14 best equestrian bits

Equestrian bits are essential pieces of equipment used in horse riding and training.They are a crucial component of a horse's bridle, serving as a means of communication between the rider and the horse. Bits come in various styles and designs, each with its own purpose and level of severity. Here's what you should know about equestrian bits:

  1. Purpose: Bits are used to communicate cues and signals from the rider to the horse. They help in controlling the horse's speed, direction, and head carriage during riding or training.

  2. Types of Bits: There are several types of bits, each designed for specific purposes:

    • Snaffle Bit: A snaffle bit is a mild bit that applies direct pressure on the horse's mouth. It consists of a jointed mouthpiece or a straight bar. Snaffle bits are commonly used for basic training and communication with the horse.
    • Curb Bit: Curb bits are typically more severe than snaffle bits and feature shanks that apply leverage to the horse's mouth when the reins are engaged. They are often used in disciplines like Western riding and are associated with neck reining.
    • Pelham Bit: The pelham bit combines elements of both snaffle and curb bits. It has two sets of reins and offers varying levels of control depending on how it is used.
    • Double Bridle: A double bridle consists of two bits – a snaffle and a curb bit – used simultaneously. It provides precise control and is commonly seen in dressage.
  3. Materials: Bits can be made from various materials, including stainless steel, copper, sweet iron, and rubber. The choice of material can affect the horse's comfort and responsiveness.

  4. Bit Severity: The severity of a bit refers to how much pressure it can apply to the horse's mouth. Milder bits, like snaffles, offer gentler communication, while curb bits can exert more pressure.

  5. Fitting: Proper bit fitting is crucial for the horse's comfort and effectiveness of communication. Bits should fit comfortably in the horse's mouth, with enough room for the horse to move its tongue and swallow.

  6. Bitless Bridles: Some riders choose to use bitless bridles, which do not employ a bit in the horse's mouth. Instead, they work on pressure points on the horse's face and poll to communicate cues.

  7. Training and Skill: The choice of bit depends on the rider's skill level, the horse's training, and the discipline in which they are participating. Riders should always use the mildest bit that allows them to communicate effectively with the horse.

  8. Safety and Ethics: The welfare of the horse is paramount when using bits. Riders and trainers should be knowledgeable about bit usage to avoid causing discomfort or harm to the horse.

It's important for riders to seek guidance from experienced equestrians or trainers when choosing the right bit for their horse. Proper bit selection and usage are essential for effective communication and ensuring the comfort and well-being of the horse during equestrian activities.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best equestrian bits on the market
  

Lift Sports Hackamore Bitless Horse Bit English Western Adjustable Flower Padded Leather Bridle Equestrian

Lift Sports

Based on 6 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Description: Hackamore bits are made of Stainless Steel. Straps are made of original Buffalo leather. Leather Straps are fully adjustable. Fast and Free Shipping. We do sell whole, please contact us for special discount on bulk orders.

User questions & answers

Question: Does it look like the first picture (with triangle shapes between the rings) or the second (with circles
Answer: Yes
Question: What size is this? I purchased one before and it was the size of a draft horse
Answer: It’s standard size/adjustable. For a larger horse you may have to punch extra holes. The reins that it comes with are roper reins. Not sure why they chose to do a clasp on one side and buckle on the other. Very good quality leather though.
Question: What size is this? I purchased one before and it was the size of a draft horse
Answer: Yes it does
Question: is this black or brown
Answer: Yes It should be used as a training tool.

Robart Pinchless The Reiner Bit

Robart

Based on 21 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Robart Pinchless The Reiner Bit Robart Patent #6449930 The Reiner is a great bit. Excellent for the transition from snaffle to ported bit. Work each side independently or pull both reins and its a stiff bit. (contains Robart internal bushing) Does not jar in horses mouth preventing the side head tossing caused from jarring. One of the top sellers. Size: 5, or 5 3/4 A revolutionary idea and bit design to implement it. Instead of training and working a horse on the basis of creating pain and the anticipation of pain. The patented David Robart bit correct by pressure a eliminating the pain. Truly a cleaver design.

  • Size 5 3/4 Inch
  • Excellent For Horses T transition From Snaffle To A Ported Bit
  • Stainless Steel

User questions & answers

Question: Would this help a gaited horse that only trots to gait
Answer: Yes, zipped in one of the pockets.
Question: How long is the port or shank on this bit
Answer: No I don’t think so. They hold a bottle of fly spray so if your shoes are small enough to compare that, they may.
Question: Is this an authentic Robart
Answer: Yes it would hold up
Question: How long is the shank on this bit
Answer: I did not have a glittery material on the bandages that I received.

The Bob Avila Collection by Professionals Choice Equine Correction Bit

The Bob Avila Collection by Professionals Choice

Based on 31 reviews Check latest price

Product description

AVB-101, Correction Bit - One of the most universal bits and very mild. The four moving parts allow the horse to respond to subtle rein pressure which greatly reduces heavy rein handling. This bit can be used in any western discipline. Port 2”, Mouth 5”, Cheek 7”

User questions & answers

Question: Do you use a curb strap with this bit
Answer: 5 inch

AAProTools Rainbow Mutli Color Horse Bit Loose Ring Lozenge Fat Link Stainless Steel Snaffle Equestrian Tack Shows BT-0105

AAProTools

Based on 15 reviews Check latest price

Product description

AAProTools Rainbow Mutli Color Horse Bit Loose Ring Lozenge Fat Link Stainless Steel Snaffle Equestrian Tack Shows BT-0105

  • AAProTools Rainbow Mutli Color Horse Bit Loose Ring Lozenge Fat Link Stainless Steel Snaffle Equestrian Tack Shows BT-0105
  • Stainless Steel, Gauranteed Satisfaction And Value For Money
  • This bit is a great for horses at any level of training.
  • AAProTools Products Offer A Handmade Touch To Each Instrument.
  • Excellent Quality As In The Picture

User questions & answers

Question: What is the size
Answer: The one I bought yes, it is clearly stamped Robart. (Nice bit I use it on Quarter Horses and Gated horses and Mules)

Stainless Steel Snaffle Bit Horse Ring Hollow Jointed Mouth Loose O Ring Horse Bit for Equestrian Supplies

HEEPDD

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Specification:

Condition:100% Brand New

Material: Stainless steel

Color: As Pictures Shown

Ring diameter: approx.65mm/2.6in

Weight: Approx.212g

Package list:

1 * Horse Bit

  • Directional Aids---Horse chews are iron chains that pass through the mouth of the horse. Make horse can't bite, can't eat, making it easier for people to control the horse.
  • Low Leverage---Easy on the mouth, low to moderate leverage. Relieves direct pressure on tongue and bars.
  • Exquisite Craft---Made of quality stainless steel material, anti-rusty, non-toxic and safe, comfortable and durable for long time use.
  • Wonderful Gift---Equestrian beginner's choice.The great attention to detail make this spur straps your best gift to your friends who like to ride horses.
  • Satisfaction Guarantee---We greatly value our customers and want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase. If you aren't happy with your shopping experience or product, we urge you to contact us so we can resolve the issue!

FG Collection by Metalab Aluminum Short Medium Port Bit - Aluminium - 5"

FG COLLECTION

Based on 9 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Made by Metalab. FG aluminum short medium port , curved sweet iron mouthpiece with copper inlays, 7 1/4" aluminum engraved cheeks. Light and comfortable bit, good for any kind of rider's hand.

  • Is Discontinued By Manufacturer :
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Stainless Steel O-Ring Snaffle Bit Hollow Jointed Mouth for Equestrian Supplies

HEEPDD

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Specification:

Condition:100% Brand New

Material: Stainless steel

Color: As Pictures Shown

Ring Connector: approx.125mm/4.9in

Weight: Approx.212g

Package list:

1 * Horse Bit

  • Exquisite Craft---Made of stainless steel material, anti-rusty, non-toxic and safe. Lost wax casting method, hand polishing.
  • Directional Aids---Horse chews are iron chains that pass through the mouth of the horse. Make horse can't bite, can't eat, making it easier for people to control the horse.
  • Low Leverage---Easy on the mouth,low to moderate leverage.
  • Wonderful Gift---Equestrian beginner's choice.The great attention to detail make this spur straps your best gift to your friends who like to ride horses.
  • Satisfaction Guarantee---We greatly value our customers and want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase. If you aren't happy with your shopping experience or product, we urge you to contact us so we can resolve the issue!

ViaGasaFamido Horse Snaffle, Antique Stainless Steel Western All Horse Snaffle Stiff-Bit Training Copper Roller Snaffle Bit Equestrian Equipment Supplies

ViaGasaFamido

Product description

Specification:

Condition:100% Brand New 

Item Type: Horse SnaffleMaterial: Stainless steel

Uses: Horse training, performance, etc.

Length of Horse Snaffle: Approx.13cm/5.1in



Package List:

1 x Horse Snaffle

  • Quality Material---Made of stainless steel, durable and wear‑resistant, ultra‑light rust‑proof. Safe and non-toxic, corrosion-resistant and not easy to damage, and can be used for a long time
  • Product Advantage---The copper roller with screws has beautiful appearance is more durable. The rollers act as a pacifier and help keep horse's mouth soft and moist.
  • Easy to Use---Made of healthy and safe materials, non‑toxic, can be used with confidence. This stainless steel horse snaffle can help to keep horse's mouth moist. Copper roller calms nerves and promotes salivation
  • Product Feature---The roller of horse's mouth is attached to the reins to control the horse's activities,it can providing excellent lateral support. This product is used in horse farms and can be used for horse training and performances.
  • Satisfaction Guarantee---We greatly value our customers and want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase. If you aren't happy with your shopping experience or product, we urge you to contact us so we can resolve the issue!

Professional S Choice Derby Twisted Low Port Bit

Professional Choice

Based on 8 reviews Check latest price

Product description

This fixed cheek leverage bit is well suited for a finished horse. This shank creates lateral flexion and provides hip control which allows the horse to maintain balance while keeping their shoulders elevated during turns.

The traditional snaffle has a slightly curved mouthpiece so it is easy for a horse to carry and is more comfortable. This mouthpiece will apply even pressure to the corners of a horses mouth.

  • SIZE : Mouth: 5-3/4 inch, Cheek: 6-3/4 inch.

Lift Sports D Ring Snaffle Bit Horse Riding with Copper Roller Stainless Steel Equestrian Tack

Lift Sports

Based on 15 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Description: THE D-RING IS DESIGNED TO AID STEERING, BUT WITHOUT THE CHEEK PRESSURE OF THE FULL CHEEK BITS. THE D-RING BITS ARE USED TO HELP PREVENT THE BIT BEEN PULLED THROUGH THE HORSES MOUTH. THE JOINTED MOUTH PIECE GIVES A NUTCRACKER EFFECT ON THE BARS OF THE HORSES MOUTH. THE D-RINGS PREVENT THE BIT FROM BEING PULLED THROUGH THE HORSE’S MOUTH SO IT LIES MORE STEADILY ON THE TONGUE GIVING A MORE COMFORTABLE FEELING. GENTLE PRESSURE IS PIVOTED DIRECTLY ONTO THE TONGUE ENSURING LIGHT AND PRECISE REIN AIDS. THE FIXED RINGS ENABLES THE RIDER A GOOD CONTACT WITH THE BIT. THE COPPER ROLLERS GIVE A SWEETER TASTE. COPPER ROLLERS CAN HELP A HORSE RELAX ITS JAW, MAKING A MORE SENSITIVE MOUTH. THE COPPER ROLLERS THEMSELVES CAN PROVIDE AS OUTLET FOR THE HIGH-ENERGY EXTROVERTED HORSE WHO ALWAYS WANTS TO PLAY AND KEEP HIS MOUTH BUSY. KEEP IN MIND TOO THAT IT CAN BE AN EXPRESSION OF ANXIETY. THE COPPER ROLLERS THOUGH TOO CAN PROMOTE SALIVATION AND THUS A SOFT AND RESPONSIVE MOUTH. GENERALLY, THE THICKER THE MOUTH PIECE THE LESS SEVERE AND THE SHORTER THE SHANKS ON A CURB. Fast & Free Shipping.

  • Date First Available :
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Reinsman Sharon Camarillo Lifesaver Plus Touch Bit

Reinsman

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Sharon Camarillo Lifesaver Plus Touch Bit Designed for a horse with a sensitive mouth. The longer shank offers control for rate and supple turns. The iron wrapped 3-piece O Ring snaffle works off tongue, lip, bar pressure making this is an excellent competition bit choice. It is also an excellent bit for trail riding. Adjust headstall to slight wrinkle and curb to 2-4 fingers for desired control. This is the second bit in the tender touch series. Comes with snap link stainless steel chain curb strap but Sharon prefers a flat chain curb strap which is shown as an option when ordering the bit. 6 1/2" cheeks, 5 1/2" mouth. Lifetime Guarantee. Made in the U.S.A. Features: Designed for a horse with a sensitive mouth Longer shank for control Excellent for competition or trail riding Made in the U.S.A.

  • Designed for a horse with a sensitive mouth
  • Longer shank for control
  • Excellent for competition or trail riding
  • Made in the U.S.A.

Carefree Enzymes 94089 Bit Wipes Horse Health & Care

Based on 37 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Bit wipes use our unique combination of enzymes & Peppermint to be the perfect addition to your riding equipment. Horses love the smell & taste of Peppermint so our wipes greatly help with horses who resist taking the bit. Our enzymes work to clean & sanitize the bit helping to prevent bacteria related health issues. Try our bit wipes before or after riding!

  • Peppermint flavor
  • Encourages stubborn horses to accept the bit
  • Enzymes clean & sanitize bit
  • Made with food-grade ingredients
  • Non-toxic, & all-natural

Coronet Half Wonder Gag Bit with Twisted Mouth

Coronet

Based on 7 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Half Wonder Gag with Twisted Wire Mouth Sweet Iron mouth twisted wire. All our Bits are High Quality German or Stainless Steel made by Coronet or Kirsten. Size: 5 inch.

  • Item Package Dimensions: 20.32 L X 13.462 W X 2.54 H (Cm)
  • Product Type: Sporting Goods
  • Item Package Weight: 0.749 Pounds
  • Country Of Origin: China

Classic Rope Company 6 inch One by One Cheek Correction Bit 6IN

Classic Rope Company

Based on 6 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Classic Equine BitsTool Box Bit Series1 x 1 Cheek Correction6in Cheek2-1/2in Purchase3-1/2in Shank5-1/8 Wide3/8in DiameterContact with mouth comes in slowlyMain point of contact is corners of mouthUse with training fork or martingale to encourage collection and poll controlCopper inlaid mouthpiece to stimulate salivationTBBIT36SS61 The 6 cheek has a 2-1/2 purchase and a 3-1/2 shank. This ratio (the difference in the length of the purchase and shank) and the swept-back design of the shank make this a mild cheek. Contact with the horses mouth comes slowly in the form of soft pressure to all points of contact. The main point of contact is the corners of the mouth, which is a familiar spot from the O Ring. This bit may also be used with a training fork or martingale to encourage collection and poll control. The mouthpiece is inlaid with copper to stimulate salivation. The mouthpiece is 5-1/8 wide, 3/8 in diameter, and curved to shape to the corner of the mouth for soft, evenly distributed pressure to the bars, tongue, and corners of the mouth.In 1986 in Grandbury, Texas, Classic Rope started as one of the first companies to devise and perfect machine manufacturing of the lariat rope. Countless hours were spent formulating rope components that could withstand all types of roping conditions, both indoor and outdoor. Initially founded for the sole purpose of supporting the event of team roping, Classic was able to offer a consistent structure and sensitive feel in their ropes like no others on the market. Because of its quality and appeal, Classic Rope quickly became the leading rope manufacturer that professionals grew to depend on.

  • Classic Equine Bits
  • Tool Box Bit Series
  • 1 x 1 Cheek Correction
  • 6in Cheek
  • 2 1/2in Purchase

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