Bit types

[Lissy695]

I'm new to this forum and unsure how to put photos up from my phone? I'm curious about bits and their uses! Please help!

 

[Makemineacob]

I've not figured out photos but if there are any specific bits you want to find out a bit more about then somewhere like the bit bank.com has descriptions against most bits as to their use, I seem to recall the Shires catalogue used to have some descriptions against the bits that you can sit and read while having a cuppa if it's just general research to learn more. x

 

[Lissy695]

I've not figured out photos but if there are any specific bits you want to find out a bit more about then somewhere like the bit bank.com has descriptions against most bits as to their use, I seem to recall the Shires catalogue used to have some descriptions against the bits that you can sit and read while having a cuppa if it's just general research to learn more. x

Ah brilliant thank you!!!!

 

[Barnacle]

Also check out youtube... there are plenty of videos explaining how the different bits work and what they are good for... And how to fit them etc etc

 

[Peregrine Falcon]

It's a "bit" ()of a minefield with them, so many to look through and consider. Do you have a current bitting issue?

 

[Lissy695]

It's a "bit" ()of a minefield with them, so many to look through and consider. Do you have a current bitting issue?

Just wondering what I should be in . I think I ride my cob in s hanging cheek piece French link ? Is that how you'd say it?

 

[Barnacle]

A hanging cheek french link, yes. The hanging cheek part just reduces how "fixed" the bit is (some people incorrectly believe it increases poll pressure - it does not). The french link part is the double-jointed middle section of the bit. This means the bit molds more to the overall shape of the mouth and has less of a nutcracker action (which pulls the head up) than a single-jointed bit (snaffle). It puts pressure over the whole tongue and bars of the mouth. The thickness also matters - thicker means more spread out pressure and therefore milder but some horses prefer thin ones because a thick one fills up the mouth too much and might be uncomfortable for some. A french link of some kind with no leverage, like yours, is the bit I would aim to be able to use on any horse and is on the mild side. There are other bits that might suit better if your horse is sensitive like those that are shaped to the mouth, rubber bits, bigger or smaller etc... But in essence, if the bit you are using works for your horse reasonably well, I would stick with it and use training to address any shortcomings rather than switching to something else.

 

[EquiEquestrian556]

A hanging cheek, with a french link mouthpiece.

If your horse is happy in that, and it fits, plus you have control in it, then yes, you should keep it. What bits are you looking for? Best advice really would be from an experienced bitting expert in a tackshop, or your riding instructor. As others have also said, 'The Horse Bit Shop' also have lots of info. on pretty much all the bits out there, so have a look on their website too - http://www.thehorsebitshop.com/

 

[Lissy695]

A hanging cheek french link, yes. The hanging cheek part just reduces how "fixed" the bit is (some people incorrectly believe it increases poll pressure - it does not). The french link part is the double-jointed middle section of the bit. This means the bit molds more to the overall shape of the mouth and has less of a nutcracker action (which pulls the head up) than a single-jointed bit (snaffle). It puts pressure over the whole tongue and bars of the mouth. The thickness also matters - thicker means more spread out pressure and therefore milder but some horses prefer thin ones because a thick one fills up the mouth too much and might be uncomfortable for some. A french link of some kind with no leverage, like yours, is the bit I would aim to be able to use on any horse and is on the mild side. There are other bits that might suit better if your horse is sensitive like those that are shaped to the mouth, rubber bits, bigger or smaller etc... But in essence, if the bit you are using works for your horse reasonably well, I would stick with it and use training to address any shortcomings rather than switching to something else.

A hanging cheek, with a french link mouthpiece.

If your horse is happy in that, and it fits, plus you have control in it, then yes, you should keep it. What bits are you looking for? Best advice really would be from an experienced bitting expert in a tackshop, or your riding instructor. As others have also said, 'The Horse Bit Shop' also have lots of info. on pretty much all the bits out there, so have a look on their website too - http://www.thehorsebitshop.com/

This is great information thank you so much! Also my other horse, complete opposite is in a single joint gag. Again thoughts on this ? She's very strong to ride compared to my cob in the hanging cheek piece with French link

 

[EquiEquestrian556]

This is great information thank you so much! Also my other horse, complete opposite is in a single joint gag. Again thoughts on this ? She's very strong to ride compared to my cob in the hanging cheek piece with French link

What kind of gag? Is it a 3 ring aka dutch gag, or a cheltenham (eggbutt, fixed type cheeks)/ or balding (loose ring type cheeks) gag?

3 ring/ dutch gag

(A two ring gag is very similar, except it has 3 rings, the small top one for the cheek pieces, the big middle one, and a smaller one below, whereas a dutch or 3 ring gag, actually has 4 rings in total).

Cheltenham gag.

2 ring gag.

 

[Lissy695]

What kind of gag? Is it a 3 ring aka dutch gag, or a cheltenham (eggbutt, fixed type cheeks)/ or balding (loose ring type cheeks) gag?

3 ring/ dutch gag

(A two ring gag is very similar, except it has 3 rings, the small top one for the cheek pieces, the big middle one, and a smaller one below, whereas a dutch or 3 ring gag, actually has 4 rings in total).

Cheltenham gag.

2 ring gag.

It's a Cheltenham gag

 

[Barnacle]

Here is some info on running gags (of which the Cheltenham is one type): http://www.horsenation.com/2012/06/07/a-bit-of-advice-gag-bits/

IMO that's rather a severe bit to be using if not competing. I'd actually try the horse in a french link myself... The gag will lift the head and might actually make a horse that tries to evade more difficult and more inclined to run from the pain. Particularly if you're only using one rein with it. It's more effective for a horse that dips its head and plows forward but really I wouldn't want to be relying on something like this for everyday riding. I'd opt for more training instead.