Understanding bits and how to describe them

By Julia Lyon

Independent Lantra Qualified Bit & Bridle Fitter

Ikkos Equestrian

 OFTEN when I ask a client what bit their horse uses, they’ll say something like, “I use a eggbutt snaffle” or “a hanging cheek”. While that gives a clue about the cheekpiece, it rarely tells me the full story.

“What really matters is what’s inside the mouth – because

that’s where the bit interacts with the horse the most” – Julia Lyon

So, for this article and to help you gain more understanding of bits, I will break them down into three areas:

•                  The mouthpiece including the feature

•                  The side or cheekpiece

•                  The material

Each of these plays a role in how a bit functions:

The Mouthpiece

The mouthpiece includes all the parts of the bit that sit inside the horse’s mouth and include the cannons and the feature(s). These come in a wide range of materials, shapes, thicknesses and even textures. The features can be anything from a small port or single joint to a variety of complex links or rollers.

The cannons of a mouthpiece have a big impact on where the bit sits in the horse’s mouth, how it moves, and its overall weight. They can vary in diameter, typically from around 10mm up to 20mm, and can be completely straight, slightly curved, bumpy, twisted, shaped, angled, have inserts, rollers or even curve upwards. The shape and size of the cannon influences how pressure is applied and contributes significantly to how the bit feels to the horse.

The cannons form the mouthpiece which can be straight, single-jointed, double-jointed or multi-jointed.

A straight mouthpiece has no joints and lies across the horse’s mouth. The shape, texture and thickness affect how pressure is distributed.

Different brands often use their own names; Bomber Bits refer to it as a ‘solid’, Fager often describe it as a ‘rigid’, and Neue Schule tend to name them after the design, such as the ‘Turtle Bar’. Herm Sprenger and Trust Equestrian use a mix of these terms.

You will also hear the term ‘mullen’. This specifically refers to a straight bar with a consistent, gentle curve, usually shaped slightly forward to follow the tongue.

A single-jointed mouthpiece has one joint usually in the middle. As the reins are used, that joint changes shape and alters how pressure is spread across the oral structures. The joint can be of varying size and bulk.

Bomber Bits call it ‘1 Break’. Neue Schule tend to name them after the design, such as the ‘Demi Anky’. Korsteel, Herm Sprenger, Trust Equestrian and Fager generally refer to them as ‘jointed or single-jointed’.

A double-jointed mouthpiece is made up of three sections, usually with a link, plate, or lozenge in the middle. These bits can vary widely and are sometimes made from mixed materials. The shape, design and material all influence how the bit sits in the mouth and how much space it takes up.

Bomber Bits call it a ‘2 Break’. Neue Schule tend to name their mouthpieces after the design, such as the ‘Turtle Top’ or ‘Verbindend’. Herm Sprenger refer to them as double jointed but

they also use design names including “KK & WH Ultra”. Stubben, Trust Equestrian, and Fager generally call them “Double Jointed”, with Trust often naming them after the style of the middle section, such as the Dr. Bristol or French Link.

A Multi-link mouthpiece is made up of several links in a variety of shapes, ranging from smooth to very textured. These links can move in multiple directions within the horse’s mouth.

Bomber Bits call this style ‘Flexible’, although that term can also include flexible synthetic bits, which can make the naming less consistent. Many other manufacturers simply refer to it as a ‘Waterford’. Neue Schule hold a patent covering certain design elements of their Waterford, but the name itself is fairly generic and widely used by many manufacturers to describe any multi-linked mouthpiece.

A locking mouthpiece, as the name suggests, features some sort of locking mechanism.

To complicate things, these types of locking bits can include a barrel joint, a locking single-joint or a locking double-joint. All of them will allow for some movement but will become more fixed under a degree of rein pressure.

You can find bits that lock upwards, or lock forwards, some that both lock up and forward. Barrel bits lock in all directions but still provide independent side action. Bomber Bits refer to these bits as ‘Semi’ and include barrels & pivot joints.

The Features

Many mouthpieces combine one or more features. From ports to joints, from lozenges to rollers, the list is endless.

Each feature changes how the bit sits in the horse’s mouth and how it interacts with the oral structures. For example:

Julia Lyon of Ikkos Equestrian.

•                  Ports can be low, medium or high, tilted at various angles and come in a huge variation of widths.

•                  Joints, single, double or multiple – they all change the way pressure is distributed.

•                  Lozenges, plates or links can target pressure –  and also can be found in a variation of materials that differ from the rest of the mouthpiece.

•                  Rollers rotate independently on the mouthpiece and range from one small, rounded roller to multiple sharper thinner washer-like rollers.

Many modern bits combine several of these elements, for example a double-jointed bit with a low port and a roller or a straight mouthpiece with a port.

Double-jointed mouthpieces with various styles of features (a roller and a smooth knuckled lozenge).

A locking mouthpiece with a port and barrel (the features).

The side or cheekpiece

The side or cheekpiece has a big influence on how a bit works. Common designs include the Loose Ring, Eggbutt, D Ring, Pelham, Kimblewick and Universal. Each supports the mouthpiece differently and affects how the bit sits in the horse’s mouth and interacts with the bridle.

More complex cheekpieces change the rein pressure distribution not just within the oral cavity but also through the bridle, creating subtle differences in how pressure is applied.

This is where things can get confusing. Some bits are labelled as snaffles even though the rein attachment introduces leverage, while others combine multiple actions in a single design. For this reason, the name of a bit doesn’t always tell the full story.

In general, bits can be categorised as Snaffles, Curbs and Gags. Another way to look at them is by grouping them as Class I or Class II bits, which can be more helpful when understanding how they act in the horse’s mouth.

Class I

•                  Reins and cheekpieces are attached to the same cheek ring.

•                  They rotate clockwise when the reins are applied (viewed from the left-hand side of the horse).

 Typical Type 1 Bit – A snaffle where the rein attaches in line with the mouthpiece.

Class II

•                  Cheekpieces are attached above the mouthpiece, with reins attaching below the mouthpiece.

•                  They rotate anticlockwise when rein tension is applied (viewed from the left-hand side of the horse).

 Typical Type 2 Bit – A curb where the bottom rein attaches below the level of the mouthpiece (combined with a bridoon which is a type 1).

The material

The material of a bit plays an important role in how it is accepted by the horse, as well as its durability and feel in the mouth.

“Stainless steel is neutral tasting and doesn't

encourage nor discourage salivation” – Julia Lyon

Stainless steel is a popular and robust material for bits. It is an alloy of iron, chromium and nickel. It is strong, easy to clean, and does not rust. It can feel cold in the mouth and may take a little time to warm up, but this alone does not make it unsuitable.

On colder days, it can help to warm the bit slightly before use. Stainless steel also comes in different grades (18/8 is preferred for horse bits), which can vary in quality and finish. Higher grade stainless steels tend to be smoother, more durable, and less prone to imperfections.

Most stainless steel bits are cast, so they should always be checked for any rough edges, cracks or inconsistencies. The material is neutral in taste and does not encourage or discourage salivation.

Titanium is a lightweight and strong material that is more increasingly being used in less complex designed bits. It is non-corrosive and durable, so it holds its shape well over time and does not rust.

Also neutral in taste, titanium is similar to stainless steel and does not actively encourage salivation. Titanium bits tend to be more expensive, but they are often chosen for their strength, lightness and longevity.

Sweet iron is a general term rather than a specific alloy or trademark. It usually refers to a mild (low-carbon) steel that oxidises easily.

This surface rust is what gives it the name ‘sweet’, not any actual sweetness in the metal itself. As it oxidises, it can encourage salivation, which may help some horses accept the bit more readily. However, it does require careful maintenance. The bit should be cleaned and dried after use to prevent the surface becoming rough or abrasive.

Sensogan is a patented alloy developed by Herm Sprenger. It is made from a blend of copper, manganese and zinc. This material is designed to promote a pleasant taste in the mouth and encourage salivation, while also offering strength and durability.

Compared to pure copper, it is more stable and less prone to rapid wear. Sensogan is often used in higher-end bits where both comfort and longevity are important.

Synthetic bits have their place, but the range available is wide and quality can vary. They can be more easily damaged and may need replacing more regularly. Some are designed to encourage chewing, but in practice they can be drying and signs of wear on the tongue and lips are not uncommon.

Many synthetic bits are also quite thick, which can be unsuitable for the average horse’s mouth. That said, newer designs are improving and slimmer, more refined options are becoming increasingly available.

Key takeaways

This article is only a small glimpse into the world of bitting, but hopefully it has given you an insight into the complexities around bit choice.

The right bit isn’t about what looks good or what someone else recommends, it’s about what actually fits and works in your horse’s mouth.

Mouthpiece, features, material and the cheekpiece all play a role, and they need to work together.

Think of it like shoes, the style doesn’t matter if it pinches in the wrong places. Get it right and you’ll have a willing partner.