By Accredited Bit Fitter, Fiona Dearing. Bit Right Equine.
The Off-The-Track Thoroughbred (OTTB) horse has long been a popular choice for Australian riders, They are athletic, intelligent and generous animals who transition relatively easily to recreational riding through to high level performance in many disciplines. Transitioning from the racetrack to a new discipline involves many changes, often one of the most overlooked is bitting.
In my work as a bit fitter, OTTBs are a regular part of the client list. They are both interesting and challenging to fit as we need to take many elements into consideration. Primary among these is their previous training and equipment and their oral conformation.
When fitting these horses the goal is not to reinvent the wheel. The OTTB generally has an already established understanding of the bit. The challenge is their understanding of a connection is very different from what we expect in sport horse disciplines.
Broadly speaking, racehorses are typically ridden in a way that involves a shorter and a higher rein contact which directly affects the action of the bit. Their work is performed in a forward galloping posture which takes a different type of balance. When racing, they’re participating in a very stimulated, group environment.
This doesn’t mean they have been ridden incorrectly, it simply means the communication is different. When these horses move into life after racing and work in new disciplines, we ask them to accept a different type of contact: longer, more consistent, and generally with more subtle rein aids.
That transition can take time.
The goal is not to completely reinvent the wheel. Instead, it’s about understanding where the horse has come from and helping them develop clarity, comfort and confidence in a different style of contact.
Common Bits Racehorses Wear
There’s often a misconception that racehorses are ridden in extremely strong bits. In reality, many thoroughbreds are trained and raced in relatively simple bits. They are generally a variation of a single jointed snaffle, or designs that provide a little extra control in a high-adrenaline environment. Even without moving to a stronger design, a single jointed bit when applied with strength will be very ‘vicey’ around the lower jaw and tongue tissue.
The important thing to understand is why those bits were used. Racing equipment is designed to regulate speed in high adrenaline environments, provide safety in large groups and give clear directional aids.
Tongue Ties
Tongue ties are commonly used in the racing industry to help a horse maintain control of its airway and prevent the tongue from getting over the bit when the horse is working at speed. They’re often seen as a negative but do serve a purpose in terms of both equine and jockey safety when moving in a group at speed. When the horse transitions into life after racing there’s no need for a tongue tie to continue to be used and they are not legal for the majority of disciplines.
When working in a new discipline without a tongue tie the horse’s tongue and jaw muscles may feel different for them. This may show up as discomfort, a gaping mouth,or general resistance. The original discomfort in the racing bit can be masked by the tongue tie, usually the horse needs to transition into a different style of bit.
Of course, we also need to ensure we’re training the horse with clarity and consistency to assist in the understanding of their new work and new connection to the hand. We also need to make sure there are no underlying health concerns with airways, soft palate issues or dorsal displacement. The best ‘tongue tie’ for your OTTB is patience, training, correct bit fit and consistency.
Mouth Conformation
The thoroughbred is sensitive in the mouth. Most have a relatively small space for a bit with quite defined bars and a sensitive tongue. This means some mouthpieces create more pressure than is comfortable for them. The horse’s individual conformation will mean certain designs may create pressure points that cause discomfort. This is why whilst there are a number of bits that can work well for OTTBs each one needs to be considered based on its own anatomy, discipline, training level, rider level and the horse’s own likes and dislikes.
Styles of Bits
A common pattern I see with OTTBs is a preference for stability in the mouth. Often the excessive movement even a mobile double jointed bit makes can cause confusion. The older style bits with large lozenges and a lot of ‘play’ in the mouthpiece are generally too ‘noisey’ as well as too large in diameter for most OTTBs. They usually appreciate a bit that feels predictable and steady whilst they’re learning new things.
Bits that offer a limiting action in the mouth or a lock up action can help the OTTB build confidence and progress in their training. Bits like the Neue Schule Turtle Top, Bombers Ultra Comfy Lock Up or the Fager Mattias can be great starting points. To further aid the stability an eggbutt cheekpiece over a loose ring can also assist. Mullen mouth bits like the Bombers Happy Tongue, and synthetic mullen bits like the Fager Andrea, Caelo Rose Mullen or Trust Innosense can also work well.
Whilst it can be tempting to ‘bit up’ into a stronger bit to achieve results faster, or when going out they adrenalise, I encourage you to go back to your training basics. The bit should support your training, not replace it.
The Whole Picture
While equipment undoubtedly plays a role, it’s important to emphasise that training is always part of the picture. The OTTB is learning a new way of travelling and a new interpretation of rein aids. We need to carefully assess the whole picture which includes body work, nutrition, farriery, dental care, saddle fit etc. There’s a huge amount of change going on in their world and only focussing on the bit alone is not going to help them move forward in their new careers. Of course, the biggest lynch pin around all these factors is the training.
The OTTB journey can feel like it’s one step forward, one step back at times. The focus should be on building confidence and understanding.
Observe the signs your horse may not be entirely comfortable and take note of behaviours like head tossing, opening the mouth, fussing with the bit, dropping behind the contact, or leaning. These behaviours don’t automatically mean the bit is wrong but they are absolutely worth investigating as part of the whole picture if you’ve not previously considered the bit.
The best bit for your OTTB is one individually fitted to them, it’s not about finding the strongest one, the one someone else suggested, or, the most fashionable. We want to build on the foundation of their existing education and help them understand a new style of communication.
As always feel free to contact me with any questions you may have – fiona@bitrightequine.com
