Bits N’ Such Equestrian

Dressage riders: Have you checked your bit against the new rules?

Several bits that were previously permitted are no longer legal, so don't assume your current setup is still compliant.

Take a few minutes to review the updated rules. If you discover your horse's current bit is no longer legal, reach out. I'll help you find a legal alternative that maintains the comfort, function, and communication your horse needs.

Rule changes don't have to mean starting from scratch, but they do require more than guessing to find a legal alternative.

Here's where you can check:
https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/96D17lSsaCo/annex---bits-saddlery-equipment?fbclid=IwY2xjawSquu5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe7Kg2StSCb3L0wuZ3Hpeu6KT1i7I5pqOIf0goK1H5iief7JoZfmQ6yEfNPVU_aem_Eo8bqoNTR3jOiWbVOi0R3g

Not all bit materials feel the same to your horse which means that if your horse isn't comfortable in the bridle, the answer isn't always a different mouthpiece. Sometimes it's the material.

One option I reach for in specific cases is titanium, and it's not just because it's lightweight.

Titanium is naturally hypoallergenic, making it a great choice for horses with metal sensitivities or those with a history of mouth irritation. It also oxidizes naturally, which encourages salivation and acceptance without the visible rusting you see with sweet iron.

I've also found the lighter weight can influence some horse's willingness to move into the contact. For horses that tend to get behind the vertical or feel overly light in the hand, a titanium bit can sometimes help them feel more comfortable reaching forward into the connection rather than backing away from it.

The reality is that bit selection isn't about finding the "best" bit out there. It's about understanding how different materials, mouthpieces, and designs affect the individual horse you're working with.

Does every horse need titanium? No.
But this is exactly why bit fitting requires more than pulling a bit off the tack store shelf and hoping for the best.
Material matters. Weight matters. Design matters. And understanding how all of those variables influence the horse is what separates guessing from a professional fitting.

Have you seen Bomber's newest release, the Bomber Blue Elliptical?

The elliptical design has long been a favorite for encouraging softness and clear, consistent communication. In this version, it’s combined with Bomber’s blue nylon composite mouthpiece, offering a different feel for horses that are sensitive to traditional metal bits or simply go better in a synthetic material.

We find it particularly useful for horses that object to a colder mouthpiece, or those that do not prefer metal. Riders often report a quieter mouth, more acceptance, and a more willing connection with this bit.

Key features:
• Smoother, more generous profile
• Softer, more consistent response
• Gentle, even pressure across tongue and bars
• Encourages salivation and acceptance
• Helpful for improving overall stability in the contact

The result is often a more relaxed, focused horse with improved connection and balance through the hand. If you'd like to order one or aren't sure if it’s the right fit, order through us or get in touch and we'll help guide you.

There is no such thing as a "best bit" for every horse.

One of the most common questions I get is, "What bit should I try?" The reality is that finding the right bit isn't about choosing the most popular option or copying what works for someone else's horse. It's about understanding your horse's mouth, preferences, way of going, and how they respond to different pressure points.

That's why I don't like to make bit recommendations without seeing the horse. Watching them work, evaluating their mouth, and paying attention to their reactions tells me far more than any description ever can. While there are certainly bits I reach for more often than others, the right choice depends entirely on the horse standing in front of me.

If you're struggling with contact, resistance, head tossing, tongue issues, inconsistency with the bridle, or simply wondering whether your current setup is the best option, book a bit-fitting clinic or participate in one. Together, we'll evaluate what your horse is telling us and find the most suitable solution for their individual needs.

Reach out today for more information on bit fitting clinics:
bitsnsuch.com/pages/kims-bit-and-bridle-clinics

When we talk about bit selection, most riders focus on the shape of the mouthpiece and whether the bit fits their horse correctly. But there’s another factor that’s just as important: what the bit is made from.

This is an article worth reading. It focuses on the importance of considering material as well as fit, and includes conversations with a variety of bit manufacturers to better understand modern materials.

There has been a rise in generic, unbranded bits that closely resemble trusted branded designs. Unfortunately, not all of these products are manufactured to the same standards. Some lower-quality bits may contain lead, which can be added during the casting process so the bit doesn’t need to be heated to such a high temperature. Because bits are designed to oxidize in the horse’s mouth to encourage salivation, when lead is used in the metal it can potentially leach into the horse’s system. A gold-colored mouthpiece isn't always what it appears to be.

Beyond material concerns, lower-quality bits may also be more susceptible to wear, weakness, or breakage.

This is one of the many reasons we encourage riders to look beyond appearance and price when selecting equipment. Bit fit is critical, but so is bit quality. Investing in products from trusted manufacturers helps ensure you're putting something safe, durable, and thoughtfully engineered in your horse’s mouth. It’s why we're selective about the brands we carry and recommend.

Serious discussion about bits at Hof Bettenrode on our Germany trip!

Kim recently came across a blind wolf tooth in one of her clinics.

“I found one blind wolf tooth on the upper jaw of a horse that was brought to me because it would never take a contact. The horse always had to be ridden with a loose rein.

Understanding the physics of how bits work is crucial! A snaffle bit, with the exception of a hanging cheek or baucher, will always slide up in the mouth when contact is taken and rotate downward onto the bars and tongue. Even though this was on the upper jaw the lack of space in the mouth was still an issue. In this horse's case, every time contact was taken on the reins, the bit made contact with the wolf tooth. The owner was told that the wolf tooth did not need to be removed, as it would never be a problem.

I referred the client to a dental specialist who removed the tooth and noted that the tooth had been constantly moved by the bit and was surrounded by scar tissue. In addition to the owner having the wolf tooth removed, I fitted the horse with a bit to remove the pressure from that area. This guy will feel way better in a couple of weeks!”

We’re on our way home from a packed trip to Germany. Lots of bit fittings and very productive meetings with suppliers.