Welcome to Bits & Pieces!  This is an informative page on Bits & their Uses.  We cover English & Western bits.  We soon hope to have shanked bits for Saddleseat, Paso Riding, etc.  If you are interested in volunteering information on this page for those topics, please E-Mail me.  You will be fully creditted.  We hope you enjoy this page!
       

Bit Scale 1 - VERY Mild 2 - Normal 3 - Harsh Questions/Comments? You can e-mail me by CLICKING HERE!

    English Bits    

• 1 - Eggbutt Snaffle (may also be hollow-mouth) - Fixed rings offer lateral stability and are extra gentle on horse's sensitive lips and corners.
• 1 - D-Ring Snaffle - Traditional hunter look with fixed rings that afford some lateral control without pinching the barrel ring.
• 1 - Loose Ring Snaffle - The Loose rings increase bit movement in the horse's mouth to encourage softness and salivation.
• 1 - French Training Snaffle - Commonly used for training youngsters.
• 2 - Full Cheek Eggbutt Snaffle - Cheek pieces help with steering and create lateral control.
• 2 - Eggbutt Dee Slow Twisted Iron Snaffle - Has a very attractive cheek with a very smooth movement.  It is designed not to pinch a horse's lip.  This mouthpiece is designed for schooling a horse that is lugging on the bit and can be rode everyday with light hands.
• 2 - Snaffle Kimberwicke (broken mouth-piece) - This cheek adds a light amount of curb pressure and will not pinch a horse's lip.  The curved mouth is easier and more comfortable for your horse to pack.
• 3 -  Uxeter Kimberwicke Bits w/port - Multi-action bit that offers the control of a pelham with the convenience of a single rein.
• 3 - Slow-Twist Full-Cheek Snaffle - This bit offers more control on steering for horse's with a hard mouth.  I do not recommend this bit.
• 3 - Tom Thumb Pelham Bit - Two sets of reins combine the functions of a snaffle and a curb bit.  Jointed mouth.  I do not recommend this bit.

Types of Metal Used in Bits

• Solid Brass
• Nickel Plated
• Malleable Iron
• Chrome Plated
• Stainless Steel

  Western Bits

• 1 - Sweet Iron Snaffle Bit - One of the nicest all around ring snaffles.  The sweet iron creates moisture for a wet, soft mouth.  This is a very nice light bit for training youngsters.
• 1 - Tom Thumb Snaffle Bit - Broken mouth bit with 6" cheeks.  Good all-purpose bit, or for making a transition from the snaffle to the curb.  This is also a good training bit.
• 2 - Twisted Wire Snaffle - This bit is used to keep a horse from lugging on the bit.  Some people use this for training.
• 2 - Low Port Curb (AKA Grazing Bit) - This is probably the most popular bit around.  It is a good intermediate bit or show bit.
• 2 - Correction Bit - This bit has two joints, which makes it less harsh then your regular medium port bit.  It has like a "U" shaped mouthpiece made of copper & is commonly used for showing.
• 2 - D & L Reiner - Commonly used in Reining & Cutting, best described as a shanked snaffle bit, it's good for horses just coming out of the snaffle bit.
• 3 - High Port Bit or Cathedral Port - This bit is used to have maximum control over your horse's mouth...basically.  The rider should have extremely soft hands.
• 3 - Bike Chain Bit - I really do not recommend this bit.  Although it has joints along it, it is made up of a harsh "bike chain."  If you seriously use this on your horse everyday, please e-mail me & tell me about your horse & I MIGHT be able to give you a few pointers....I'm not exactly a trainer, but I hate seeing horses being ridden in these bits.

      That's all the bits that I have listed for now.  If you'd like to contribute a bit & imformation on that certain bit, PLEASE E-MAIL ME.  Every suggestion, comment (negative or positive), contribution, etc. would be GREATLY APPRECIATED!!  Please tell me what you think!  This might start a "bit war" but please, tell me what you think & we can start almost something like a debate or message room.  So send those comments in!  Thanks!
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