Guest blog TRUST: Loose ring or eggbutt bit?

The loose ring bit

This pictures shows a loose ring bit. It has, as the name says, loose rings that easily slide through the mouthpiece. The rings let the bit move freely through the mouth, which helps many horses accept the bit better. As the rings of the bit are loose and can move, the impact of the rider’s hands is distributed, making the aid more indirect. But watch out! Because of the movement in the bit, the lips may be pinched and wounds can occur. If you want to prevent that from happening, use bit guards.

When is a loose ring bit a good choice?

Does your horse have no specific problems? Or are you looking for a friendly mouthpiece or your horse? Then a loose ring bit is perfect. It’s also suited for horses that lean on a bit with solid rings. If you’re struggling to ride with a stable hand, a loose ring is also great for you.

The eggbutt bit

The eggbutt bit has rings that can’t move around loosely but are attached to the mouthpiece. Therefore, the aid has a more direct effect and the bit lays relatively still in the mouth. When the rider takes up the reins, the horse feels the movement in its mouth. The eggbutt offers direct contact and stability in the mouth. It also puts more pressure on the cheek of the horse, which helps with steering. Bit guards are not necessary with an eggbutt bit.

When is an eggbutt bit a good choice?

Does your horse need more stability? Then the eggbutt is a good choice. It can help give your horse more trust in a bit. Especially for young horses, an eggbutt is advised, as they are often still struggling with contact. An eggbutt bit is also great if your horse easily gets wounds around the mouth.

In short

There’s a lot of variable and factors that needs to be taken into account for choosing the right bit. Every horse reacts differently to a bit and your horse will definitely tell you what works best