Different bits and what they do

Trinket12

Trinket12

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Where can I learn about different bits and what they do?

I would like to get a better understanding about bits, I do some Googling, but wondered if there was somewhere I can learn more?

Not looking to change anything we’re using right now, but now I’m a horse owner I’d like to broaden my understanding of some areas!
 
See if you can find a demo/talk by a bitting expert in your area. I went to one arranged by a local riding club a couple of years ago. She covered a bit about history of bits, how various bits work and some dos and don’ts for buying a bit. Very interesting and informative.
 
Read lots of books. You'll find ideas are expressed differently by different authors, and old books have thoughts and ideas which may have fallen out of favour or or been forgotten. Putting all this together in your own mind, along with spending time looking at (and feeling) bits in shops will help you to get a fuller understanding than from any single source.
 
Shires actually give a good detailed description of their bits including what mouth they suit and their action. I had a catalogue but they might online aswell maybe.
 
popcorn1 said:
I have always found it odd that horsey stuff is not sold with instructions! I personally think bits should have information sheets sold with them to include fitting instructions.

Eg
designed to encourage the horse to lift his head up
considered a strong bit
not suited to use in combination with a martingale
Click to expand...
That’s because what manufacturers put on bits is complete codswallop most of the time.

No matter what the bit looks like, it cannot “lift the shoulder” as so many are purported to do.

If most bit manufacturers were honest and truthful, all of their bit labels would say “forces compliance through pain/threat of pain”
 
I will try and phrase this as carefully and impartially as I can, given that with my other hat on I supply all manner of horse bits worldwide.

Firstly, any retailer who is offering bits for sale should be more than happy to discuss with you at length you and your horse's needs and any particular problems you might be trying to alleviate. This should be either in person if you visit their shop - or by message and email if they sell online. They should also be honest enough to suggest bits that they think might suit you well, even if they are NOT within their stock list.

Secondly, bit specialists are a relatively recent and new 'expert' offering to this highly remunerative industry. In theory an excellent and welcome addition to have highly trained and knowledgeable professionals we can pay for the benefit of their knowledge and training.

However, I am much more convinced with said expert if they are NOT affiliated to one or two VERY expensive bit manufacturers and lo and behold only one of those VERY expensive bits will suit and cure your horse of any issues you might be experiencing. Just keep in mind that many bitting issues were solved with a very simple £25 bit, probably many more than were solved with a £200 offering! . but time will be the answer to that one I am sure. :)

We are very fortunate in the area I live in that we have a very honest and competent bit expert who does not charge a mortgage to call out and is not affiliated to any big name bit manufacturer and if a £25 will do the trick she will tell you.
 
I don't know if there are any bit experts in my area, but also don't think I need that route. It's more for my own personal learning, especially now I own a horse. As an adult, and fairly new to the horse world I feel like I'm constantly playing catch up to learn more than just the riding component!
 
I've always had a fascination with bits since reading Bit by Bit by Diana Tuke which was on the BHS syllabus in the 80s 😆

Good info on traditional bits and the action and uses of each.

You can buy on Amazon & probably Ebay too.
 
The Complete Book Of Bits And Bitting by Elwin Hartley Edwards is very good. Gives all the history from the dawn of time upto and including modern bits with tons of photos and detailed description of the rein aids.
Trinket12 said:
Where can I learn about different bits and what they do?

I would like to get a better understanding about bits, I do some Googling, but wondered if there was somewhere I can learn more?

Not looking to change anything we’re using right now, but now I’m a horse owner I’d like to broaden my understanding of some areas!
Click to expand...
 
I would get a bitting specialist out. We have used two, Hilary Vernon (who is really hard to get hold of but is excellent if you can) and Emily Beresford Bitting.
Both very good. Emily (most recent visit) fully explained everything about the confirmation of my mares mouth, as well as watching me ride in several different bits.
It is something, I would recommend anyone wanting more help/knowledge/ comfortable horse etc, to consider.
 
I found Hilary Vernon nothing short of rude and all she did was push one of her bits which the pony clearly did not like.
 
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