The Anatomy of a Good Basic Bit
We have fitted many different basic bit models and know that finding even basic bits can sometimes be laborious, as the models often look very similar. We have compiled our favorite basic models in this article, which are suitable for a wide variety of horses.
Where to start?
Firstly, it's good to consider the size of the horse's mouth, the space available for the bit, and the horse's rideability. A horse's rideability can change significantly when the mouthpiece of the bit is changed. So, especially if your horse seems to be resisting its current standard jointed or three-piece bit, it might be worth trying a slightly different basic model with a different thickness or pressure. The optimal bit thickness for a horse is normally around 14-16mm, meaning a medium-thick bit suits many horses even better than bits that are too thin.
Veterinarian's observations are important to consider. If your veterinarian has recommended a specific model or cheekpiece due to a particular problem, it might be safer to request a consultation from us to ensure you get an anatomically correct bit. If the veterinarian has not noted anything specific during dental examinations, then it is likely that your horse's mouth is of average volume, and no special wear or mucosal damage has been found that needs to be considered when choosing a bit.
It is also good to remember one important thing: pressure hypersensitivity. If your horse is head-shaking, resisting the bit, running away from the contact, accelerating against the rein, tongue-lolling, tugging on the reins, or showing other unusual symptoms, your horse may have become hypersensitive to the current mouthpiece model, and it's possible that you haven't varied bit models enough. Every horse needs more than one bit if you want to avoid it becoming hypersensitive to static pressure always applied to the same spot, which can cause pressure damage in the mouth leading to chronic pain. For these horses, it can often be difficult to find a bit due to acute pressure hypersensitivity, so we are happy to help with more challenging clients, as each of these horses has different preferences and approaches to improving the problem. However, in this situation, the most important thing is to find a bit alongside the current one where the pressure is not applied to the same areas as the current bit, e.g., a bit with tongue relief vs. one that applies pressure to the tongue.
Our favorites among basic bit models
Marcus sweet iron
John sweet iron
Gustav sweet iron
Maria titanium
Jack sweet iron
What details make a good basic bit?
Through fittings, we have observed that many horses prefer very small and thin joints in the center of three-piece or jointed bits. The larger the joints, the greater the possibility that the joints could press uncomfortably against the bony lower jaw ridges, causing discomfort or pain for the horse. So, if you want the most horse-friendly bit possible, it would be good if at least one of the bits in use had almost imperceptible joints.
There's no need to overly fear single-jointed bits, as they are anatomically safer in terms of the space between the horse's bony lower jaw ridges. In other words, they are easier to fit between narrow ridges where a normal three-piece bit might press uncomfortably. For some horses, it is clearly beneficial to use a single-jointed bit as an alternative.
A good basic bit is light, pleasantly inconspicuous, has no overly large details in the mouthpiece, and feels in the hand as if you would gladly put it in your own mouth. For alternative bits, it is also good to consider synthetic basic bits, such as models from Beris or Winderen. These are often flexible, providing different comfort compared to metallic materials, and the horse's oral mucous membranes can also benefit from the alternation between metal and synthetic bits.
However, note that if the horse leaves marks on gel or other synthetic materials, the anatomical model of the mouthpiece may be incorrect. A horse should not leave marks on straight plastic bits, and they should not be used with chew marks, as they cause damage to the horse's mucous membranes and create discomfort. So, you can often tell if a plastic bit is suitable if the horse does not leave chew marks on it even with repeated use, or otherwise chew the bit.
What if all this seems too complicated?
We are here to help you via chat or email if you feel that the bit jungle is too vast and you need more specific, personalized recommendations for your horse. :) We offer a paid remote consultation service and bit fitting visits to your stable, through which you can utilize our anatomical knowledge, as well as the reaction experience gathered from hundreds of horses during various bit fittings. If your situation is difficult, we definitely recommend a bit fitting visit, as by seeing the horse in person, we can give much more precise recommendations and advice, and the horses show reactions that we can address in one way or another. You can focus on riding and let us take care of bit considerations during the fitting visit.
Where to start?
Firstly, it's good to consider the size of the horse's mouth, the space available for the bit, and the horse's rideability. A horse's rideability can change significantly when the mouthpiece of the bit is changed. So, especially if your horse seems to be resisting its current standard jointed or three-piece bit, it might be worth trying a slightly different basic model with a different thickness or pressure. The optimal bit thickness for a horse is normally around 14-16mm, meaning a medium-thick bit suits many horses even better than bits that are too thin.
Veterinarian's observations are important to consider. If your veterinarian has recommended a specific model or cheekpiece due to a particular problem, it might be safer to request a consultation from us to ensure you get an anatomically correct bit. If the veterinarian has not noted anything specific during dental examinations, then it is likely that your horse's mouth is of average volume, and no special wear or mucosal damage has been found that needs to be considered when choosing a bit.
It is also good to remember one important thing: pressure hypersensitivity. If your horse is head-shaking, resisting the bit, running away from the contact, accelerating against the rein, tongue-lolling, tugging on the reins, or showing other unusual symptoms, your horse may have become hypersensitive to the current mouthpiece model, and it's possible that you haven't varied bit models enough. Every horse needs more than one bit if you want to avoid it becoming hypersensitive to static pressure always applied to the same spot, which can cause pressure damage in the mouth leading to chronic pain. For these horses, it can often be difficult to find a bit due to acute pressure hypersensitivity, so we are happy to help with more challenging clients, as each of these horses has different preferences and approaches to improving the problem. However, in this situation, the most important thing is to find a bit alongside the current one where the pressure is not applied to the same areas as the current bit, e.g., a bit with tongue relief vs. one that applies pressure to the tongue.
Our favorites among basic bit models
Marcus sweet iron
John sweet iron
Gustav sweet iron
Maria titanium
Jack sweet iron
What details make a good basic bit?
Through fittings, we have observed that many horses prefer very small and thin joints in the center of three-piece or jointed bits. The larger the joints, the greater the possibility that the joints could press uncomfortably against the bony lower jaw ridges, causing discomfort or pain for the horse. So, if you want the most horse-friendly bit possible, it would be good if at least one of the bits in use had almost imperceptible joints.
There's no need to overly fear single-jointed bits, as they are anatomically safer in terms of the space between the horse's bony lower jaw ridges. In other words, they are easier to fit between narrow ridges where a normal three-piece bit might press uncomfortably. For some horses, it is clearly beneficial to use a single-jointed bit as an alternative.
A good basic bit is light, pleasantly inconspicuous, has no overly large details in the mouthpiece, and feels in the hand as if you would gladly put it in your own mouth. For alternative bits, it is also good to consider synthetic basic bits, such as models from Beris or Winderen. These are often flexible, providing different comfort compared to metallic materials, and the horse's oral mucous membranes can also benefit from the alternation between metal and synthetic bits.
However, note that if the horse leaves marks on gel or other synthetic materials, the anatomical model of the mouthpiece may be incorrect. A horse should not leave marks on straight plastic bits, and they should not be used with chew marks, as they cause damage to the horse's mucous membranes and create discomfort. So, you can often tell if a plastic bit is suitable if the horse does not leave chew marks on it even with repeated use, or otherwise chew the bit.
What if all this seems too complicated?
We are here to help you via chat or email if you feel that the bit jungle is too vast and you need more specific, personalized recommendations for your horse. :) We offer a paid remote consultation service and bit fitting visits to your stable, through which you can utilize our anatomical knowledge, as well as the reaction experience gathered from hundreds of horses during various bit fittings. If your situation is difficult, we definitely recommend a bit fitting visit, as by seeing the horse in person, we can give much more precise recommendations and advice, and the horses show reactions that we can address in one way or another. You can focus on riding and let us take care of bit considerations during the fitting visit.