Bit Information (Snaffle and English-Type Bits)

A Baucher is attached to the headstall. Though some argue it adds poll pressure, but I can't see how that happens. The idea with the boucher is that it's stable, much like a full cheek, so you have less "noise" and the bit sits at a certain angle in the horse's mouth.
Hope that helps!

This is probably going to sound like an amazingly stupid question, but I have little to no knowledge on this kind of thing, so... what is a palate? I've been hearing this word a lot and have absolutely no idea as to what it is x10

The roof of the mouth. Ever gotten yourself there with a spoon or something?? IT HURTS!

haha thanks . That makes everything much clearer :)

This is really quite informative... I wonder, would it be OK with you if I print this out and take it into where I work, to use as a reference? Unfortunately, our training isn't very thorough, and once in awhile we find ourselves not sure about what to call a bit or how harsh it is. ^^;

Absolutely! I'm glad it has helped!!

I can't believe there is still such a biased opinion on bits. A bit is only as harsh as the hands using it. I'll agree that there are inappropriate bits for each individual horse to use but to cancel a bit out completely as harsh and unnecessary is kind of silly. There's no possible way that anyone's ever encountered every type of horse with a different need in the world. I'm not trying to sound rude or smug but don't you think it's a little naive to just dismiss a bit because someone somewhere out there might misuse it? I mean a whip in someone's hands can be a very dangerous thing or a very good training tool... depending on who's using it. Same thing with a chain shank or really anything for that matter. I'm sorry I just catch a lot of flack for being from the Saddlebred industry originally. I taught lessons for a while... there were some horses that absolutely needed a mule bit for a student to have control... mind you I would never put that bit or any other bit in the hands of someone that I wasn't confident could correctly use it.

Sorry about the rant... I just have to put this out there!
Thanks :)

Thank you for your opinion, OCH, but I feel it is a good "guide" for those that simply don't know about bits. If someone doesn't KNOW how a bit works, do you really want them using a kimberwicke? Probably not. For those of you who know how to use a bit correctly, absolutely go for using the bit that works the best.
I'd much rather point a beginner to my list and say "read this" than "well... your horse is hard to turn so put a stronger bit in."
Just for the record, I don't agree with mule bits one iota. If a horse 'needs' a mule bit, there is something seriously wrong with the horse's training.

The two horses in particular that I used a mule bit on were "hot" horses. We did not use the bit to haul on their mouths it is more of an attention getter, a very light squeeze of the fingers is all it takes. Had I put a "softer" bit in their mouths they simply would ignore it due to their personalities. There is nothing wrong with their training... it is more over a safety precaution for horse and rider.

I understand what your point is for writing this thread... I just hope that next time you write an "informative" piece you try to not impose so much of your opinion into it.

Anyone is welcome to take what they will from my writing and apply it to their own information stores and decide what is useful to them. I included my opinion as a way for others to gauge the bits if they don't know themselves. I have had a number of people PM me thanking me for this write-up, as it is simple and concise. A number of people have joined this board to ask me for permission to use the information elsewhere, and ended up staying and contributing to this community.
If you don't agree with my information that is absolutely fine.
Just as an aside - please keep in mind that I wrote this piece as an english rider, where contact is a must. Any constant contact (I'm talking real contact, not just no slack in the reins) with a mule bit or woodscrew bit, or really any of the "yucky" bits, in my opinion, is cruel. Put either of these in the crook of your elbow and apply a few pounds of pressure as if you were riding with contact. It probably hurts.
Better yet, apply my "bucket" idea to these bits - fill a bucket with a couple to a few pounds worth of water. Attach a rope and the bit so you have to pick the bucket up with the bit. Anything with a non-smooth mouthpiece is going to hurt - and this is just a hand, which is used to being roughed up! What about when you apply that to a horse's sensitive lips, bars, and tongue? It wouldn't be pleasant, not at all. Then consider the type of joint you have - a single joint is going to pinch your hand, whereas a mouthpiece with multiple breaks will be much nicer to handle.
I hope that clears things up!