Although bitless riding is on the rise, many riders still use bits to work with their horses. Following up on our previous article, it was also necessary to present you with the most common types of bits as well as their actions.
This is the most classic bit. It is used on all types of horses.
The effect of the bit will be more or less intense depending on the thickness of the mouthpiece. The thinner it is, the more "severe" it will be
The olive bit is also a very classic bit, most often used for sensitive horses and easily injuring at the corners of the lips
The needle bit and the Verdun bit are known for their framing and are often used for young horses. They also avoid possible pinching at the level of the commissure of the lips.
Baucher :
The Baucher is a bit harder than the previous bits. It is a bit known for its slight leverage effect allowing for a flexion of the neck.
Pessoa :
The Pessoa bits help the rider to place higher a horse putting all its weight on the shoulders. The bit is more or less harsh depending on the placement of the reins on the rings. The lower the rein is placed, the stronger the action will be. It can also be used with 2 pairs of reins or links.
The Pelham bit is very well known for horses with a lot of strength and spirit. Indeed, it can help with the control of the horse. It has a lever effect, lowering on the lower ring, slightly raising on the main ring. A Pelham bit with long shanks will have a more significant lever effect. It can be equipped with a chain to adjust the intensity of the effect.Like the pessoa, it can also be used with 2 pairs of reins or couplings.
The Relever bits are used for horses that have an equilibrium on the shoulders and tend to lean heavily on the rider's hand. It is characterized by being mounted on special cheekpieces (relever cheekpieces) to ensure its proper use.
It is accompanied by a simple snaffle bit to work more precisely. Do not put in inexperienced hands.
This bit does not act on the horse's mouth but on the nose. It has a leverage effect thanks to its branches. The hackamore is often used for quite delicate horses that need tension. The intensity of this leverage effect will be determined by the length of the branches, the longer the branches, the harsher the Hackamore will be.