What to do when you think you need a stronger bit.

Here at the Horse Bit Bank, we always advocate using bits that are designed to promote horse comfort, and it’s our view that bits are about communication with your horse, not control. We love learning about the new designs that the bit brands come up with that help riders make the most subtle rein cues and ensure horses and riders can work together in harmony. There’s nothing quite like seeing a partnership that almost looks as though they have a telepathic connection because the aids are so subtle…

But we’re also realistic, and we know that a partnership like that can take many years to achieve. A young horse isn’t going to automatically ‘get’ rein aids, some horses have a very sensitive tongue or won’t tolerate pressure on the bars, and others have been ridden by people with very bad hands or in a bit that just didn’t fit them. Our founder Jodie helps countless horse owners navigate the myriad different bits out there to help people get it right. From young horses starting their education to ex-racehorses being re-schooled and everything in between, there’s the right bit out there for everyone.

But what about if you think you need a stronger bit? It can be a tricky subject to navigate! If you post on a Facebook group aimed at riders in your local area, or specific disciplines, you might get some useful advice, but you might get shot down too. In an age when our social licence to ride and compete with horses is a hot topic, seeking out advice about stronger bits can be tricky. But when your horse goes beautifully in a bit for schooling and hacking, but the introduction of hunting or jumping means they get very excited, you need a bit that will keep both of you safe. In those cases, communication can become a one-way street, with you asking them to slow down or turn and they just won’t listen.

If circumstances haven’t changed at all and a previously happy horse suddenly runs through the contact, drops contact or fixes its jaw, make sure you get a dentist out and consider a vet and/or physio check-up if the dentist gives the all-clear. But if you're sure it’s just horsey excitement due to a new ‘job’ and you want to look at a stronger bit, here are some top tips to help you select a bit that works for you and your horse!

● Firstly, make sure you know your horse’s mouth confirmation so that you can choose the right thickness of mouthpiece. Does your horse have a big tongue or a low palate? A single jointed mouthpiece might touch the roof of their mouth when you take a pull if they have the latter…
● Then consider what your horse does when it gets excited! Are they fixing their jaw, sticking their head in the air or snatching at the contact and grabbing the bit? Do you need a combination of poll pressure and a bit that affects the bars and tongue, or a mouthpiece that reminds the horse you’re there when they need it, but you can take a contact without utilising poll pressure?
● Then, we advise you to start small in your changes, and look at the mouthpiece first. Don’t jump from a French link snaffle to a full on Pelham with a curb just because it works for someone else. It could be as simple as changing your existing bit for a similar style, but with a thinner mouthpiece.
● If your horse is tricky to steer when they are excited, avoid a straight mouth (such as a mullen), as this won’t allow you to give the necessary single rein aids. You could try a D-ring bit to stop the bit being pulled through their mouth, or a full cheek bit that puts a small amount of pressure on the outside of their face when you ask for a turn.
● If your horse grabs the bit and tanks, or sets its jaw, then a Waterford could work. The multiple joints mould around the horse’s tongue and they find it very hard to get a purchase on it with their teeth. If they try to set their jaw, the bit will simply move.
● There are some great designs out there, for example from Sprenger, where a double-jointed bit is designed to ‘lock’ into a shape when lots of force is exerted on the reins. That ensures your horse benefits from the kinder mouthpiece when they are going nicely. If they start to lean or pull when excited the bit locks and that fixed shape puts more pressure on the bars and tongue.
● Are you capable of riding with two sets of reins? If you are (or you’re happy to practise), this opens up the possibilities of trying a pelham or other three ring bit with two reins. You can ride off a rein attached to the ring closest to the mouthpiece and only use the rein attached to a curb ring with poll leverage as needed. If you’d prefer to ride with one rein but you’d like to try a bit with some leverage, why not try a Kimblewick?

So, whether you’re working your way up the levels in showjumping and need something that your horse listens to quickly, or you’re hoping to go hunting or team chasing for the first time , there will be the right bit out there. Whatever your reasons for seeking a change, why not browse on our website and see what you could try on a 30-day trial? If you’re stuck and would love some help, why not drop Jodie a call on our free advice line and see what she recommends?