Shop Bits by Type
Shop horse bits by their cheekpiece type, or the part you see when the bit sits in the horse's mouth. They can range in control and action, which can be more appropriate for different disciplines or training levels. For more information on bit checkpieces, click here.
Loose Ring Snaffle Bits
A loose ring bit features rings that slide through the ends of the mouthpiece. The sliding motion gives the bit some side-to-side and vertical movement. Due to this, the loose ring is often a good choice for horses who lean on the bit to evade the rider's aids. We carry loose ring snaffle bits from a multitude of different brands, such as Myler, Happy Mouth, Neue Schule, and Korsteel.
Hackamore Bits for Horses
A horse hackamore, or bitless bridle, applies pressure similar to a curb bit but without the use of a mouthpiece. A good choice for horses who cannot tolerate a bit, most hackamores exert pressure on the jaw, nose, and poll. We carry a multitude of uniquely designed hackamores from the innovative Zilco Flower Hackamore to the traditional English Stubben Hackamore to the Western Reinsman Hackamore and Royal King Bosal Noseband.
D-Ring Snaffle Bits
Dee, or "D", Ring Snaffle Bits are popular due to the straight vertical bar on each side of the horse's mouth. This creates a quiet position and prevents unevenness or pulling through the horse's mouth. An assortment of distinctive D-Ring Snaffles for your horse from Acavallo Bits, Myler Bits, Korsteel Bits, and Centaur Bits.
Shank Bits
A Western shank bit works off of leverage. This means when the shanks are engaged, they multiply the pressure exerted on the tongue and bars of the mouth. Therefore, the longer the shank, the greater the pressure exerted. Shank bits can also have a variety of different mouthpieces. Most of the shank bits we carry contain jointed mouthpieces. Some are single jointed in the middle while others are double jointed and contain a dogbone or other device in the center, making them a 3 piece bit.
Eggbutt Snaffle Bits
Eggbutt snaffle bits are fixed, oval rings attached to a mouthpiece. These fixed-cheek bits lie flat against the horse's cheeks and prevent the bit from sliding back and forth in the mouth. They apply the rider's rein aid directly to the mouthpiece and, due to the fixed-cheek, are good a choice for horses who are green or need help turning.
Gag and Combination Bits
Western and English Gag Bits work on the horse's lips and poll simultaneously. 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, barrel racing, eventing (especially for cross-country), show jumping, and hacking, mainly for increased control at times where a horse may be excited. We have Gag Bits by Stubben Steeltec, Dutton, Sherry Cervi, and Shires.
Pelham Bits
Pelham Bits have elements of both a snaffle bit and a curb bit. The bit shanks can exert curb-style pressure on the poll and under the chin via a strap or chain, while the bit rings on either side of the horse's mouth creates a snaffle bit effect. A pelham encourages the horse to bend at the poll without the bulk of two separate mouthpieces.
Weymouth and Bradoon Bits
Weymouth Bits are specially designed to be the second bit on a double bridle, as the first bit is a bradoon. A bradoon has smaller rings than a traditional loose ring and attaches to its own headstall. Double bridles are for upper level dressage riders, as well as breed specific Show Hack competition.
Baucher Snaffle Bits
A baucher is a snaffle bit with extending arms that connects to the cheekpieces of the bridle. These arms stabilize the bit, making it a good choice for horses that tolerate very little bit movement in their mouths. We carry baucher bits from Stubben, Myler, Happy Mouth, Sanft German Silver, and Shires.
Full Cheek Snaffle Bits
Full Cheek Snaffle Bits are a great option for horses that need help with lateral steering, since the bit cannot be pulled through the horse's mouth. These bits are particularly popular for ponies and young horses learning to steer. Brands like Korsteel and Happy Mouth.
Kimberwick Bits
Kimberwick snaffle bits combine the aspects of a snaffle and curb bits to offer the rider more control. The kimberwick's mouthpiece attaches towards the top of "D" cheekpieces which stabilizes it in the horse's mouth, while multiple rein attachment points offer the rider a variety of leverage options.
