Choosing the right horse bit for you and your horse can be an overwhelming task, especially if you’re new to the world of equestrianism. It can be difficult to know what bit is best for your horse or what they prefer when it comes to their bridle. There are so many different types of horse bits, with names like snaffle, full-shade bit, roller, curb, lever and pelham, not to mention variations on each of those names further down the list. But before you panic and throw in the towel, remember that every horse is different and what works well for one may not necessarily work well for another. In this blog post we will attempt to explain everything you need to know about horse bit types so that you can make an informed decision when it comes time to shop for one for yourself. Let’s get started!

Snaffle Bit

The snaffle is the most basic of all horse bit types and is often used by children learning to ride. It is usually made from a metal piece with a rubber or leather covering on the end. It may also have metal rings attached to the leather to help the rider exert more pressure on the horse’s mouth.

The snaffle is not to be confused with the “mouth bit”, which is another name for the bit used in Western-style riding. The snaffle is actually a type of “mouth bit” that is slightly different. The most common use of this type of bit is in Western-style riding.

Full Shade Bit

The full shade bit is also known as the standard or open bit. It is wider than most other types of bit and can be used for a variety of purposes. Full shade bits are often used when training young horses or when working with untrained or unskilled riders.

The full shade bit is sometimes referred to as an “open bit”. This is because the bit has no rings or other attachments and is usually made from a single piece of metal or plastic. The full shade bit is sometimes used in Western-style riding, although it is not as common as the snaffle bit.

Roller Bit

The roller bit is another type of bit that is often used in Western-style riding. It is also sometimes referred to as a “sugar cube” or “ice cube” bit. It is usually made from a hard plastic or metal device that is attached to the side of the horse’s bridle. The roller bit is sometimes used in English-style riding, although it is not as common as the snaffle bit.

The roller bit is used in Western-style riding to help a rider who needs extra help controlling their horse. It is also sometimes used in English-style riding to help keep a horse from running out too far and getting too far ahead. The roller bit has little to no pressure on the mouth, making it ideal for trail riding and other situations where you want your horse to keep going.

Curb Bit

The curb bit is a type of bit used in English-style riding. It is often used by professional trainers to help a rider develop a consistent and reliable seat position while riding. The curb bit is also sometimes referred to as a “thief or teeth bit” because it is designed to take away a horse’s ability to use their teeth to help them eat. The curb bit is usually made from a metal device that is attached to the side of the horse’s bridle.

The curb bit is designed to put pressure on a horse’s mouth. This is why it is often used in English-style riding. The curb bit is also sometimes used in Western-style riding, although it is not as common as the snaffle bit.

Lever Bit

The lever bit is another type of bit used in English-style riding. Similar to the curb bit, the lever bit is designed to put pressure on a horse’s mouth. The lever bit is usually made from a metal device that is attached to the side of the horse’s bridle. The lever bit is sometimes used in Western-style riding to help a rider who needs extra help controlling their horse.

The lever bit is used in Western-style riding to help a rider who needs extra help controlling their horse. The lever bit has little to no pressure on the mouth, making it ideal for trail riding and other situations where you want your horse to keep going. The lever bit has a lever attached to the side which makes it easier for the rider to exert pressure on the horse’s mouth.

Pelham Bit

The pelham bit is a type of bit used in Western-style riding. It is often used when breaking in young horse or when training an untrained or unskilled rider. The pelham bit is usually made from a metal device that is attached to the side of the horse’s bridle. The pelham bit is sometimes referred to as a “mouth bit” or “shoeing bit”.

The pelham bit is used in Western-style riding to help a rider who needs extra help controlling their horse. The pelham bit has little to no pressure on the mouth, making it ideal for trail riding and other situations where you want your horse to keep going.

Conclusion

The bit is essential to the health and well-being of your horse. Without the right bit, your horse may not be able to wear certain types of bridle, leading to health issues that could ultimately end in the horse being put down. There are a wide range of different types of horse bit, each designed for a different purpose. Before you choose a bit, it is important to consider both your own skill level and the needs of your horse.