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Did you know horse bits are essential for horse tack? There are several bit materials. Horse bits come in different types of bit nozzle styles. Visit the Equine World UK store online for equine goods, equine clothing, and equipment.
Check out the 15 types of horse bits.
Here are the 15 types of horse bits you may see when choosing a bit for your horse.
- Mullen Mouthed Bits
A horse bit with a Mullen is a simple mouthpiece with a slight curvature to sit comfortably on the horse’s tongue. This type of mouthpiece is a bit more comfortable for a horse than a straight bar mouthpiece. The Mullen muzzle is softer than a hinged mouthpiece, as there is no nutcracker effect when pulling on the reins. Examples of largemouth Mullen:
- Half a sandwich spoon
- English Pelham Bit
- Roller bits
The roller horse bits can be stainless steel or copper or are often seen in an alternating pattern like in this full cheek. The role of the copper rollers is to promote salivation while the rollers are seated to prevent the horse from resting on the bit. The rollers slightly increase the gravity of the bit. The rollers are also sometimes in bits with ports and spades.
- English Full Tooth Clasp Bit
In this horse bit, the ports can be pretty low or very high. Some ports will have rollers or keys. Both English and Western horse bits can have ports. Learn why bits have ports. Examples of bits with ports:
- Western grazing bit explained
- Explanation of the west of correction bit
- Articulated nozzle
The unique joints create a nutcracker effect that works on the bars of the mouth, the tongue, and the lips. For some horses, this bit may be easier to carry than a straight bar steak. Examples of bits with simple junctions:
- Egg fillet
- English full cheek steak
- Continue to 5 of 15 below.
- French Link mouthpiece
French link nozzles have a peanut-shaped flat link in the middle to make two links. The French link mouthpiece is softer than a single joint or Mullen muzzle and more accessible for the horse to carry. A lozenge pickup looks like a French band, but the straighter bond puts more pressure on the tongue.
- Dr. Bristol Mouthpiece
Dr. Bristol Mouthpiece, aka Doc Bristol bit, has a flat link in the middle, and it looks a bit like a French link. The difference is that the link is long and is set at a slight angle. The edge of the link has more influence on the tongue when pulling the reins. Like the French link, Dr. Bristol has a small nutcracker action. A Dr. Bristol mouthpiece is more severe than a French mouth or Mullen’s mouth.
- Ball Link Mouthpieces
The ball link of this horse bit is located directly on the horse’s tongue. While the Nutcracker effect is reduced, there is more pressure on the horse’s tongue. This bit is harsher than a French bond but less so than a Dr. Bristol as there is no border on the bond to press on the horse’s tongue.
- Wire nozzles
Braided wire nozzles are very severe and thin, which concentrates the pressure on a small area of the horse’s tongue, bars of the mouth, and the lips. Wire nozzles can be straight, hinged, or double offset twisted. Cables can be made of one or a combination of metals.
- Braided nozzles
Twisted nozzles can be made from materials and can have a straight, Mullen, or hinged nozzle. They are similar to simple hinged loops, but a twist is formed on the mouthpiece. Although not as severe as a horn bit, these are compelling horse bits. The twists on these nozzles can be pretty significant, it’s called a slow turn, or the twist can be pretty tight.
- Chain nozzles
Chain bits use a chain link chain, bicycle, or chain. These pieces are very severe, and their use is frowned upon by most riders.
- Nozzles with coarse or fine bits
The nozzles of some egg butts are very wide and are a bit soft for a young horse or one with a susceptible mouth. In general, the thicker the chunk, the smoother the action in the horse’s mouth. Because they have a soft palate or large tongue, some horses may find very thick pieces, such as egg fillers, uncomfortable carrying. The thinner the mouthpiece, the more severe the tip. It concentrates all the pressure on a thin area of the tongue and the bars of the mouth.
- Full mouth bit with keys
Keys are small elongated metal beads and are most often seen in bits intended to introduce young horses. There are usually three keys attached to a center ring on the mouthpiece. You might know this as a bit of a mouth. Many trainers are no longer in favor of these bits. It is since they feel a little encourages the horse to play with the bit too much.
- Spade bits
The use of the shovel is rooted in the cowboy tradition. The shovel or spoon comes in contact with the roof of the mouth when the reins are pulled and pieces with spades or spoons traditionally have long handles. In inexperienced hands, this little can cause physical damage to a horse’s mouth. Cowboy riding style does not rely heavily on reins, and horses are taught to wear this type of muzzle after extensive schooling.
- Hollow nozzles
A hollow jaw is a lighter weight than the same bit made with a solid jaw. Many horses carry this piece comfortably due to its weight.
- Quarter or Half Moon Linked Nozzles
The crescent is another joint. This type of horse bit is made of copper to stimulate salivation. The crescent provides room for the tongue, while the double bonds soften the nutcracker action compared to a typical jointed steak.
So, now you know the most common types of horse bits used in equestrian. Shop for high quality horse bits at online equine store.
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