All about the different mouthpieces and what they do

If you keep an eye on our social media, then you’ll notice that we’re usually sharing new bit designs and what we love about our favourite brands - and that there are loads of bits to choose from. Innovation in both the materials used to manufacture bits and the designs themselves means there are a lot of styles out there and it can be tough to know what they all do. In this blog we’re taking you through the different mouthpieces out there and why they suit different horses. We’ll focus on the most common mouthpieces out there rather than designs that are unique to certain brands, and hopefully help you select the right choice for your horse. Let’s get started…

Single jointed mouthpieces

Single-jointed mouthpieces consist of a single joint in the centre of the mouthpiece, which allows the bit to form a "V" shape when pressure is applied to the reins. That means that, especially in harsher hands, a nutcracker action is produced. The two pieces of the mouthpiece are pulled down, so they press on the tongue and squeeze it, while the joint rises in the mouth. If the horse or pony has a low palate, that joint can press on the horse’s palate (the roof of their mouth). This effect can be quite sharp, so it’s important to consider the horse’s mouth confirmation and the skill of the rider when using a single-jointed bit. There are some single-jointed mouthpieces shaped and curved with the aim of reducing the nutcracker action (for example the Demi Anky).

Double-jointed mouthpieces

Double-jointed bits, such as French link snaffles, have a mouthpiece with two joints and an additional link in the centre. This link changes the action compared to single-jointed bits, significantly reducing the nutcracker effect and preventing the bit hitting the palate. The central link lies flat against the horse's tongue which distributes the pressure more evenly and limits bar pressure. While double-jointed mouthpieces are generally more comfortable for many horses, they aren’t necessarily a one-size-fits-all solution. Some horses may still find the tongue pressure uncomfortable, particularly those with very sensitive tongues. Plus, the increased movement and flexibility of the bit can lead to less precise control for novice riders.

There are some double-jointed mouthpiece designs, for example the Dr Bristol, where the middle link is a plate that is rotated so that the edge rests on the horse’s tongue. This means when the contact is taken, the edge of the plate presses on the tongue - pressure that gets greater if a stronger contact is taken up. These should be used with extreme care by experienced riders only.

Straight bar and Mullen mouthpieces

As the name suggests, a straight bar bit has a mouthpiece that’s straight all the way across, with no joints or moveable links in it at all. This means the pressure is distributed evenly across the horse's tongue and bars of the mouth. The straight bar design can be more comfortable for horses with sensitive mouths, as it avoids very localised pressure points. This mouthpiece is typically suited for horses with a very ‘standard’ mouth confirmation with height to the palate and not a chunky tongue. Horses with low palates or thick tongues might find the straight bar uncomfortable as it doesn't contour to the shape of the mouth as well as jointed bits do. A Mullen mouth has a slight curve which gives a little extra room for the tongue, so this can help in these cases.

The lack of movement in the bit means it is very stable, and therefore can be a good choice for horses who hate the bit moving excessively in their mouth. A straight bar also offers clear, direct communication between rider and the horse, but in turn the horse may learn to lean on the solid bar in their mouth. In addition, more advanced horses like the nuanced communication of a jointed bit - a straight bar isn’t very subtle and can feel wooden!

Ported mouthpieces

Ported mouthpieces have a raised portion, or port, in the middle. The port can be low or high, wide or narrow, and each type impacts the action of the bit and the horse’s mouth differently. The port's position can affect pressure on the tongue or palate, with lower and wider ports offering more room for the tongue. Higher and narrow ports are often designed to prevent the horse getting its tongue over the bit or will apply pressure to the palate when the rein aids are given. In the right hands and with a highly trained horse, a higher port can help the rider give very subtle aids with small adjustments to the rein - such as on the Weymouth bit in a double bridle.

Bits with keys and rollers on the mouthpiece

There are myriad variations on the mouthpieces we’ve covered here that include one or more rolling components, often made from copper or sweet iron. These rollers are helpful in stimulating the horse's mouth and encouraging salivation. Increased salivation helps to keep the horse's mouth moist which in turn can promote relaxation and acceptance of the bit, helping horses who are tense or reluctant to take up contact.

Traditional breaking (sometimes called mouthing) bits have small, dangling keys that hang from the mouthpiece and rest on the horse’s tongue. The idea is that they provide additional stimuli to encourage mouthing and acceptance of the bit when a horse is first learning the ropes. We tend not to advise our customers to use breaking bits any more as the risk of clattering teeth when first bridling them and the keys can encourage a fussy mouth. A better choice is a simple, straight bar in a soft material.

We hope this blog has helped you navigate the different mouthpiece options out there and find the perfect style for your horse! If you have any questions, then feel free to get in touch.