𝑼𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑩𝒊𝒕 𝑴𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕: 𝑭𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑷𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝑩𝒂𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝑯𝒐𝒓𝒔𝒆.🐴

When it comes to bits, the amount of movement within the mouthpiece and sides can greatly influence your horse's comfort and performance. Some horses prefer bits with less movement, while others may thrive with a bit that offers more flexibility. This preference is often tied to the horse's individual character, sensitivity, training level and previous experience with a bit and contact with rider(s).

The horse’s previous experience with a bit and contact may have been good, but sadly not always and horses will learn behaviours which protect their mouths from heavy or unbalanced rider’s hands. Such as clamping and holding the bit with their tongue, jaw, teeth or a combination of all 3. There are of course other forms of resistance that tell us when a horse in uncomfortable with the bit and or contact from the rider.

The bit itself is an inanimate object, but it becomes activated by the horse's mouth and the rider's hands. This interaction brings the bit to life, turning it into a tool for communication and connection between horse and rider.

For both horse and rider, achieving consistent and comfortable contact is the ultimate goal. This harmony comes with education, training, and the ability to achieve self-carriage. The bit you choose plays a crucial role in this journey. The right bit, with the appropriate amount of movement, depends on the level of education and experience of both horse and rider.

In the picture above, I show a number of different bits with different levels of movement in the mouthpiece - (there are clearly other designs and styles of bits with more and some less movement). I prefer bits that are simple, un fussy and well designed to fit in an anatomical and comfortable way.

When I’m watching a horse and rider in a ridden consultation I am looking at what the horse and rider is doing with the bit.- Is the horse calm and relaxed with it, ie the tongue and jaw are relaxed? Or is the horse activating the bit or holding the bit still to deactivate it in a certain way?

How is the rider activating the bit through their hands and reins? Is the riders activation of the bit being done in an understanding communicative helpful way or in a reactive blocking unhelpful way?

Remember, the perfect bit is one that helps encourage relaxation and responsiveness in the jaw and tongue, allowing for seamless communication and fluid movement. And each horse and rider combination are unique, so need a bit that suits them both.

Happy riding!