Introduction

A bit – the part of the bridle that is inserted into a horse’s mouth – enables a rider to cue a horse by placing pressure in and around the horse’s mouth. This pressure is used to control the horse's speed and direction of movement. Bit selection is influenced by a variety of factors, including the style of riding and traditional bit use, the rider’s ability, the level of the horse’s training, and the intended use of the horse.

Specific riding disciplines use one type of bit more than another. For example, stock seat horses are ridden mostly with curb bits, with riders placing one hand on the reins and no rein contact on the horse's mouth unless applying a specific cue. Conversely, hunt seat horses are ridden mostly with ring snaffles and guided with two hands on the reins and continual light rein contact with the horse's mouth. Bit selection will also vary because of differences in the abilities of horses and riders. Inexperienced or incorrectly trained horses may be confused and respond adversely to the type or intensity of pressure applied by some bits. Similarly, some riders may apply inappropriate levels of pressure with some bits, or they may apply pressure at the incorrect times.

The objective of this module is to assist the inexperienced rider in the selection of bits. Identifying differences in bit construction and understanding some of the important principles of bit use will provide an educated basis for selecting bits. Readers are encouraged to continue their education by receiving hands-on instruction from experienced professionals and by reading and viewing the many resource materials that have been developed on training horses. By doing so, riders will gain a better understanding of the training process and how bit use and selection can assist in achieving their riding goals.