Western Horse Bits

How do the various Western bits work?

The choice of the appropriate Western bit depends on various factors, including the horse's level of training and use as well as its mouth shape, i.e. how much space the horse has between the bars and how much room the tongue allows for a bit. It also plays a role if you want to present your horse at a Western show, where among the professionals almost exclusively only Western curb bits are allowed. Depending on the bit, a different effect is achieved.
A basic distinction is made between

• Snaffle Bits (bits without shanks)
• Bits with shanks, also called Western curb bits.

Among these two main types of bits, one can again differentiate sub-types, which then differ again slightly in their effect:

• Snaffle Bit: single jointed loose ring snaffle bit
• Cricket Off Set Dee Bit: double jointed D-ring snaffle bit
• Billy Allen Bits: straight mouthpiece with movable roller in the middle, with or without shanks
• Correction Bits: double jointed mullen mouth bit with extra high port (room for tongue). It is movable on both shanks as well as on both sides of the port.

How do snaffle bits work?

Single-jointed snaffle bits are available with O-rings running through them, which can be compared to the classic loose ring snaffle. On the other hand, there are snaffle bits with D-rings or as eggbutt bits. While O-ring snaffles can be a little unsteady in the horse's mouth, Dee snaffles offer good lateral guidance due to the firm side parts and are also more steady in the horse's mouth. Snaffle bits are very gentle in the horse's mouth and are used as the first bit, especially for young horses. The aids come quickly and directly. Side-ways aids can be given separately.
Cricket Off Set Dee bits lie completely on the tongue and are thus even calmer in the horse's mouth.

How do Billy Allen bits work?

Billy Allen bits encourage the horse to salivate because they usually have a roller and copper inserts in the middle. Although they are straight and look like a mullen mouth bit at first glance, the two side pieces can be turned independently of each other. This makes it possible to give very fine aids. Since there is no bend in the bit when shortening the rein, a Billy Allen Bit is particularly interesting for horses that have difficulty with a jointed loose ring snaffle. For inexperienced riders, as well as sensitive horses, Billy Allen bits without shanks are suitable. Billy Allen bits with shanks, on the other hand, are very popular with experienced riders.

How do bits with shanks or western curb bits work?

Bits with shanks, i.e. Western curb bits, are not designed for riding with both hands. In contrast to English riding, Western curb bits are used bare and without a snaffle. Therefore, they are ridden one-handed in so-called "neck reining", where the horse is steered by applying the rein against the neck. The leverage of the reins puts pressure on the horse's jaw and neck. Well-trained Western horses give way in the neck at the slightest impulse of the reins. However, the Western curb bit is not designed to be pulled continuously.

How do correction bits work?

Correction bits, as the name suggests, are used to correct the horse. They act on the palate, tongue and corners of the mouth. As they are very sharp, they should only be used by an experienced trainer.
Of course you can also do without a Western bit completely and ride your horse bitless. Bitless bridles, such as sidepulls, are especially popular for training young horses. For this purpose you can find bitless bridles for Western horses in our online shop.