Bit Information (Snaffle and English-Type Bits)

Thank you so much for this thread! What type of bit would you suggest for a horse who needs more training and resist contact? Seriously, like if you apply pressure she just leans into it! She is in a single jointed, sweetmouth loose ring but once we get her home I'd like to try something else to see if it works better. Help?

I have a question, probably a dum one but here goes. I run the barrels, poles...ect (I ride and train western) right now I am using a kimberwick on a colt I just broke. I would like to use a full cheek to help with his turning and I think it would be nicer than his kimberwick. He doesnt seem to like his kimberwick but then again what horse likes his bit when he is first broke. So, my question is: Is it weird and or not good to use an english bit on a "western horse" or to tune on a "western horse"?

Thank you for the post it helped sooooo much and I can't wait until the western bit post is up!!

I have a question about western bits. I am planing on switching from the single jointed "Full Check Snaffle" to a Sprenger or Myler English Dee for English. However, since all my horses are over two, I need a mild shanked bit as well. I have ALWAYS ridden in nice mild bits but now I am starting to show. If you have any info on a nice western style set up that I can legally show in, that would be great. Otherwise, it's ok and I will delve deeper.

Thank you for making this thread. I've been having issues with bits when it comes to my horse and I think it may be due to the wrong kind of bit. Now I can see what my horse needs because of this thread.

Hmmmmm...... I wish there was Somebody out there who could put up a western bit section now......

Glad to help!! I would suggest perhaps a three-piece (french link, oval link, etc) loose ring, and a good trainer. The bit is only one part of the equation. If she's leaning, it might be a bit thing, but it's more likely a training thing too. Good luck!!

As part of my original post, I really don't like Kimberwicke bits, and really truly they shouldn't be used on a newly broke horse. They aren't refined enough even for the most seasoned horse.. on a newly broke horse, they're very confusing. Every western horse should be started in a snaffle, which isn't technically an english bit, it's just... a type of bit... and they're trained in a snaffle until they're trained enough to move off neckrein, seat, and leg aids. I strongly suggest you take your horse back to square one and start mostly over with a snaffle. Betcha you'll see an improvement!

Unless you're showing, you don't need a curb bit, and even then I believe they don't need to be in a curb until they're 5 or 6. Up until 5 or 6, they can show in snaffle bits, and I encourage that.
Myler manufactures some fantastic western bits as well... but I'm really honestly not the one to talk to about western bits, not till I get more time to read up and research them.

Glad to have helped!

Again, once I get the time and ... well, yeah.. once I get the time and drive, I will sit down and research and type. Contrary to popular belief (hehe) I'm not superwoman


Okay, I answered all the questions and comments on the latest page... anyone who wants to is welcome to re-ask their question or PM me with it.... can't guarantee how often I'll be on the Forum, but I get an email whenever I get a PM and I make sure I check it.

Why don't you do it then :) You can spend the time to research the bits and come up with a great thread discussing Western Bits

Good Post. I don't see anything on the all important double bridle though!

You've also missed the wilkie. The wilkie was designed for the LR/FR show ponies here in the UK by Peter wilkinson of Fylde saddlery. It gives more poll pressure then the hanging cheek, it also looks alot neater. It is not dressage legal.

There is also the cambridge mouth piece. This is a straight bar with a small port. It is good for ponies who have a low palete and a fleshy toungue/bars. It gives room for the tounge without hitting the roof of the mouth. It also gives a bit more feel in the hand then the mullen mouth, again it isnt legal.

Not many people remember that the dutch gag needs 2 reins (or that it can also be called the continental snaffle or a 3 ring snaffle as it is not a true gag).

There is a plethora of different types of pelham sides e.g the sam marsh pelham (which I hate), the globe pelham (i don't like this either) and the swales pelham (not good in anything but experianced hands)

Finaly, I've been riding and have owned horses in the UK for 20+ years and I have NEVER seen any of the twisted/corkscrew/wire bits in use or for sale. The only time I have seen them is on pub walls gathering dust.
BTW I'm fairly certain that under one of the animal welfare acts the chain bit is illegal in the UK.

Sorry but If you have to resort to one of the chain/twisted/corkscrew/wire then there is something seriously wrong with either your riding or your horses training.

However it isn't a snaffle either so those names are incorrect.

Allie, if you would like some help on a western bit section, let me know. I'm a long way from knowing it all but I do have a fair amount of experience with shanked bits.