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                   Keeping the Spirit Alive!

                       BIT Information

The following information is designed to assist you in making the best possible bit selection. I believe, however that one factor is paramount to the best possible bit selection. Good horsemanship requires proper use of all the aids used to cue the horse to perform. This includes the type of hands that initiate the pull of the bit.

Basic Bit Types

MT-25511 Tom Thumb Bit, Stainless Steel 5" mouth, 6" cheeks breaking bit w/ snaffle mouth. $28.   One of the most basic shanked type a of snaffle bit, the Tom thumb snaffle serves as an excellent transition bit from a ring snaffle to a longer shanked snaffle or to a Curb Bit. This bit uses a small amount of curb pressure or leverage. The loose cheeks move independently allowing for more lateral flexibility.

MT-25208 Curb Bit, Nickel Plated bit w/ 7 3/8" cheeks, 5" mouth $6.  the Curb Bit, one of the major bit types, is considered a leverage bit because of the action of the curb chain. When the reins are pulled and the curb chain is engaged, it applies pressure to the chin groove. The term grazing bit is commonly referred to as a Curb Bit w/ the bit shanks bent back to allow the horse to graze.

MT-25576 Gag Bit, Stainless Steel, 5" sweet iron snaffle mouth, 7 1/2" Wonder Gag cheek. $24.  The sliding action of the Gag Bit applies pressure to the lips & corner of the mouth. this action along w/ the give and take of the rider's hands help elevate the horse's front end. This bit is commonly used by barrel racers for proper body position while turning the barrel. some Gag Bits offer variable rein loops for greater lateral pull.

MT-25110-8 Hackamore, Stainless Steel, Braided leather nose, 9" Cheek $40.  The Hackamore is designed to create pressure just above the soft tissue of the nose. And when the curb chain is engaged it also applies pressure to the chin groove. Used by ropers & barrel racers, the hackamore is designed for getting quick stops from forward motion. Hackamores are available w/ a variety of nosebands from moderate to severe. They include fleece lined leather, flat leather, rubber, bicycle chain covered w/ rubber or plastic, laced leather, braided leather or rope. When combined w/ a mouthpiece, the Hackamore gains more lateral control.

Basic Concepts

Mouthpieces can be made of different types of metal, hard rubber or flexible rubber. Each yields a different effect. The thicker the mouthpiece the milder the bit, because the bit pressure is spread over a larger area. The thinner the mouthpiece, the more severe the bit. The length of the shank dictates the amount of curb pressure is spread over a larger area. The groove and the poll of the horse. There are various mouthpiece configurations. Each mouthpiece helps to determine the function of a bit (See mouthpiece descriptions for additional explanation).

Basic Mouthpieces