Bits

Which bit suits your horse?

The first thing to decide is whether you want a bit with a jointed, double-jointed or mullen mouthpiece. So what's the difference between these? A single-jointed mouthpiece has one joint; applied pressure has an impact on the bars and the sides of the tongue. When squeezing the reins the bit contracts and will put pressure on the palate. horse's with a relatively small mouth can perform better with a jointed mouthpiece. A double-jointed bit distributes pressure among the bars,tongue and corners of the mouth. 

Apart from a jointed or double-jointed bit you can also choose a mullen (straight bar) mouthpiece. A mullen mouthpiece can be straight but can also be slightly curved. A curved, mullen mouthpiece keeps the tongue free of pressure and puts more pressure on the bars. The straighter the mouthpiece of the bit, the more pressure is applied to the tongue.

Accessories to fine-tune the pressure on your bit are also widely available at Epplejeck, shop your flash strap, bit guards, pelham straps, or curb chains right here.

Which bit design should you choose?

Eggbutt snaffles are directly connected to the mouthpiece. The bit rings cannot move separately. An eggbutt snaffle has a more stable position in the mouth. These snaffle bits are also available with jointed, double-jointed or mullen mouthpiece.
A D-Ring snaffle has bit rings in the shape of the letter D. A D-Ring snaffle puts pressure on the cheek when making turns. As with an egg-butt snaffle, a D-ring snaffle's bit rings are directly connected to the mouthpiece; A D-ring snaffle has a stable position in the mouth as well and is also available with all three different mouthpieces.

A full-cheek snaffle can be compared to a D-Ring, however it has two arms extending both above and below the mouthpiece. A full cheek or Fulmer snaffle is a bit that has the most extreme type of corrective cheek piece. Due to the arms the bit presses against the lips and cheeks. This can be particularly useful for young horses who have difficulty responding to turning aids. A Fulmer snaffle can also be suitable for horses who try to evade rein pressure by tipping their heads.

A Dutch gag bit typically consist of four rings. The top one is to attach the cheek piece and the lower three can be used to adjust rein settings. Important to note is that this bit is not allowed in a dressage competition, however it is often used in showjumping. A curb chain can be attached on a Dutch gag to create pressure on the chin combined with further tongue pressure. Other gag bits are also often called pessoa bits.

A Pelham bit can be compared to a full-cheek snaffle, but has additional rings. A curb chain and additional pelham straps can be attached. A pelham bit extends additional leverage and it has increased force but requires less movement by the rider.
If you want to know everything about the different types of bits in detail, check out our bit advice blog.

Which bit size for my horse?

The width of a bit can differ per brand, best is to measure up your bit at home. A guideline to sizes: