Bits & Bitting

The Hand Test – Understanding What Your Horse Feels

Hilary share this at all her bitting days and clinics, but it’s always worth repeating. There is a simple way to check whether the bit you are using is as comfortable as you believe.

When assessing your horse’s bit — regardless of advertising claims — try this:

Face a friend and hold your hand up with your knuckles facing them.
Ask them to place your horse’s bit around your hand and gently close it.
Your hand represents your horse’s lower jaw, and your friend’s hands represent your contact on the reins.

If the bit pinches your hand under light pressure, consider how it may feel to your horse when greater pressure is applied through the reins and rider’s body weight.

This simple test can help you decide whether your current bit is fair, comfortable, and suited to your horse’s mouth, or whether it is restrictive and potentially causing discomfort.

Also take a critical look at your bit:

Is it symmetrical?
Is the mouthpiece even throughout?

A horse cannot move evenly forward into the contact if the bit itself is unbalanced or asymmetrical.

Achieving the best possible result when bitting a variety of horses requires access to a wide range of legal bits. Horses differ greatly in age, sensitivity, conformation and level of training, and each of these factors must be carefully considered. Equally important is the rider — their hands, ability, fitness and level of training all play a significant role.

With the right bit, it is possible to encourage the horse to work comfortably and correctly in the bridle by creating a consistent sense of comfort, release and reward. This helps the horse clearly understand where the most comfortable place is, promoting softness and responsiveness.

A well-made, balanced bit should support both horse and rider, not hinder them or create discomfort. Thoughtful design is key — a quality bit should incorporate release and reward within its construction, allowing the rider to maintain a light, consistent contact without needing to compensate for the shape of the mouthpiece.

Informed Designs offers a carefully developed range, including 10 different snaffle mouthpieces available in four diameters across eight cheek options. This provides extensive flexibility, allowing for a more precise and considered approach when striving for the ideal bitting solution.

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