What to Look for When Selecting a Western Bit

A Guide to Choosing and Using a Western Bit

A Tool for Communication

Many horses show resistance to indicate that something isn’t right. Essentially, your horse is telling you that they are trying their best but may need a different form of communication. A bit alone cannot train your horse—training requires time, patience, repetition, and the right aids for the horse: hands, legs, seat, voice, proper tack, and of course, good health and suitable conformation for the task at hand.

"Bits are meant as a communication tool between horse and rider. They are only one part of the training process."

Imbalance or Pain

Many riders look for a new bit when their horse shows physical reactions in the mouth. Often, however, these responses are a reaction to an issue elsewhere in the body. Tongue problems are rarely caused by the bit itself. Usually, it’s a matter of imbalance or discomfort in another part of the body that prevents relaxation of the lower jaw and neck. This also applies to headshakers: horses rarely shake their heads because of the bit—there is almost always underlying imbalance or pressure. Horses that keep their mouths open often have hind limb issues, while head tilting can indicate problems in the front limbs.

So Many Bits to Choose From

Although the bit is only a small part of training and communication, there is a huge variety on the market, which can be overwhelming. But there’s a reason for so many options: a bit must suit both horse and rider, match the horse’s and rider’s skill level, and feel comfortable. This often requires experimentation and occasional changes.

As a rider, consider the following:

• When visiting a good osteopath or physiotherapist, always have the position of the hyoid bone checked and adjusted if necessary. This small structure plays a major role in your horse’s movement. Pressure on the tongue, whether brief or prolonged, can limit the mobility of the hyoid bone and affect the movement of the entire horse. It supports breathing, swallowing, and vocalization and is essential for head stabilization. Through muscles and fascia, it connects to almost every skeletal muscle, influencing movement even in the hindquarters. Proper bit use is directly linked to the hyoid bone’s function.

The Importance of a Horse Dentist

You can’t use a bit effectively without a healthy mouth. Horses are experts at hiding pain, so a professional dental check at least once a year is crucial. When a horse resists the bit, start by asking: “When was the last dental check?” rather than, “Do I need a new bit?”

Inspecting the Bit

A bit should never feel sharp or have excessive play where skin could get pinched. This applies even to a simple D-ring snaffle. All edges should be smooth and rounded—your horse feels every detail. For bits with a jointed mouthpiece, such as snaffles or correction bits, all connections should be as small and round as possible. Larger or sharper connections create pressure points on the tongue.

Different Materials

Material can affect how a horse responds. About 80% of horses prefer sweet iron because of its naturally sweet taste. Copper can help relaxation, as it feels warmer in the mouth, and some horses enjoy the flavor. Many mouthpieces combine metals, which oxidize over time—this is actually beneficial. Stainless steel is mainly for horses with metal allergies. Avoid rubber bits, which can cause burns if saliva is limited. Some modern synthetic bits are lightweight and suitable for horses sensitive to metal.

Size and Thickness

Bit size depends on your horse’s anatomy. Research by Sprenger and the University of Veterinary Medicine in Hannover shows that the maximum space in a horse’s mouth is only 3.5–4 cm (excluding the tongue). The tongue takes up 2–2.5 cm, leaving about 1.5 cm for the bit. Factors like jaw width and lip thickness also play a role. The tongue is very sensitive and strong, and lips vary widely among horses. Feel the lips gently to detect sensitivity or injuries.

Additionally, consider the thickness of the bars (toothless areas of the jaw). They can be thin or thick, V-shaped or flat, which affects comfort. Most horses do not have space for a very thick bit; a narrow bit is often clearer and more comfortable, especially in Western riding, where constant contact isn’t required.

Bit Height

Hang the bit so that one thumb fits between the mouthpiece and the front teeth. This usually creates 1–3 wrinkles at the corners of the mouth. A bit that hangs too low can interfere with the teeth or create discomfort, while too much pressure on the corners can make the horse stiff. Adjust individually for each horse.

Bit Length

A shank bit or D-ring snaffle should fit the lips with minimal space. A loose ring snaffle may have about 0.5 cm play on each side. Standard Western sizes are 5 and 5 1/8 inches (12.5–13 cm), which suits most Western breeds.

Competition Considerations

Check the rules for bits allowed in your organization or event. When in doubt, ask the bit judge or jury, as regulations can vary and change yearly.

Starting Without a Bit

For inexperienced horses or those new to riding, start under saddle without a bit. Allow the horse to adjust to your weight, seat, and leg aids in walk, trot, and canter. Only introduce the bit once the horse understands your other aids.

Introducing the Snaffle Bit

Begin with a single-jointed D-ring snaffle. It is stable, doesn’t pinch the tongue or jaw like a double-jointed bit, and helps teach balance and lateral movement. Once the horse is comfortable and balanced, you can move to a loose ring snaffle for more flexibility.

The Shank Bit

Use shank bits only when the horse is fully balanced and capable of carrying weight correctly. Longer shanks create more leverage; straighter shanks provide more direct pressure. Always use a curb strap or chain to limit leverage. Proper shank use applies pressure to the poll, tongue, bars, and behind the ears.

How Bits Work

• Single-jointed bits: Apply pressure to the edges of the tongue and lower jaw, offering stability. Too wide can cause a nutcracker effect.

• Double-jointed bits: Distribute pressure over a larger area of the tongue and work more strongly. Ensure the middle piece isn’t too large to avoid tongue pinching.

• Fixed-mouthpiece bits: Often combined with shanks; good for horses sensitive to pressure on the bars or palate.

An anatomically curved mouthpiece encourages forward lengthening but may lead to leaning on the forehand if the horse isn’t relaxed.

Positive Association

Once you’ve found the right bit, create a positive association. Introduce and remove it gently, warm it in cold weather, and ensure it’s clean. A bit should never be cold or uncomfortable. Some riders use a small amount of treat on the bit for initial acceptance.

Bit Maintenance

Clean your bit daily. Remove any debris that could irritate the corners of the mouth. Check moving parts for wear and damage.

Final Tip

A browband bridle (with throatlatch) works with any bit described above. Bridles without browbands can only be used with shank bits because leverage could loosen the headstall with other bits.