Bits are sorted into families based on the pressure points they affect on the horse’s head. This in turn has an effect on the position of the horse’s head. Knowing which family your horse’s bit or a bit you are considering using is part of will help you to decide if it’s the right one and if it’s doing what you need it to.
1. Snaffles
This family has the widest range of bits which are included. All snaffles have a slight head raising action and the pressure points they act on are the tongue, corners of the mouth and bars of the mouth. Within the family there are a wide range of options to suit each individual horse by mixing and matching different cheek and mouthpieces. Although most of these bits can be used for dressage, make sure you check the relevant rule book.
2. Double Bridles
These are two bits which are designed to be used together. The Bridoon is a snaffle which has a thinner mouthpiece and smaller bit rings than a normal snaffle and the Weymouth is a curb bit which only has attachments for the cheekpieces and one set of reins. The idea behind the double bridle is that each bit acts on different pressure points. The Bridoon will have a slight head raising action (like a snaffle), the curb will have a head lowering effect and if used with a curb chain will encourage the horse to flex their jaw.
3. Pelhams
This family is an attempt to combine the bits of the double bridle into one bit. This family has a head lowering action and if used with a curb chain will have the same effect as a curb. There are a couple of different bits in this family, which include the Kimblewick, Swales Pelham and Rugby Pelham to name a few.
4. Leverage Bits
These have the effect of lowering the head by acting on the poll, corners of the mouth and bars of the mouth. The main different between these and Pelhams is the lack of curb chain and the option on many bits to adjust the amount of poll pressure.
5. Gags
A true gag bit can be recognised as it has it’s own cheekpieces which run through the bit rings. The top has a buckle which attaches to the headpiece, the other has a metal ring which a set of reins can be attached to. These bits use to be thought to have a head raising action, but it has now been shown that they actually have a head lowering action.
6. Bitless
The Hackamore is the most well known bit on this family, however in recent years there have been a number of new versions of bitless bridles coming onto the market. Whichever one you go for they will have a head lowering effect by placing pressure on the poll, nose and chin groove. Many people choose bitless bridles as they believe them to be a kinder option than a bit, however the horse has a number of sensitive nerves run across their face to it’s important to release any pressure you place down the reins.
The only family I haven’t mentioned is the combination bit. These comprise of a bit which is attached to a noseband. These act on the majority of pressure points depending on the combination and care must be taken when fitting these and using them.
If you want more information about bits and choosing the right one for your horse, why not check out another blog on bitting HERE