Bit ring

The bit ring is the ring on the side of a horse's bit. It has an effect on the action of the bit, and is therefore a sunject to consider when choosing a bit for a horse. However, the bit mouthpiece generally has a greater effect than the ring.

Choices in bit rings can be found in snaffles or bradoons, as well as gag bits. The pelham, kimberwicke, and curb bit do not provide choices in bit rings, due to their design.

Loose-Ring

Loose-ring snaffle.

Types of Bits: Found on snaffles, gag bits, and bradoons.

Action: The loose-ring has a circular ring which may rotate around on the mouthpiece. The sliding makes it more difficult for the horse to tighten against it, promoting relaxation and chewing from the horse. The loose-ring therefore keeps the bit more mobile than any other ring type. The ring will also rotate slightly before the bit mouthpiece adds pressure to the mouth, thus allowing it to give more signal than a more fixed bit.

Disadvantages: the loose-ring may pinch the corners of the lips as it rotates, which is very painful for the horse. This is especially true if the bit is too small. If the horse is having such problems, a bit guard may be used. However, the bit mouthpiece should be slightly large (to accommodate the bit guard) should one be used; it is best if it is 1/4 wider than required by the horse's mouth. There are some horses that dislike the rattling noise of the loose ring. Additionally, the loose-ring is more easily pulled through the mouth than a bit with cheeks.

Size and Thickness of the Rings: Rings are generally 2-5 inches in diameter, most commonly ranging in the 2.5-3 inch range. Rings for bradoons are smaller than those used on a plain snaffle. Rings may be larger on gag bits, especially if the rider wishes to increase the severity. Thickness ranges from 10-23mm, with most found at 15mm.

Mouthpiece: comes in many mouthpiece sizes, with 5" being the most popular. Various metals are used, and mouthpieces may be solid, hollow, and may be made in almost any type including: single- and double-jointed (French link and Dr. Bristol), mullen, waterford, slow-twist, and single- or double-wire.

Uses: loose rings are popular for training young horses, as the action is mild and allows for movement. The loose ring is the most common bit seen at the lower levels of dressage. It is also seen through all the levels of eventing (especially in the dressage phase), and is a common bit for race horses and show jumpers.

Eggbutt/Barrel head

Eggbutt ring.

Types of Bits: Found on snaffles, gag bits, and bradoons. Pelham bits also always have the eggbutt design.

Action: the eggbutt has an egg-shape, and consists of a round outer side and a more upright, straighter side which is fixed to the mouthpiece. It does not rotate like the loose-ring, and so is more stable in the horse's mouth, but not as fixed as the other types of rings.

Advantages: it will not pinch like the loose ring.

Disadvantages: It is more easily pulled through the mouth than a bit with cheeks.

Size and Thickness of Rings: The rings range from rounder and thinner to wider and flatter in shape. Their thickness varies from 10-23mm, and most are about 3" across.

Mouthpiece: Generally a wider range of mouthpiece sizes can be found than in the loose ring, ranging from 3-6.5" The mouthpiece is usually solid, but may be hollow mouthed. It is commonly single-jointed, although mullen, double-jointed, waterford, corkscrew, slow-twist, and twisted wire mouthpieces are also found.

Uses: Eggbutts are less common in the dressage arena than loose-rings. They are popular for riding schools, being quite mild, and for horse racing. Eggbutts are generally not as popular as loose-rings, Dee-rings, and Full-cheeks, however they are seen in eventing, show jumping, and occasionally in hunt seat riding.

Dee-ring/ Racing snaffle

D-ring on a racehorse.

Types of Bits: snaffle, the kimberwicke has a slightly modified Dee-ring design

Action: the Dee-ring, as its name suggest, has a ring shape like a "D" with the straight part of the "D" attached to the mouthpiece of the bit. The straight bars of the Dee-ring provide a lateral guiding effect. This is because the bit ring is pulled against the side of the mouth opposite the rein that is activated, pushing the sides of the D against the horse's jaw, helping to turn him. The Dee-ring is especially fixed in the horse's mouth, because its shape does not allow the bit to rotate. The D-ring is most similar to the full-cheek.

Advantages: does not pinch like the loose ring, and is not as likely to be pulled through the mouth as a loose-ring or eggbutt.

Size and Thickness of the Rings: The ring is usually about 3" in width, although they may reach 5" (a popular size for race horses). The larger the ring size, the more lateral guiding effect it has.

Mouthpiece: varies in thickness, and may be hollow or solid. Generally comes in a variety of sizes. Commonly seen in single- and double-jointed (French link and Dr. Bristol) mouthpieces, also mullen, waterford, slow-twist, and twisted wire.

Uses: The D-ring is the traditional bit used in hunt seat riding, and is the most common in that discipline. It is also popular in horse racing. The D-ring is not as popular in dressage, nor is it seen much in eventing or show jumping

Full Cheek

Full-cheek, used without bit keepers.

Types of Bits: snaffle

Action: The cheeks of these bits extend both upward and downward, tapering as they get farther away from the mouthpiece, with a half-moon ring similar in shape to the Dee-ring or eggbutt (depending on the design). The long sides provide a great deal of lateral guiding effect. The full cheek without bit keepers is more fixed in the mouth than a loose ring, and has a similar action to the Dee-ring. Use of bit keepers makes the full cheek even more fixed than the Dee-ring, and tend to concentrate bit pressure on the bars and tongue.

Advantages: The full-cheek is not as likely to be pulled through the mouth as a loose-ring or eggbutt.

Disadvantages: In some cases, a young horse may be scared by the lateral pressure of the full cheek. Bit guards can help this problem. Additionally, the full-cheek can easily be caught on something if bit keepers are not used.

Adjustment: The full cheek should be adjusted like any normal snaffle, although it may be slightly lower in the mouth when bit keepers are used. When choosing this bit for a horse, it may be best to ride him with and without bit keepers, to see what he prefers.

Mouthpieces: Range in all sizes (3-6") and thickness (10-21mm). Usually in solid mouths, although hollow mouths are available. Single-jointed is the most common, but it also comes in mullen, double-jointed, waterford, slow twist, corkscrew, single- and double-wire.

Uses: The full cheek is seen in many disciplines, including dressage, eventing, show jumping, and hunt seat. It is used in racing, although in general the Dee-ring in more popular. Additionally, the guiding effect makes it popular for use on young horses. it helps with steering and turning .so would be good for courses or sharp turns

Half-Cheek/Half-Spoon

Half-cheek (note the flatness of the cheeks).

Type of bit: snaffles

Action: As the name suggests, the half-cheek has only an upper or lower cheek, with the lower cheek being the most common. The cheek is generally flat and spoon-like, as opposed to the long, cylindrical shape of the full-cheek. The bit provides some lateral guiding effect, and is more fixed in the mouth than the loose-ring. Upper cheek bits may be used with keepers (which makes the bit more fixed in the mouth).

Advantages: This bit is not as likely to be pulled through the mouth as a loose-ring or eggbutt. Additionally, it is not as likely to be caught on something, which may happen with a full-cheek used without keepers.

Mouthpieces: Size varies, from 3.5" (for minitaure horses in harness) to 5". Mouthpieces come in all types, except waterfords are rare.

Uses: The half-cheek is used in racing because it is less-likely to be caught on the starting gate than a full cheek. It is also very popular in driving, because it is less likely to be caught on the harness. It is also commonly used on young horses.

Fulmer/Australian loose-ring

Fulmer ring.

Type of Bit: snaffle

Action: The fulmer is similar to the full-cheek in that it has an upper and lower cheek, which taper off as they move from the mouthpiece. However, the ring to which the bit is attached is not an eggbutt or Dee-ring design, but a loose-ring. This bit therefore gives the lateral guiding effect of the full-cheek, without the rigidity of many other bit rings.

Advantages: Provides the rotation of the loose ring without as great a chance that the ring will pinch. Also prevents the bit from being pulled through the mouth like an eggbutt or loose ring.

Mouthpieces: Usually seen in single- or double-jointed mouthpieces

Uses: not as common as the other bit rings, but can be seen used in a variety of disciplines

Baucher/Fillis/Hanging cheek/Drop cheek

The correct position of the Baucher.

Type of Bit: snaffle

Action: The baucher has an eggbutt like ring at the mouthpiece for the rein, with an upper cheek that has a ring at its end, to which the cheekpieces of the bridle are attached. The mouthpiece can not slide on its ring (which would have put the bit in the gag bit category instead of the snaffle). This bit lies flat against the horse's face, and is quite fixed in the mouth and concentrates pressure on the bars. Contrary to common belief, this bit does not create poll pressure.

Advantages: will not be pulled through the mouth.

Mouthpieces: All types, including waterford.

Uses: Commonly seen in eventing, during the dressage or show jumping phase. Also seen used by dressage riders. May also be used in preparation for the curb bit.

• NOTE: the Baucher is commonly shown upside-down (seen here [1]), with the "cheek" and smaller ring (originally intended for attaching the cheekpieces and not the reins) hanging below the bit, as if the reins were supposed to attach. The larger, eggbutt ring which is connected to the mouthpiece is displayed as the higher ring, as if the cheekpieces are supposed to attach to it. This is improper, and makes the bit act more like a curb bit without the curb chain. This fitting is not allowed in competition, and should not be used at all.

Other Bit Rings

• Fulls-spoon: similar to the full-cheek, except the cheeks are flat and spoon-like instead of round and cylindrical. The cheeks are generally shorter than those found on a full-cheek.

• Flat-ring: Similar to the loose-ring, but the cirular ring has been flattened to it has edges. Generally more common in western-style riding. Has similar action as the loose-ring.