How to Choose Your Bit? The Complete Guide
Choosing a bit is not about finding the "softest" or "harshest" one in absolute terms. The same bit can be comfortable in a light hand and uncomfortable in a heavy hand. At Sellerie Bucéphale, we help riders every week who feel overwhelmed by the variety of bits: here is our step-by-step approach to find the one that will suit your horse.
What is the purpose of the bit, and what types exist?
The bit is the point of contact between your hand, the reins, and the horse’s mouth. It transmits information — never constant pressure. Its action depends on its shape, thickness, material, and ring type. There are several main categories:
- The straight-bar snaffle (or slightly curved): simple and direct action on the bars and tongue. Models with a large hollow mouthpiece distribute pressure over a larger surface.
- The single-jointed snaffle (Verdun, Chantilly type): a central joint. It acts on the bars and tongue, with a slight "nutcracker" effect when both reins are used simultaneously.
- The double-jointed snaffle: two joints and a central link (plate, olive, or roller). By eliminating the "nutcracker" effect of a single joint, it often offers a softer contact — but its gentleness is not automatic: it depends on the central link. A rounded link or a flat plate softens the contact, while a thin, angled plate like the Dr Bristol increases pressure on the tongue. Many horses appreciate the double joint, provided the right link is chosen.
- The olive bit: fixed olive-shaped rings stabilize the bit in the mouth and limit slipping, useful for a young horse or one that tends to stick out its tongue.
- The needle bit: vertical shanks that frame the lips and improve the precision of lateral aids, without leverage.
- The elevator bit (elevator or gag type) and the Pelham: they introduce a leverage effect and/or a curb chain, resulting in a stronger action. Reserved for experienced hands and specific needs.
- Bridle bits (with bridle noseband and curb bits): reserved for advanced dressage riding, they require specific training.
- The hackamore: a “bitless” bridle that acts on the nose and poll — a different approach, to be handled with tact.
A leverage effect or a curb chain increases the hand’s influence: the more “powerful” the bit, the more finesse it requires. Severity is not in the object, but in the hand that uses it.
Materials: metal, rubber, leather, synthetic
The material influences taste, salivation, the temperature of the mouthpiece in the mouth, and the softness of the contact.
| Material | Character | For whom |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless steel | Neutral, durable, easy to maintain | The classic, versatile choice |
| Contact alloys (Aurigan, Sensogan…) | Promote chewing and salivation according to manufacturers | Dry-mouthed horses, seeking a soft contact |
| Rubber / soft synthetic | More enveloping contact, often thicker mouthpiece | Sensitive mouths, breaking in, young horses |
| Leather | Soft, warms quickly in the mouth | Delicate horses — require regular maintenance |
Claims of effect (“promotes chewing,” “stimulates salivation”) remain manufacturer claims: they can help guide the choice, but each horse reacts differently. The best judge is your horse’s behavior.
Thickness and size: measuring the mouth
This is the step most often neglected, yet the most important for comfort.
The size (width of the mouthpiece) is measured from ring to ring. A bit that is too wide will move around and pinch the corners of the mouth; too narrow, it will squeeze the lips. To measure it: place a ruler (or a thin piece of wood) across the mouth at the bars, mark each side at the lip corners, then measure the distance — this number corresponds to the size to order. The half-centimeter of play mentioned on each side is simply a comfort margin (to avoid pinching the corners): it is a tolerance, not a value to add to the measurement. Common sizes range from about 10 cm (pony) to 14.5 cm (large horse). When in doubt between two sizes, we often prefer the slightly larger one.
The thickness of the mouthpiece is chosen based on the space available in the mouth: a horse with a “full” mouth (thick tongue, low palate) will be more comfortable with a thin mouthpiece, contrary to the common belief that “thin = severe.” A thick mouthpiece distributes pressure but may lack space. As a guideline, a thin mouthpiece is around 12-16 mm and a thick one around 18-20 mm (varying by manufacturer). Again, observe and adjust accordingly.
Adjustment: a well-placed bridle forms one or two small folds at the corners of the lips without pulling or hanging. Check that no wolf teeth interfere and, if there is any doubt about the mouth (dental points, ulcers, sensitivity), have it checked by an equine dentist or veterinarian before changing bits.
Orientation: some bits are not symmetrical and must be fitted in a specific direction to correctly position the olives or loose rings around the mouth, providing a more comfortable contact for the horse. This is the case, for example, with the Sprenger KK Ultra bits we sell: their product sheet specifies that “the arrow engraved on all KK Ultra bits must be on the left side and point forward.” Other models, from Sprenger or other manufacturers, may have a similar mark (arrow, marking, asymmetrical shape). If in doubt about the fitting direction of your bit, always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions or ask your saddler before fitting it.
Regulations: caution above all
Allowed bits vary depending on the discipline, level, and authority (FFE nationally, FEI internationally), and rules evolve. Therefore, we provide no list of “allowed” or “forbidden” bits here: the official rules of your event prevail. Before a competition, always check the current rules for your discipline and category — a bit perfectly allowed at club level may not be at another level, and vice versa.
Basically, keep in mind the general principles: the desired action (direct or leverage), thickness, material, and number of joints are enough to guide most everyday choices. The rest — colors, special materials, specific bits — falls under regulations, not our advice.
Our Bits
A preview of our bits section, from entry-level bridles to Sprenger references. Each category has its own dedicated page: bridle bits, olive bits, needle bits, elevator bits, bridle bits, and hackamores.
The KK Ultra bridle is also a double joint with a profiled central link, designed to clear the tongue. Also find the full range of Sprenger Bits and bit accessories (cheek pieces, cheek piece protectors, unions). Indicative prices subject to change.
Not sure about the size or type that will suit? Let's talk about it in person.
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How do I know if my bit is the right size?
Properly placed, the bit extends about half a centimeter on each side of the corners of the mouth and forms one or two small folds at the corners of the lips without pulling them. This half centimeter is a comfort margin, not a value to add when measuring. If it moves around, pinches, or tightens, the size or bridle adjustment needs to be corrected.
Is a thin bit necessarily harsher?
Not necessarily. Thickness is chosen according to the space available in the mouth: a horse with a thick tongue or low palate may be more comfortable with a thin mouthpiece. Severity mainly depends on the shape, any leverage effect, and the rider's hand.
Single or double joint?
The simple joint has a more direct action and a slight pinching effect when both reins act together. The double joint eliminates this "nutcracker" effect thanks to its central link, but its softness is not automatic: it depends on the link. A rounded link or a flat plate softens, while a Dr Bristol-type plate increases the action on the tongue. It is often a matter of individual comfort.
How do I know which way to mount my bit?
Some bits, especially those with olives or loose rings, are not symmetrical and have a mounting mark (often an engraved arrow): this is the case with Sprenger KK Ultra, whose instructions indicate that the arrow must be on the left side and point forward. Always check the product sheet or the manufacturer's instructions, or ask for advice in-store if in doubt.
Which bit is allowed in competition?
It depends on your discipline, your level, and the governing body (FFE nationally, FEI internationally), and the rules evolve. We do not publish a list: always consult the official, up-to-date rules of your event before buying or competing.
Can a harsher bit fix a horse that pulls?
A bit does not correct a hand fault or a horse that pulls: it can even worsen the situation by creating resistance. First, look for the cause (back, mouth, teeth, training, balance) with a professional, and have the mouth checked by an equine dentist or veterinarian.
