Best Horse Bits for 2022

Loose ring snaffles are great for giving your horse a bit more freedom or limiting the likelihood of them biting on the bit.

Thanks to the lozenge, it is a bit less restrictive on the tongue, with a more rounded and less harsh finish. Double jointing also eliminates the likelihood of nutcracking, and it is available in sizes between 5 and 6 inches.

Great for any horses who need to get used to what a bit does, and how to respond to your actions.

It makes it easier for riders to control the horse, or for any younger horses who need their head movements restricting a little. They won’t be able to pull their head to a side to go against a command, either.

Full cheek bars also prevent the snaffle from being pulled through the mouth, which is great for keeping a consistent positioning and getting your horse used to wearing a mouthpiece. It also encourages horses to take contact.

A mix of stainless steel and copper materials, which gives you both the benefit of being strong and increasing salivation and comfort.

The rollers also stop the horse from ‘grabbing’ hold of the mouthpiece, which can mean they’re more relaxed and can move their tongue a bit more freely. The single joint creates a nutcracker action which squeezes the tongue and can encourage the horse to raise their head.

Solid D rings improve the control and sturdiness of the reins, with the benefits of an eggbutt snaffle and full cheek ring without the bulkiness which each of these brings. It is a popular mouthpiece for horses who can get quite heavy-handed and strong, especially when eventing.

Because it doesn’t encourage your horse to take contact, it isn’t the best for young horses new to riding.

A mullen mouth is an unjointed bit that is slightly curved to accommodate the horse’s tongue. It encourages the horse to raise his poll without the use of nutcracker action, which is more gentle.

This is great for any horses who are just starting out riding, such as if they are young. The main action is in the bar. Because it is soft, flexible rubber, it is gentle on the mouth which should make it easier to accept, and is warmer.

Your horse is still encouraged to take contact, but the loose rings still give them plenty of room to move the bit up and down with their tongue to keep it comfortable.

An extra joint in the middle of this French Link model reduces the nutcracker action, and the shape and angle will create less pressure on the tongue and roof of the mouth.

The eggbutt cheeks keep the bit stiller in the horse’s mouth compared to a loose ring snaffle, so it is well suited to young horses or those with sensitive mouths who struggle to keep consistent contact.

It has been passed as dressage legal, which is perfect for any just starting out in the eventing world.

Bevel snaffles are popular with owners of horses who need a bit of extra stopping power, as they have more flexibility over where to put the reins.

When contact is taken, the pressure is applied on the poll and this raises the bit in the horse’s mouth, encouraging them to put the brakes on.

Or, you could even attach them to the bottom rings if you need to encourage your horse to keep their head down. The double joint should be comfortable for most horses (bonus points, as many other bevel bits use a single joint).

Waterford bits are great for horses who really have a problem with leaning, so this is one of the best bits for a horse that leans.

They have more freedom in the mouth compared to other variations, but as soon as they lean, the mouthpiece becomes uncomfortable. The loose ring slides through the mouthpiece and tends to make the horse relax his jaw and chew the bit, and the stainless steel material will ensure that this doesn’t damage the bit or injure your horse.

Note that it is recommended that you choose a size up from their usual measurements to give them a bit more leeway.

Copper snaffles have one big benefit – they increase your horse’s saliva production. They also happen to be warner and softer, so all of this means much more comfortable wear.

The saliva is caused by the less ‘steel’ taste which makes your horse think they are having something tasty for dinner. It is a simple snaffle, and often used by novice riders as the eggbutt cheek prevents too much vibration from the riders rein being felt by the horse, which helps them become adapted and comfortable.

Best for horses who struggle to accept their bit and lack salivation.

Not only is it sweet iron for an appealing taste, but the loose link rings rotate to give your horses head a bit more freedom which is great for those who usually lean, and the french link prevents the nutcracker action of a traditional single-jointed snaffle, which can cause the horse to raise its head in order to evade the bit.

Brilliant for strong communication and excellent control, when you are in high demand situations such as show jumping or eventing.

It is a strong bit, so great also if your horse seems to really be able to resist their bit and rein control. Extra-wide, it is also available in various lengths which is perfect for almost any breed with a large roof to tongue gap.