The Horse Bit and Your Competition Success.

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The overwhelming variety of different types of horse bit is confusing. To the casual observer why the huge variety? This variety has arisen over time in response to the needs of different riders and their specific activity. Also what might be surprising to the non horse person is the great variety of different horse activities. This variety also leads to the desire for differently performing horse bits and especially in the competitive sphere where winning is important.
Probably the three most popular or well known horse activities are horse racing, equestrian events such as show jumping, and sports such as polo and driving. The different horsemanship requirements in these very different areas require different horse bits to maximize the chance of success.
In horse racing the Dee-ring snaffle bit, also known as the racing snaffle is one of the most popular designs. The Dee-ring snaffle has two rings either side of the mouthpiece with the distinctive D shape. The straight bars of the Dee-ring is pulled against the side of the mouth opposite to the rein pulled, pushing the sides of the Dee against the horse’s mouth provide the ability to guide the horse and turn as required in a race.
Eventing requires a variety of different riding skills in dressage, cross-country and show jumping and it is the wide variation in the skills required that tests the horse and rider to the limit. From the viewpoint of the event rider there are seemingly competing issues that might confound choosing perfect multipurpose horse bits. On paper one needs very specific control during dressage, somewhat more free rein allowing the horse freedom to be rapid between fences and finally in the case of cross country allowing the horse to efficiently apply power, and not be fighting unnecessary control by the rider.
In show jumping in general it is popular to use a bit that gives more control especially with a heavier horse that might lean on the bit or take hold. Gag bits are fairly common and when rein pressure is applied the bit slides upward rotating slightly in the mouth which gives the signal to to the horse. Show jumpers find the Cheltenham a popular type of gag bit. The Cheltenham gag is a specific gag bit often used by show jumpers. It has “eggbutt” rings, which remedies the problem of pinching found with the common loose ring snaffl.
Where the snaffle looses its effect the curb can step in where it provides extra leverage to the riders rein control. In show jumping the swales 3-in-1 which is a modification of the old Swales driving bit has become popular with show jumpers whom have found it effective with strong horses which are common in show jumping events . Also problems where the horse goes over bent can be helped by the Swales 3 in 1 as it doesn’t affect the horse’s poll.
Some horses have a tendency to rush off after clearing a fence and can therefore make control and judgement of next obstacle more difficult. It might be easy to opt for a curb bit that will pull up the horse but as is often the case fix the issue by training the horse correctly rather than “fixing” the problem when it happens. Be aware that a horse that rushes his fences may be reacting to a poor choice of horse bit, maybe it is pinching him .
When we look at the dressage part of the eventing sequence horses may only be ridden in snaffle type bits. And also there are rigourous guidelines as to what type of snaffle may be used. Cross country is more flexibly governed and gag bits are popular choices .
Whether you are an amateur or a professional competing at the highest level, which bit you go with will have a big impact on your results . However what you often find is that the success of the rider and horse is typically achieved through the skill of the rider and not the application of a particular bit to fix a particular problem







