Bits, the Right Bit for Your Horse: A Guide to the World of Bits at Puur Paardenkracht Equestrian

Horse Bits | Advice & Bitfit | Puur Paardenkracht

 A bit consists of a mouthpiece and side pieces, and in combination with its model and material, this creates a specific effect on your horse.

Bit Materials:

The bits in our collection are made from various materials, each with its own specific properties:

• Plastic & Rubber; A plastic and rubber bit is lightweight, flexible, and often gentle on the horse's teeth. Ideal for horses that are sensitive in the mouth.
• Stainless Steel (RVS): Strong, durable, and easy to clean. A classic choice that lasts for years and has been scientifically proven to be preferred by many horses over other materials.
• Stainless Steel with Satin Sense: Combines the strength and acceptance of stainless steel with a softer, smoother finish that feels even more comfortable in the horse's mouth, thereby increasing comfort.
• Sweet Iron: This material contains a high percentage of iron, giving it a sweet, slightly coppery taste. Many horses find this appealing, and it can stimulate saliva production. It is also a material that 'works' with the acidity in the horse's mouth and can therefore oxidize. Eventually, the blue color disappears, but the taste of the surface rust remains.
• Cuprigan: Cuprigan is an alloy consisting of 89% copper, 7% aluminum, 3% iron, and 1% zinc. The oxidation process of the material gives a pleasant smell and taste. It varies by horse what they prefer. One horse may prefer stainless steel, while another prefers Cuprigan or Sweet Iron.
• Titanium: Titanium is a tasteless, lightweight metal that naturally adapts to the mouth's temperature, leading to better bit acceptance and greater comfort for the horse. We usually recommend a titanium bit for horses with sensitive mouths who may react to other metals, such as developing red spots or sores, despite soft contact with the hands.
• Sweet Gold: The Sweet Gold™ bit offers a comfortable and appealing experience for the horse, encouraging it to maintain consistent contact with the rider's hand. The sweet taste of the bit helps the horse relax and accept the contact.

Bit Side Pieces, what is their (in-)action?

Besides the materials, the side pieces of the bit are equally crucial. We offer a wide range, each with a specific function:

• The Snaffle Bit (Bustrens): An absolute favorite for horses starting their riding career. The snaffle bit has fixed rings, making it more stable in the mouth and providing more lateral guidance. A snaffle bit generally promotes vertical balance, helping the horse learn to move straight and respond to aids without excessively increasing pressure on the corner of the mouth. The snaffle bit applies pressure to the jaw and behind the ears. Compared to a D-ring snaffle, it applies less pressure behind the ears. A snaffle bit is often a good first step for young horses and horses still at the beginning of their training.
• D-Ring Snaffle; the D-rings are attached to the mouthpiece, keeping the rein contact more directed towards the mouth. D-rings encourage the horse to maintain contact with the bit and create a stable feel for both horse and rider. The D-rings ensure that the bit remains still in the mouth and prevent it from sliding back and forth. The straight sides assist with steering and posture.
• The Loose Ring Snaffle (Watertrens): Unlike the snaffle bit (bustrens), the loose ring snaffle focuses on horizontal balance. Due to the loose, rotating rings, this snaffle bit can strengthen or relieve pressure on the bars and tongue. This type of bit is generally used for horses further along in their riding career. In combination with the right rider and aids, this type of bit helps the horse to better use its back. Due to the loose rings of the loose ring snaffle, it is important to choose one 0.5 cm larger, otherwise, the corners of the mouth can get caught between the rings. Bit guards are also recommended.
• The Full Cheek Snaffle (Kneveltrens): An unkind name for a kind bit that lies stably in the mouth. The full cheek is a bit with fixed rings like the snaffle and also supports horses that still struggle with vertical balance. Due to the cheeks (the bars), this bit puts more pressure on the cheeks and is more pleasant for a horse with riders with an unsteady hand or horses that still struggle with turning and/or limiting.
• Baucher bit: Also known as the hanging cheek bit, it is a snaffle with a slight leverage effect that is very pleasant for horses and ponies with sensitive mouth corners or wear on the premolars (P2). The ideal solution for sensitive horses that quickly get wounds and cuts because it protects the bars and gums by suspending the bit in the mouth. The cheekpieces are attached to the upper ring, while the reins are attached to the bit ring. The Baucher bit is also used by dressage riders in class Z1, as since 2024, double bridles are only permitted from Z2. This bit is also suitable as an intermediate step between a standard snaffle bit and a double bridle.
• A Beval bit has a similar effect to a 2½ & 3 Ring snaffle, but has a softer effect and less leverage. Provides a flexible, soft feel in the hand. This bit can be used with the reins in multiple positions, depending on the desired effect from the bit. It can also be used with a gag rein thanks to its special design with curved loop rings on the inside. The gag rein can slide smoothly into the loop rings. Suitable for experienced riders.
• The Kimblehook can be described as a fixed ring with the option to add extra leverage when needed. The lower you place the rein, the more pressure is applied and distributed across the chin, neck, and mouth. The stable feel the Kimblehook creates can be beneficial for nervous and anxious horses that are strong, unstable, and difficult to steer. The Kimblehook places the pressure lower in the mouth, which can help a horse that is too high in the neck. Kimblehooks are always used in combination with a curb chain or strap behind the chin.
• Baby Pelham; The side piece of the Baby Pelham provides a stable feel for horses that tend to become unstable but are still strong. The Baby Pelham can be used with a regular bridle with one or two reins, with one in the large fixed ring and one in the small ring. When using one rein, you use an (adjustable) delta strap. With two reins, one can easily adjust the desired leverage of the bit by shortening or lengthening the rein attached to the bottom ring. More leverage results in a slightly lower neck and more effect, while less leverage can position the horse slightly higher in the neck with less effect. With Fager's adjustable delta strap, you have the same choice without needing to use two reins.
• The Double Bridle: A combination of a curb bit and a bradoon. This combination of bits is permitted from dressage class Z2. The curb bit can also be made of plastic; if you choose metal, ensure both bits are of the same type of metal. Otherwise, you might experience static electricity. We only recommend this combination of bits after a bit fit or for a very experienced double bridle rider. The space between the two bits must be truly adequate! The bradoon bits are thinner bits, usually of the loose ring snaffle type.

Unbroken, single-jointed, or double-jointed bit, the mouthpieces of the bit:

The Curb Bit / Unbroken: A very gentle bit available in various snaffle types, even if the name suggests otherwise. A curb bit distributes pressure across the entire mouth and lies stably in the mouth. Because this bit is not flexible with regard to rein aid on one side, flexion and bending with this bit are limited. However, this bit is pleasant for horses getting a bit for the first time and for riders who rely more on their seat. An unbroken bit (a curb) prevents a horse from "hanging" on it and losing control. Instead, it encourages the horse to work into the bit and provides even pressure distribution.

A double-jointed bit provides more freedom of movement but also exerts more pressure on the tongue. The thicker the center piece, the stronger the pressure.

A single-jointed bit is gentler on the tongue; it has more space. The pressure then falls mainly on the sides of the tongue.

Personalized bit advice: The key to success

At Puur Paardenkracht Ruitersport, we don't believe in a 'one-size-fits-all' approach. Every horse is unique, every rider is unique, and especially the horse and rider combination is unique! That's why we offer more than just bit sales. As certified bit fitters with years of experience with horses, we are happy to visit your home to examine your horse and together find the most suitable bit. We examine your horse's mouth, tongue thickness, movement, and the rider's wishes to make the best choice. This personalized advice makes all the difference and ensures that both you and your horse can optimally enjoy riding. You can easily schedule an appointment with us for expert advice.

Contact us!

Are you unsure about the right bit for your horse? Do not hesitate to contact us. We are happy to answer all your questions and help you find the perfect match. A well-fitting bit contributes to a harmonious relationship between rider and horse and the well-being of your horse! And that is what we strive for at Puur Paardenkracht Ruitersport.

Bridle:

Along with a bit, you also need a well-fitting bridle; a bridle and bit work together. If either one is not fitting correctly, you will notice it in your horse and in your communication with your horse. We can also advise you on a well-fitting bridle, whether it's a snaffle bridle or if you prefer a bitless bridle.

Bit size overview:

Please note: These guidelines are indicative. The correct bit size depends on various factors, such as the thickness of the tongue and the width of the horse's mouth.