Bitting - back to basics

1. The bit passes on requests from the rider to the horse regarding speed and direction. The mouthpiece of a bit is selected to suit a horse’s requirements – what fits their mouth conformation and what they are comfortable and happy in. The bit rings, or cheek pieces, help the rider communicate with the horse.

2. Bits exert pressure on some or all of the following, internal parts of the horse’s mouth: the bars, palate, tongue, lips and corners.

3. Bits also exert pressure on the poll and curb groove, which are external parts of the horse’s mouth.

4. The action of a bit can be aided by the bridle design, for example extra pressure at the chin, cheeks or nose.

Ringed Continental
This bit – also known as the Dutch Gag or Bubble Gag - is available with three or four cheek rings, in most of the commonly seen mouthpieces, and in several materials. It us often chosen by riders of horses that can be heavy in the hand, as it emulates the effect of draw reins; a ringed continental bit is best described as a cross between a traditional gag and a Pelham. They aim to help to keep the horse between hand and leg. The brand ‘JP Korsteel’ has some very cost-effective Dutch Gag bits in its range - they’re designed by John Patterson (otherwise known as JP), a world-renowned trainer and jockey.

Waterford
The Waterford is a type of mouthpiece consisting of a series of balls across the main part of the bit, designed to encourage the horse to ‘mouth’ the bit and encourage better perception of the rider's aids. It is recommended by many riders whose horses are sensitive, yet strong, and hang on the bit or go on the forehand; because the mouthpiece of the Waterford becomes uncomfortable when a horse pulls, the animal will not usually lean on it, or take a strong hold. It is available with several cheek piece styles, including a hanging cheek. It is also popular as a Nelson Gag (with full cheeks), Balding Gag (with loose ring cheeks), Cheltenham Gag (with eggbutt cheeks) and as a Ringed Continental (see below). The brand ‘Neue Schule’ has some really lovely Waterford bits.

Three Ringed Continental Waterford
There is a combination of the above two bit types called the three Ring Continental Waterford which is a popular bit for XC riding, as it offers a good level of control. The mouthpiece of the Waterford lays across the horse's tongue, creating an even pressure. This combination creates a very nice bit, providing the rider has sympathetic hands! The rider should never 'see saw' the hands when using a Waterford bit, as it can make the bit very severe. The Three Ringed Continental Waterford is normally selected one size larger than the horse's usual bit size, to allow freedom and correct fit of the bit in the horse’s mouth.

The bit rings of any Three Ring Continental involve a series of steel rings; there is a main snaffle ring, plus a smaller ring above and below. Often, this bit is seen being used with just one rein on the lower ring, but ideally if only one rein is to be used, the bit should be used with roundings on the upper and lower rings, to maintain a better contact with the horse’s mouth. This bit exerts poll pressure, and has a limited gag action.

Jointed Kimblewick
The Kimblewick is popular with riders of ponies - especially those that lean on a straight bar mouthpiece. Kimblewicks are similar to Pelham bits in their action with the use of a curb, but are milder in their action, due to the lack of shank. The jointed mouthpiece can lessen the action of the curb, and also help to raise the horse’s head with bar and palate pressure. The lack of shank on a kimblewick bit gives far less leverage and can make them a good bit for children to use, as they also have the added advantage of being able to be ridden with just one pair of reins. (The Cambridge Mouth Kimblewick is a nice bit too, as it has a small port that gives space for the tongue without any real palate pressure; it’s therefore ideal for ponies with larger tongues)