Categorizing Bits

Bits function by placing pressure on and around a horse's mouth. That pressure can be on the bridge of the nose, under the chin, corners of the mouth, tongue, bars, palate, or poll. Bits can be categorized into those placing pressure primarily on the nose and chin when rein pressure is applied, those working primarily on the mouth with direct pressure from the reins, and those working primarily on the mouth and curb with leverage pressure from the reins.