applies to a large variety of bits. These are quite expensive allow but you to quickly measure any horse by opening the arms and placing them either side of your horse’s mouth.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'horsefactbook_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_3',616,'0','0'])); While it’s important to have the correct sized bit you might not be able to find the exact right size for your horse. The horse bit is the piece of tack that goes inside the horse’s mouth. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'horsefactbook_com-netboard-1','ezslot_19',154,'0','0']));While some bits are more severe than others even the mildest bit will hurt the horse in the wrong hands so it’s crucial to get the right bit, not only for your horse’s strength and the level to which he’s trained, but also for your level of experience too. The Pelham bit is somewhere between a snaffle and a curb bit. On the other hand though if you’re intending to train your horse for a particular purpose or train him to correct a bad habit such as leaning on the bit (where the horse ‘rests’ his own weight on the bit and uses the rider for support and balance) then this will affect the style of bit you use. Horseyhooves.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Different types, styles and even designs inside a given type or style. If you did I’d be grateful if you could share it please as it would really help me. Severity of leverage action depends on where the reins attach. For example, young horses may be trained with hackamores, and some might pull too much and require a gag bit. Horse Bit Guide: Gag Bits. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'horsefactbook_com-banner-1','ezslot_5',148,'0','0']));There are a number of different ways to measure a horse’s mouth for a bit and in an ideal world you’d use an old one as a size guide but if this isn’t possible then you can use a bit sizer. Horse Bits. Correction bits are used not to correct problems, but to reinforce the rein aids to an already well-trained horse. While the pressure is more direct in the snaffle, a sharper or rougher made snaffle may be harmful, and a heavy hand on the reins will also make it harsher. Bits with very thin mouthpieces, such as this twisted wire curb bit, are quite harsh and can damage a horse’s mouth. Gag Bits. In very simple terms, a running gag is accentuating the action of a snaffle. Other types are cross-under bits, which work with the reins crossing over under the horse’s noseband, and joining at the poll and back. With ports over 2 inches high, these mouthpieces require light hands, a perfectly timed release, and a very responsive horse. Horses have a space between their front and back teeth, and that’s where the bit rests. Jointed mouthpieces may be single-jointed or double-jointed. This has a disadvantage in that the reins have a long way to travel when released. Also called a Doc Bristol, this double-jointed mouthpiece has a flat link in the middle and … This helps with lateral guidance and fixes the bit in the mouth. First, let’s define what a bit is. Gags are used for racing and the only purpose of mentioning them here is that they are closely similar to snaffles, thus it is possible through improper use of a snaffle to turn the snaffle into a gag and encourage the horse … This makes the curb bit usually more severe, though of course, it depends on how much the rider pulls on the reins. As such, it works as either a snaffle or a curb bit, although it’s generally classed as a type of curb bit. Gag Bits Explained. These rubber guards are soft, flexible disks that fit on the end of the mouthpiece and are designed to act as stoppers to prevent the bit from pinching the horse’s mouth and also to stop the bit can’t be pulled through the horse’s mouth. The gag bits are popular in showjumping, cross-country, and polo but forbidden in dressage. eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'horsefactbook_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_4',150,'0','0'])); The mouthpiece, which is common to both snaffle and curb bits, can vary greatly in the material its made from as well as its physical appearance. Then there’s what the bar is made from, some bars will be plain pieces of metal while others will have alternating ‘rollers’ made of stainless steel and copper, but not all bars are made of metal. The full cheek bit has long arms on either side and the ring attached to the arms. As well as communicating the rider’s wishes to the horse the mouthpiece is also designed to encourage the horse to salivate which is why its made from different materials, some will promote the production of saliva more than others and not all horses need much encouragement.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'horsefactbook_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_8',136,'0','0'])); On top of the different bars and materials, there’s also a wide selection of mouthpieces too, each with their own uses.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'horsefactbook_com-leader-2','ezslot_10',151,'0','0'])); As well as various different mouthpieces there’s also a huge selection of different bits that, with the exception of one or two, fall into one of a few different categories: A snaffle bit is probably the most popular bit in the world, regardless of discipline. Yet flexible shanks are what make my gag bit will cause the lowering of the lips asking... 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