What is a Mullen bit?

A mullen mouth is a plain mouthpiece with a slight curve over the horse's tongue. This makes it more comfortable for the horse to carry than a straight-bar mouthpiece. It's also considered more gentle than a jointed mouthpiece, as there is no pinching effect when the reins are pulled.

What is the softest bit to use on a horse?

The softest bits are generally snaffle bits made of rubber. Rubber offers a smooth fit on the bars of the horse's mouth, while the snaffle's rings fit softly in the corners of the horse's mouth without pinching.

Is a Mullen mouth a snaffle?

This is the only common snaffle bit that does not have any joint at all. With its slight curve, it is often considered to be a mild bit because it puts more pressure across the tongue instead of the more sensitive bars.

What is a mullen barrel bit?

This bit features three center barrels that turn the mouthpiece from the typical solid bar of a mullen into a flexible bar which allows the horse to elevate his tongue and swallow more easily under the bit.

What is a Mullen snaffle?

The eggbutt mullen snaffle is one of the simplest bits, and good for novice riders and horses as the eggbutt cheek prevents too much vibration from the riders rein being felt by the horse. Mullen Mouth Eggbutt Snaffle features: Works on the bars mainly with little palette or tongue pressure.

Seven Essential Horse Bits

Why would you use a Mullen mouth bit?

A mullen mouth is a plain mouthpiece with a slight curve over the horse's tongue. This makes it more comfortable for the horse to carry than a straight-bar mouthpiece. It's also considered more gentle than a jointed mouthpiece, as there is no pinching effect when the reins are pulled.

What bit is slightly stronger than a snaffle?

The Bevel provides more brake-power so is ideal for those horse's needing something slightly stronger than a snaffle. This is a great bit for a novice horse at a competition! A great Bevel bit to choose is the Shires Bevel Bit with Jointed Mouth RRP £14.99.

What is a Weymouth bit?

Weymouth bits are designed to be used with a double bridal. It combines a curb bit with a bradoon and is typically associated with dressage events. The Saddlery Shop has a range of high quality Weymouth bits from Grafton. Most Popular.

What bit should I use for barrel racing?

Curb Bit. Any bit with a shank is considered a curb. Because a curb gives a rider extra leverage in comparison to a snaffle, it is one of the better barrel racing bits for strong horses.

What does a Kimberwick bit do?

This is a bit commonly used in general riding and provides more control on a horse that may be a strong puller or needs slight curb action to lower its head. It's a popular choice for young riders on ponies who might not be very responsive to the rein aids.

How do you fit a Mullen mouth bit?

Straight bar, mullen mouth or unjointed mouthpieces should fit the same at rest as when a contact is taken up. The mouthpiece cannot be shortened up in the mouth with a contact, so an ⅛ inch gap should be sufficient. Shop loose ring snaffle bits here.

What is a good bit for a strong horse?

Gag bits. Gag bits act on the poll, the tongue and the corners of the mouth. Unlike 3-ring bits and Pelhams, this type of bit is very well suited for horses that lean on the bit or pull downwards.

How do I choose the right bit for my horse?

Measure between the two points on the string. The measurement will be the size bit you need. The bit on either side of the mouth should stick no further than 1/2 inch out of the horse's mouth. That would mean that the bit is too big.

What is the most mild bit for a horse?

Is a Tom Thumb bit harsh?

The Tom Thumb bit is a more severe and uncomfortable bit than many people realize. In unskilled hands, this particular tool can be quite a harsh bit, which can cause your horse to object because of the discomfort it causes.

What is the purpose of a copper roller bit?

The copper in the roller is supposed to stimulate salivation, which acts as a cushion to soften the feel of the bit in the horse's mouth. The roller on this bit is large enough to cause irritation in a horse with a low palate.

What bridle is used for barrel racing?

A simple snaffle bit almost always is a good choice for any type of riding discipline, including barrel racing.

What do lifter bits do?

This bit is designed primarily for horses that have a tendency to drop their shoulder in turns. The longer shank offers the rider leverage in helping to elevate the shoulder and maintain a balanced position in the horse's body.

What are gag bits used for?

Gag bits are used mainly for horses that are strong pullers or for horses that need retraining. Gag bits are most commonly seen in polo, eventing (especially for cross-country), show jumping, and hacking, mainly for increased control at times where a horse may be excited or try to run off with the rider.

Can you use a Weymouth bit on its own?

The Weymouth is a much stronger bit and is also commonly used by itself. The combination of bits is prevalent in dressage, as it is the most demanding when it comes to suppleness and collection of the horse.

What is a Bradoon bit?

Bradoon bits complete the double bridle. They are somewhat smaller than the traditional Weymouth bits, but just like them they are usually single jointed and have loose rings. Together with the Weymouth bit they form the double bridle.

How does a Pelham bit work?

The Pelham works on leverage. This means that the bit is giving the rider a mechanical advantage, making their rein aids 2-3 times stronger than what they feel in their hands. The idea is to do more with less. To have a lighter contact, give clear aids, then release.

Is a Mullen mouth bit legal for dressage?

Dressage-Legal Bits

Only smooth mouthpieces are legal; therefore, any twists or alterations along the bars are forbidden. The mouthpiece's diameter, measured at the rings or cheeks of the mouthpiece, must be a minimum of 10 mm for snaffles and 12 mm for curbs in USEF competitions.

Why use a loose ring snaffle?

Loose ring bits help the horse to position the bit where they like it unlike fixed bits such as the eggbutt or hanging cheek snaffle. This helps the horse be more comfortable in the mouth and since the mouthpiece is moveable on the cheek it also helps with horses that are heavy or take hold of the bit.

What is a full cheek snaffle bit used for?

Full Cheek (Fixed Cheek)

The full cheek is a very popular bit for novice riders and novice horses (when combined with a mild mouthpiece). The full cheek snaffle needs to sit snugly in the mouth to prevent lateral movement of the mouthpiece and improves the deliverance of the steering and turning aids.