By Fiona Dearing, Bit Right Equine bitting specialist.
It’s a fact that we currently have more choice in the bits we use than we’ve ever had before. The increased knowledge around our horses’ conformation and how interconnected throughout their body they are means we’re able to bit to a very individual level. We’ve certainly moved on from the choices of a single or double jointed mouthpiece and whilst it can appear confusing it really does mean we can bit horses more comfortably and specifically for their level and discipline.
This has meant we also have access to a range of different shaped mouthpieces, many of which are directional meaning they have a very definite right and wrong way to sit in the mouth. In my work as a bitting specialist you’d be surprised at how often I arrive and the bit is placed incorrectly on the bridle and therefore in the horse’s mouth.
At best, this increases the horse’s discomfort. At worst, this becomes an incredibly dangerous situation for both horse and rider. As an example, a bit with a port in it gives a horse some tongue relief. Placed upside down this style of bit places an incredible amount of pressure on the horse’s lower jaw. Understandably, the horse may react in a way that increases your risk as a rider when he’s placed in this uncomfortable position.
I see this in all kinds of situations, horses regularly ridden, horses going to Pony Club, horses who’ve been out and about competing and in each case the error has not been corrected or even noted at any point. This shows the onus is on all of us to educate ourselves to ensure these mistakes don’t occur.
Firstly, I know many of you are going to say ‘how can you get it that wrong?!’. Again, you wouldn’t believe how often I do see this. Secondly, there’s never, ever any judgement from me on this! People aren’t deliberately putting bits on incorrectly, we all want our horses to be comfortable and for us to be able to communicate with them kindly and effectively. Simply put, we don’t know what we don’t know.
Here’s where it becomes a little easier…bitting manufacturers give us helpful hints on their products to help us! Different manufacturers have marks, numbers or images, to be placed on the near (or left) side of the horse, to help us place the bit correctly.
The images above of Bombers, Neue Schule and Trust bits show some of the direction guides different brands will use. These should always be placed on the near, or left side, of the mouth.
- Numbers – Bombers and Fager bits use numbers as well as some Trust models. The numbers should be facing towards you so they can be read.
- Arrows – Most models of Neue Schule and Sprenger bits use directional arrows. The arrow should always be pointing forward, and on the near or left side.
- Images – The last image of the horse’s head must have the head of the horse the right way up and, again, pointing forward.
I’ve recently written a free guide to help you place bits correctly. It’s clearly written with photo examples of common bit orientation mistakes. It further explains bit orientation like the images above and also goes further into different mouthpieces and styles of bits and how to place them correctly. I’m passionate about this knowledge being available to all equestrians from casual riders right through to higher level competitors. Keep it handy in your tack room to refer to whenever you clean your bridle and have a moment of hesitation when you reassemble it.
You’re also always welcome to email or message my FB page with a quick photo. I’d much rather you check than not!
You can access the guide here: Essential Elements of Bitting – Bit Orientation
Fiona Dearing is a bitting specialist working with horses and riders of all levels and disciplines. Contact her at Bit Right Equine on Facebook or fiona@bitrightequine.com .
