Bit mouthpiece
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The mouthpiece of a horse's bit is possibly the most important determinant in the severity and action of the bit. Therefore, it should be carefully considered when choosing a bit for a horse. It is also important to note that some mouthpieces are not allowed in dressage competition.
It is important to remember that particular mouthpieces do not make a bit a snaffle, pelham, kimberwicke, curb, or gag bit. Oftentimes, bits with "soft" mouthpieces, such as the single- or double-jointed, are incorrectly referred to as snaffles.
Note: although some mouthpieces are marked a "severe" and others as "mild," this is all relative. A hard-handed rider can make even the mildest bit uncomfortable, and a skilled, light rider can ride in a much harsher mouthpiece without damaging the mouth or causing any distress in the horse. Additionally, the type of bit has a great impact on the action of the mouthpiece. Snaffles are generally considered the mildest, curbs and gags the harshest. It is difficult, therefore, to compare a harsher-type bit with a mild mouthpiece (such as a pelham with a rubber mullen mouth), and a milder-type bit with a harsher mouthpiece (like a snaffle with a slow twist). In general, however, the mouthpiece can have a marked difference on the severity. Snaffles with twisted wires are never considered mild, while a pelham with a low port may. In short, there are many factors in the bitting equation which must be consided to get a true estimate of the action and severity of a bit.
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[edit] Bits without Joints
[edit] Straight-bar and Mullen mouth
Types of Bits: All types.
What it is: The mouthpiece is a straight bar of material, without any joints. In the mullen mouth, the bar has a slight bow to it, curving gently outwards towards the bottom of the horse's mouth.
Action: the mullen mouth and straight bar are very similar in action, placing pressure on the tongue, lips, and bars. The mullen provides extra space of the tongue, instead of constantly pushing into it, resulting in more tongue relief and making it more comfortable. This is generally a very mild mouthpiece, although this varies according to the type of bit (snaffle, pelham, etc.) However, it should be noted that this bit can not be used one-sided, because if pressure is applied to one rein, it will cause some lightening on the other side of the bit.
Materials: Rubber is very common, as is happy mouth material. Stainless steel is also a favorite, but copper and sweet iron is not as popular.
Uses: seen in all equestrian activities, although less-common in dressage. Usually not as popular for use in snaffles or gags as for bits that use leverage (pelham, kimberwick, and curb). The straight bar is common in stallion showing and in-hand bits.
[edit] Ported
Types of Bits: All types, including driving bits
What it is: the middle of the mouthpiece has a "port," or curve in it which may be vary in size from "low" to "high." The port is different from the mullen mouth in that the curved portion does not extend the length of the mouthpiece, but is only an inch or two of the center of the mouthpiece.
Action: The action of the port is directly related to its size. Low ports provide tongue relief, similar to the mullen mouth, as they provide more space. Anything larger than a low port will press on the roof of the mouth when the reins are pulled, act as a fulcrum, and transfer that pressure onto the bars. Therefore, ported bits act on the lips, tongue, roof of the mouth, and apply extra pressure to the bars.
Materials: always metal, usually stainless steel but also may be sweet iron or copper.
Uses: very uncommon in snaffles and gags (although can be found). One of the most common mouthpieces in pelhams, kimberwickes, and curbs. Very popular in the Western disciplines.
[edit] Jointed/Single-jointed
Type of Bits: Very common on snaffles, but seen on all bit families including kimberwickes, pelhams, gags, and curbs.
What it is: The mouthpiece has one joint in its center, which "breaks" outward toward the front of the mouth.
Action: The single-jointed mouthpiece applies pressure to the tongue, lips, and bars. Due to the V-shape of the bit when the mouthpiece is contracted, it causes a "nutcracker" action, which has a pinching effect on the bars. It also causes the joiint of the bit to push into the sensitive roof of the mouth if anything more than light contact is taken up. A single-jointed bit with a curved mouthpiece has a more "U" shape, so it tends to decrease the pressure on the roof of the mouth.
Materials: usually stainless steel, but may be made of any bit metal, happy mouth material, or have a rubber covering on each joint.
Uses: This is one of the most common mouthpieces found on a snaffle, and is popular for all equestrian sports.
[edit] Double Jointed Bits
Double-jointed bits reduce the nutcracker effect because they conform better to the horse's "U" shaped mouth, instead of the "V" created by a single joint. In this respect they are milder, and many horses prefer a double-joint over a single joint.
It is important to note that many of the double-jointed bits (especially the french link and Dr. Bristol) are occasionally "added to" by twisting the cannons of the mouthpiece. This greatly increases the severity of the bit, as these cannons act directly on the tongue and bars in addition to the regular action of the bit. A relatively "kind" french mouth can therefore be turned into a severe bit when the cannons are twisted and the mouthpiece is put onto a gag type bit. All references below are based on the cannons being smooth, not twisted.
[edit] The French Mouth/ French Link
Types of Bits: snaffle, gag, pelham, curb (including driving bits)
What it is: The mouthpiece has two joints due to a central link. This link is flat and bone-shaped. It should not be rectangular.
Action: One of the mildest mouthpieces, the two joints reduces the nutcracker effect which is found in single-jointed bits, and encourage relaxation. Applies pressure to the lips, tongue, and bars of the mouth.
Materials: Usually stainless steel, also copper (either just the link or the whole bit)
Use: Commonly seen on snaffles, rather rare in gags, pelhams, or curbs. This is one of the most popular mouthpieces for dressage work. However, it is used in many English-styled disciplines. It is rarely used in the Western-styled disciplines.
[edit] The Dr. Bristol
Types of Bits: snaffle, gag
What it is: The mouthpiece has two joints due to a central link. This link is flat and rectangular in shape, and does not have rounded edges like the french link.
Action: The double joint reduces the nutcracker effect found in single-jointed snaffles. However, the link is angled so that the thin edge of the rectangle presses into the tongue, creating a very small bearing surface. This makes it concentrate pressure on the tongue, although it also adds pressure to the bars and lips of the mouth.
Materials: Usually stainless steel, also copper
Use: Commonly seen on snaffles, very rare in gags. This bit is seen in many of the English discplines, very uncommon in Western disciplines. Not as common in dressage due to its severity, although it is permitted. Seen in many jumping disciplines.
[edit] The Ball Joint
Types of Bits: snaffle
What it is: Similar to the french-link, except there is a round "ball" on the middle link.
Action: double joint reduces the nutcracker effect. The ball tends to concentrate pressure on the tongue. More severe than the french link, less than the Dr. Bristol. Also applies pressure to the lips and bars of the mouth.
Materials: Usually stainless steel
Use: Rather rare type of mouthpiece in and of itself. Seen in the English disciplines. Permitted in dressage.
[edit] The Ported Link
Types of bits: snaffles
What it is: double jointed bit similar to a french link, except the middle link has a slight upward (toward the roof of the mouth) curve, like a port.
Action: similar action as french link, but possibly provides more room for the tongue.
[edit] The Broken Segunda
Types of Bits: snaffles, usually with a Dee-ring
What it is: similar to the ported link, except the middle link is much higher and makes a clear upside-down "U".
Action: supposed to encourage the horse to soften and stay light in the bridle. The bottom of the "U" can be quite sharp, however, and can dig into the tongue to the point of cutting it. Therefore, they are best left to skilled riders with a very light contact.
[edit] Multi-jointed Bits
Bits with more than two joints tend to wrap around the lower jaw of the horse. In general, they are considered more severe than double-jointed bits. These bits are not permitted in dressage.
[edit] Waterford
Type of Bits: snaffle, pelham, gag, curb
What it is: the mouthpiece is made of 5-9 joints and is very flexible.
Action: Due to the many joints, the waterford has many bumps, which can act as pressure points. The idea is that the great flexibility will discourage the horse from leaning on it.
Materials: stainless steel
Uses: Most common in the English disciplines, especially show jumping and eventing. Used mainly on strong horses. Not permitted in dressage, not commonly used in hunt seat riding. Rather rare in a pelham, very rare in a curb bit.
[edit] Chain mouth
Types of bits: gag, curb
What it is: As its name suggests, this mouthpiece is several links of chain.
Uses: Seen in the Western disciplines.
- Note: There are some chain bits made of bicycle chain rather than link chain. These bits are considered by most horsemen to be too severe for use and many categorize them as cruel. These bits are not allowed in competition.
[edit] Twisted/Serrated Bits
All twisted mouthpieces are considered more severe than smooth mouthpieces. In general, they are not appropriate for novice riders or those with harsh or unskilled hands. These bits should never be used to the point where they cause bleeding of the horse's mouth.
If a rider believes such a bit would benefit his horse, he should first look at the animal's training and his own skills. Many problems can be resolved through proper training, rather than harsher bitting. Usually, it is the less-skilled riders who find the need to use harsher bits, because they can't control their horses in anything else.
That being said, there are cases in which skilled riders can use such bits to their advantage, and improve the horse's training. These bits are NOT permitted in dressage competition, and are generally not used for schooling dressage horses.
[edit] Slow Twist
Types of Bits: Snaffle, pelham, gag
What it is: a mouthpiece (usually single-jointed) with a slight twist in the cannons. Thicker and with fewer twists than a wire bit, has fewer edges than a corkscrew.
Action: The twist causes edges that result as pressure points in the horse's mouth. Increases pressure on the tongue and bars, also acts on the lips. Generally considered strong and fairly severe.
Materials: Usually stainless steel
Uses: Most commonly found on snaffles, quite rare on pelhams and gags. Usually seen in English disciplines. Not permitted in dressage competition.
- Note: The slow twist is often incorrectly used to refer to the corkscrew or a wire bit. These bits are not the same.
[edit] Corkscrew
Types of Bits: Snaffle, driving bits (curbs)
What it is: The mouthpiece (usually single-jointed) has many rounded edges. However, it is not actually "corkscrew" in shape, but more has a more "screw-like" mouthpiece with blunt edges. Thicker than a wire bit, thinner than a slow twist.
Action: The edges aplify pressure on the mouth, especially the bars and tongue. Considered severe.
Uses: Mostly seen in English-type disciplines, and in driving. Not permitted in dressage.
- Note: The name is often incorrectly used to refer to the slow twist or wire bit. These bits are not the same.
[edit] Single Twisted Wire
Types of Bits: snaffle, gag, curb
What it is: Mouthpiece is a single-jointed bit made of a thin twisted piece of wire for each joint.
Action: The wire bit is extremely severe. It is not only very thin, but it has twists in it that cause pressure point.
Materials: stainless steel preferred for English disciplines, sweet iron and copper seen in Western disciplines
Uses: The twisted wire is extremely severe. It is NOT permitted for dressage. It is more commonly seen in the Western disciplines than the English, although the jumping disciplines occasionally feature wire bits. These bits are for strong horses that pull or take off. This bit is very severe, and should only be used by skilled riders with soft hands. Some people do not use these bits because they believe them to be cruel.
- Note: The wire bit is often incorrectly referred to as the slow twist or corkscrew. These bits are not the same.
[edit] The Double Twisted Wire
Types of Bits: snaffle, gag, curb
What it is: bit has 2 mouthpieces, each one single jointed and made of twisted wire.
Action: The two joints amplify the nutcracker action. The wire makes the mouthpieces thin and sharp. The two mouthpieces cause extreme pressure on the bars. This bit is very severe, and should only be used by skilled riders with soft hands. Some people do not use these bits because they believe them to be cruel.
Materials: Metals, usually stainless steel but also sweet iron and copper
Uses: NOT permitted for dressage. Very severe, used on horses that are very strong.
[edit] The Saw Chain Mouth
Types of bits: snaffle
What it is: As the name suggests, the mouthpiece is made out of a piece of chainsaw.
Uses: Extremely severe, and quite uncommon. The majority of trainers will not use such a bit. Note: due to the extreme severity, most equestrian organizations would not permit this bit in competition.
[edit] The Double-Mouth/Scissors/"W" or "Y" Mouth
Types of Bits: snaffle, gag, curb
What it is: bit has 2 mouthpieces, each one single jointed.
Action: The two joints amplify the nutcracker action. They also cause extreme pressure on the bars. This bit is very severe, and should only be used by skilled riders with soft hands. Some people do not use these bits because they believe them to be cruel.
Materials: Metals, usually stainless steel but also sweet iron and copper
Uses: NOT permitted for dressage. Very severe, used on horses that are very strong.
[edit] Hollow Mouth
Types of bits: snaffle, pelham, gag
What it is: a mouthpiece (usually single jointed, but not always) that is hollow in the middle, making it very light. The mouthpiece is usually thicker than average
Action: the thick, hollow mouthpiece supposedly spreads out pressure, making it less severe.
[edit] Roller bits
[edit] The Magenis
Types of bits snaffle
Types of Bit rings: usually eggbutt or loose ring
What it is: The Magenis is a single-jointed bit with "rollers," or bead-like structures that may spin around, in its mouthpiece. The mouthpiece is squared off.
Action: The rollers are supposed to activate the horse's tongue and help the horse relax and accept the bit. Rollers may also help distract a nervous horse. The edges of the square mouthpiece create pressure points, making the bit severe.
Uses: Seen in the English disciplines, not permitted in dressage. A fairly uncommon bit.
[edit] The Cherry Roller and other Roller bits
Types of bits: snaffle, gag, pelham
What it is: The Cherry Roller bit has multiple rollers along its mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may be jointed or straight/mullen. The copper roller is like the cherry, except it alternates between copper and steel rollers.
Action: The rollers are supposed to help a horse relax his jaw and accept the bit. May also calm nervous horses. Rollers do not affect the severity of the bit.
Uses: Mainly an English-style bit. Not permitted in dressage.
[edit] Key bit
Types of Bits: snaffle
What it is: The center of the mouthpiece has short "keys" extending from it, which are moveable on the bit. The keys rest on the tongue, below the bit.
Action: The keys are supposed to encourage the horse to relax, as the horse plays with them in his mouth.
[edit] Tongue bit/Tongue Correction bit/Tongue port
Types of bits: usually snaffle, sometimes pelham
What it is: a flat piece of rubber that slides on a mullen mouth, or a metal bit that already has a flat piece in the center of the mouthpiece. The flat piece is wide and goes backwards in the mouth.
Uses: the purpose of this bit is to prevent a horse from getting his tongue over it. It can be useful in retraining, and for horse's for whom this is a habit. This therefore gives the rider more control. Not permitted in dressage.
[edit] Mouthpiece Thickness
The common belief is that a thinner mouthpiece increases the severity of the bit, because decreases the bearing surface and makes the bit "sharper." However, many horses actually prefer a thinner mouthpiece to a thicker one because there is less metal in their mouth and therefore more room for their tongue. This is mostly true if the rider has soft hands.
On the other hand, very thin bits (such as the twisted wire bits) have a marked severity over thicker bits. Some wire bits may come in a thickness as low as 1/16 inch, making them extremely severe to the point where it is easy for any rider to cut and ruin the horse's mouth, especially the lips. Many horsemen, even the most skilled riders, will not put such a harsh bit in their horse's mouths.
If the rider gives crude aids, it is generally best to pick a bit mouthpiece that is thicker.
[edit] Mouthpiece Material
- Stainless steel: the most popular material for bits. It is strong, easy to clean, and doesn't rust. Considered to be a "cold" metal that does not encourage salivation.
- Copper: Warms up quickly, but does not last as long as stainless steel. Supposed to encourage the horse to salivate and accept the bit. There are some people who refuse to use copper bits because they believe them to be distateful, and that to be the reason why some horses chew them so readily. Because these bits wear out fairly quickly, they should be checked regularly to make sure they are maintaining their integrity.
- Coppery alloy: by combining copper with another metal, it is supposed to help the bit last longer.
- Sweet iron: easily rusts, which supposedly encourages salivation from the horse and acceptance of the bit. This metal is used in the Western disciplines, and is not as popular in the English.
- Brass alloy: combination of brass, silicon, and aluminum. Supposedly have same qualities as copper.
- Rubber: softens the action of the bit. Easily chewed and destroyed. Often seen on Uh oh
