Don't know what bite to buy for your lovely black steed?
The bit - the piece of metal that is placed in the horse's mouth and is connected to the reins - is used to guide the horse, so it must be chosen carefully. An inadequate bite can be painful or even dangerous for your stomping four-legged friend. Here are some tips for choosing the most suitable one. Alternatively, you can opt for a bitless bridle if you prefer.
Steps
Step 1. Learn about the different types of bites
The main types of bit are the jointed "snaffle bit"), lever ("curb bit"), and the so-called "gag bit". Additional factors to consider are the effects determined by the material and thickness of the bite.
Step 2. The most common type of English bite is the so-called "Dee-ring", whose shape on the sides resembles the letter D
It is one of the less severe bites for horses; this means that the pressure it exerts is less than that of other types. The lightest bite is the one called "Happy mouth", which is made of rubber.
Step 3. Find out what bit your horse is used to
If he has already been tamed, what type of bite was used with him? If you have the previous bite in your hands, hold it straight and measure the length of the mouth without taking into account the rings.
Step 4. Measure the size of the horse's mouth
In this regard, you can buy special tools, or you can simply place a wooden stick in its mouth, exactly where the bite will be placed. Make sure the wand protrudes from his mouth a little more than an inch on either side. Usually, the smaller a horse is, the smaller its mouth will be and therefore the smaller the bit it will need, and vice versa for a larger horse. However, this is not always the case: for example, a Haflinger has a pony-like build, but a very large head and mouth.
Step 5. Assess the horse's temperament and character
If you were used to a tame pony and decide to upgrade to a vigorous Arabian horse, the jointed bit you used with your pony may not be able to keep your new horse in check. Do not assume that a strong horse necessarily needs a severe bit: often a delicate horse will resist a severe bit and try to escape. If your horse doesn't obey a light bit, you need to roll up your sleeves and get him to obey you. If you need a severe bit for your horse, it may need more training.
Step 6. Experiment and observe
Try out various types of bit to figure out which bit is best for you and your horse. Start with a jointed bite, but only if a professional deems it adequate; if this type of bite is too light, try a bit more severe and so on; however, remember that a severe bite should not be considered a substitute for good training.
Advice
- For the sake of your horse, if you are a novice, do not choose a bit with too long levers or you will tear the horse's mouth.
- If the horse does not accept or does not respond well to the bite, it may have some problems related to the teeth: consult a veterinarian.
- Remember that the horse is an animal, and as such it deserves to be heard as well, not just being dragged around using a severe bit.
- Don't buy a bite that you are unable to use; for example, don't buy a "Waterford" just because you like it aesthetically: you would be a fool, considering that "Waterfords" are very strict when the horse pulls or when you have to pull the reins.
- In some states you have the option to rent a bite to try it without having to buy it.
- A horse enthusiast should not need to use a particularly severe bit, he should limit himself to using the jointed or D-ring bites; moreover, he shouldn't even use a secondary curb.
- If you are used to American style riding, you cannot hold the reins with two hands and use a lever bit, since it goes against the rules of riding, but you can do it using a jointed bit. Remember that all bits equipped with levers must not be used with direct reins or with two hands; these bites also include the so-called "American jointed bite" and the "Tom Thumb", which are not properly jointed bites, but lever bites.
- It is against the rules of riding to use a secondary barbell on an "Eggbut" joint or any other type of jointed bit; after all, the hallmark of a jointed bite should be lightness, right?
Warnings
- Don't ride your horse if it doesn't like its bite - it may refuse to be ridden, and there's no point trying to tame a horse that doesn't feel comfortable.
- Make sure any bite you choose is legal. This is especially important when it comes to competitions or various types of races you wish to participate in: there are, in fact, many severe bites considered illegal in competitions and exhibitions. Contact your discipline's board of directors to request regulation.
