Bit by Bit - Protecting Your Horse's Mouth

A horse's mouth is a delicate thing. The top riders in any equestrian discipline know this, and they make every effort to protect a sensitive equine mouth. A light and soft mouth is essential to a refined ride. After all, once a horse learns to resist the bit, his athletic and show potential are greatly compromised.

An uncomfortable mouth leads to a frustrated horse. This can lead to trouble, or even an unscheduled dismount for the rider!

Consider this: how would you like it, if someone jammed a cold metal bar into your mouth and started yanking on it?

Wrong equipment can quickly spoil a horse's mouth. Often, this may attributed to the use of an inappropriate bit. Look in tack catalogs, or stroll through your local saddlery. You may be astonished to discover the hundreds of options from which you may select the right bit for your horse.

How can you tell which bit is best?

Here's a bit of advice. As you select an appropriate mouthpiece for your horse, ask yourself these questions:

What style of bit do you need?

Always choose the mildest bit possible for your horse. A jointed snaffle is the simplest and most commonly chosen bit, and it is one of the gentlest ones, if used properly. Because the mouthpiece includes two linked pieces, the rider can use it to communicate individually with each side of the horse's mouth.

Harsher bits do not necessarily empower the rider. These should only be used by experienced riders with gentle and light hands. In fact, a too-extreme bit can incite rebellion from a horse, sending the rider skydiving.

What length of bit is required?

Measure the horse's mouth. If you don't know how to do this, ask a trainer or seasoned horseman or horsewoman for help. Attempt to borrow and try out several different bits before purchasing your own.

What thickness of bit is needed?

Basically, the thicker bits tend to be gentler on a horse's mouth, while thinner ones may be more uncomfortable.

What texture of bit is appropriate?

Bits may be smooth, bumpy, or even rough. Each texture is appropriate for a different purpose, as called for by the variety of riding disciplines and the level of training and athletic ability each horse possesses.

What bit materials are best?

Bits may be stainless steel, copper, aluminum, or a composite. Rubber bits are the gentlest. Select the kindest bit you can, while still retaining your horse's attention and respect.

Copper and some composites do encourage the horse's mouth to moisten and interact more closely with the bit, so these are often chosen.

Will a double bridle be helpful?

Advanced riders with well-trained horses may wish to try a double bridle, which usually includes a snaffle bit and a curb chain. The curb offers excellent control when needed, thus enabling the rider to keep a very light contact with both reins.

What if you can't use a bit at all?

A horse with many missing teeth or other oral problems may not be able to wear a bit at all. Consider doing a test-ride with a hackamore instead.

Older, gentler horses may even be safe to ride with a halter and reins or a halter and two lead ropes.

Perhaps the bit is not the problem.

A rider with heavy, busy hands may actually cause his horse to have a sore mouth.

Of course, the bit is one of the signaling aids for communication between horse and rider. However, the legs and seat are much more important aids! Perhaps the rider will need to give the horse a looser rein for a while, to see if his mouth improves, along with his fluid forward motion.

Elastic reins may be used, as a means of training the rider to rely on his seat and legs more than on the reins and bit.

A martingale may also prove helpful, as this will reduce the effects of hand movements upon the horse's mouth.

What about dental care?

A sore mouth may also point to dental problems. Look inside your horse's mouth. Does he have any sharp or broken teeth? If so, these must be fixed immediately.

Horses are vegetarians, and their teeth are supposed to be dull, grinding teeth, not pointy tearing teeth. However, their teeth grow constantly, so they must be examined and filed (floated) every year.

A horse that grinds his teeth frequently is probably signaling his need for dental attention. Equine dentists and large-animal veterinarians can examine and treat this.

Additional considerations

A particularly spirited horse may require stronger rein control, leading to a sore mouth. Lunging him first (even from the halter) may allow him to blow off some steam before the rider tacks him up and mounts. Such a horse may be considerably easier to handle after this exercise, with a light rein contact.

Allowing an extremely athletic horse to enjoy extended daily pasture turnout will work wonders as well.

A bit of care can go a long way towards healing a horse's sore mouth!