Loose versus fixed-ring bits - which is right for your horse?

When it comes to choosing the right bit for your horse, it can feel like a minefield out there! There are so many different styles of cheek piece and mouthpieces out there and of course a wide range of materials to choose from - so where do you start? Luckily, you’ll find a goldmine of helpful information on our website and in our blogs, and in this month’s update we’re taking a closer look at loose ring versus fixed ring bits. If you’re interested in learning more about the differences between the two or, like us, you can remember as young riders having it drilled into us that loose ring bits will catch the corners of the horse’s mouth and thinking ‘well, why does anyone use them then?’, this blog is for you! Let’s take a closer look at loose ring bits first, before sharing the benefits of fixed ring bits.

Loose Ring Bits:

Loose ring bits, as the name suggests, have a ring-shaped cheek piece that can freely rotate through the mouthpiece. That extra mobility and play in the bit has a significant impact on the way the bit behaves when it’s fitted in the horse’s mouth, meaning the bit can move independently, mirror the angle of the tongue, and rein aids can be more isolated on each side. That means that in the right hands, a loose ring design enhances the horse's sensitivity to rein aids, as the aid will be more subtle than when a fixed ring is used. Riders also report that their horses seem to prefer a loose-ring bit as it allows them to chew and relax more easily. A loose ring bit is also ideal for horses who can get strong or lean on the hand in a fixed cheek bit. Loose ring bits aren’t ideal for horses that are quite fussy in the mouth and prefer a very direct rein aid from the rider.

Finally, make sure you fit a loose-ring bit carefully. As we mentioned in the introduction, a poorly fitting loose ring bit can pinch the corners of the horse’s mouth, so ensure there’s good clearance on either side and consider using ring guards in case the bit gets pulled through the mouth. It can also be easier to pull a loose-ring bit through a horse’s mouth, so ensure you keep a contact on both reins even if you’re asking for a dramatic change of direction!

Fixed Ring Bits:

Again, as the name suggests, fixed-ring bits are where the mouthpiece is attached to a fixed point on the cheek piece, rather than being able to slide through like a loose ring. Examples of fixed ring cheek pieces include the D-ring, eggbutt, full cheek or Baucher styles.

Fixed ring bits offer lots of stability, because the two rings can’t move independently of the mouthpiece or each other. That means a more constant contact with the horse's mouth, providing a clearer and more stable signal to the horse. This makes them great for sensitive horses who like to have a stable bit to stretch into and clear rein aids. People also use a fixed ring style for younger horses who are learning to accept the contact and appreciate clear, consistent aids while they learn. A larger D-ring fixed cheek can also be useful to aid steering in younger horses, as can a fixed full cheek bit.

Remember that we mentioned that loose ring bits can pinch the corners of your horse’s mouth, and you need to be careful about fitting them? Well, if your horse has very fleshy lips that tend to ‘wrinkle’ a lot in the corners, a fixed ring bit could be a better bet to prevent them being rubbed or caught in the rings. The slight downside to a fixed ring design is that it does offer very consistent rein aids, and that can encourage a horse to take a stronger contact and even learn a little.

It's important to note that the cheek piece style you go for is entirely individual, and in some cases everything that shouldn’t work on paper is perfect in practice - or vice versa! If you need to experiment a little bit then remember we offer a 30-day bit trial on most of our bits, and that could be just the ticket to help you choose which one is right for you. And you can always call our bitting advice line if needed!