Bit Information (Snaffle and English-Type Bits)

All of this information was SO helpful. I was just about to post a new thread about what bit I should get my horse for a new dressage bridle, but I saw this and read everything. There were a lot of things I din't know in this, like the purpose of some of the harsh bits. That's horrible why people would only use PAIN to make their horse listen! My only question now is should I get a French link D-ring or French link Eggbutt? My horse is very quiet and always attentive to me, and he always has his head on contact, but I like the look of a D-Ring better, and the two are very similar. Do you know what would work best for dressage work?

Both are legal, but eggbutts seem to be more prevalent in the showring. The only issue I have with eggbutt bits is that for *some* horses, they tend to hang funny from the bridle, reducing the effectiveness; this is due to the oblong-shape that the cheek has. Dee rings are more uniformly round, but aren't as "fashionable" in the dressage ring. The Dee will provide more lateral support through your rein aids, which is something to consider as well.
Best of luck, I'm glad I could help!!

Thanks so muchh!

Ok, so I have a sort of...seemingly stupid questions. And um I know we are primarily covering the english bits here but does anybody know why some people use curb straps with their loose ring or d ring snaffles? I see a LOT of western people do this and um, it seems to me that a curb serves absolutely no purpose on a loos ring or D ring snaffle.

I do this myself. A curb strap/lip strap as we call them in AUS, is actually very usefull on a snaffle. It prevents the snaffle from pulling through the mouth if you have to direct rein. It is used a lot by people who work cattle as you often have to really haul a direct rein to keep up with the cow, and the lip strap prevents the bit from pulling through the mouth by evening out the pressure.

Thank you wild spot. I never really would have thought of this, I didn't know a bit could slip through like that.

This is ALL of the information I've been looking for. Thank you!

Thanks so much for posting this!

You're welcome :) Glad to help.

The bits you say are used in western events are the ones I have never heard of or seen. And I have ridden western all my life. But this was very helpfull. Are you still going to post a western bit guide?