Der Wechsel auf ein "schärferes" Gebiss

Bitting is a difficult subject. There are many opinions, many experiences but comparatively little knowledge. For some riders, a change of bit is promising to solve specific problems. Reality shows that these problems often do not get smaller but the bit collection larger.

A bit is not a problem solver, but rather a medium of communication between rider and horse. Use this tool of communication in a way that the horse understands you better. It must fit the needs of horse and rider. The difficult task is to find a suitable bit for the horse's mouth that will also have the desired effect.

Depending on the model, Mullen mouth bits can be suitable for sensitive up to very strong horses. The choice is huge and depending on the style, the mode of action can vary enormously. These are the most important variations and basic rules:

The successful use of Mullen mouth bits depends on an even connection to both rider's hands. They tilt when the rein aid is given single-sided. The rider should thus be able to ride the horse through turns with seat and weight aids. Educating flexion or bending is not possible with rigid Mullen mouth bits and only to a limited extent with flexible Mullen mouth bits. So this type of bit is less suitable for horses that are difficult to turn.

Please be aware that there are many things to consider when it comes to selecting materials. It should be UV-resistant, food safe and not contain any plasticizers. A steel core is recommended to prevent the bit from being bitten through or breaking apart.

The following applies to the surface texture. The smoother the surface, the better the suitability for horses that have a sensitive skin. Rubber, for example, has a very dull surface. It can rub and cause injuries in horses that salivate too little. This is often the experience with sensitive mouth corners. Riders actually want to do something good with a soft rubber bit. But the problem is often made worse by the above described eraser effect.

The Flex Control from Sprenger is a combination of robust metal and rubber. The combination of the two materials addresses the tactile sense of the tongue. The soft, rubberized middle part lies on the sensitive middle of the tongue.

The main point of action that is addressed in horses via a bit is the tongue. All bits containing a mouthpiece act on the tongue, which consists mainly of muscles. When using a bit with leverage effect, extra points of effect on the horse’s head are addressed. That means that the pressure exerted by a rein aid not only affects the tongue. It is distributed to different influence points.

When using lever-action bits, the rider first affects the tongue and poll. When using a curb chain or chin strap, to limit the pressure on the sensitive poll, the lower jaw is also addressed. For choosing a bit it is important to know and understand 2 points. How do horses react when pressure is applied to the influencing points? And why you want to cause this reaction.

With snaffles, eggbutts, etc., the rider communicates with the horse via the tongue. The tongue consists mainly of muscle tissue. This tissue cushions the pressure the bit exerts onto the lower jaw. The rider tells the horse how to react by using asking and giving rein aids. 

If the horse evades the reins by raising its head, the rider can no longer address the "tongue" and loses control. The bit no longer affects the tongue, but moves into the free space towards the molars.

To regain control in such situations, pressure can be applied to the neck by lever-action bits. The poll of a horse is very sensitive. To avoid this pressure horses start to lower their head. This enables the rider to act on the tongue again and regain control. The rider should be careful not to exert pressure to the poll too much or too long. He or she should release the pressure as soon as the horse lowers its head.

For the use of lever bits, the rider should have a balanced and independent seat and should also be able to give differentiated and sensitive rein aids.

These bit forms are counterproductive for horses that basically have a too low head position or pull down. They are not recommended as they further intensify this problem.

3-ring bits

3-ring bits are very flexible and versatile thanks to the various rein buckling options. The mouthpiece can slide freely in the ring, allowing the poll pressure to be increased largely independently of the pressure on the tongue. This is a particular advantage with spirited or strong horses that react sensitively to pressure on the tongue. This may manifest itself if a horse mainly shakes its head or moves strongly against the hand in situations where the rider has to intervene and thus increase the pressure on the tongue.

A major advantage of 3-ring bits is that they offer various buckling options to adjust the intensity of the leverage. For example, if the snaffle rein is buckled in the large ring, there is no pressure on the poll and the effect is similar to a normal loose ring snaffle. However, if the pair of reins is buckled into the lower ring of a 3-ring bit, the rider has the option of adjusting and varying the amount of pressure as required. Pelham straps and a chin strap can also be used with a 3-ring bit to vary or limit the poll pressure.

Multi-ring bits

Multi-ring bits have the shortest leverage, as the two small rings are positioned inside the large ring.

The following buckling options are possible with multi-ring bits:

• Cheekpiece in the upper small ring and reins in the large ring = action on the tongue, similar to a normal water snaffle.

• Cheekpiece in the upper small ring and reins in the lower small ring = action on the tongue and poll.

• Cheekpiece in the large ring and reins in the lower small ring = strong effect on the tongue, but no poll pressure.

Due to the low leverage and the associated low poll pressure, multi-ring bits are ideal for horses that occasionally require a little more control but are otherwise sensitive and have good basic training.

Universal bits

A similar principle applies to universal bits as to 3-ring bits. They are versatile and can be buckled in different ways to adjust the leverage effect. As a general rule, the lower the reins are buckled, the more pressure is exerted on the poll. The longer the leverage, the slower the bit reacts to the shortening and yielding rider's hand.

The use of universal bits requires sensitive and differentiated rein aids as well as a balanced seat on the part of the rider. These types of bits are not suitable for less experienced riders as they require precise handling.

Gag Bits

Pressure is also exerted on the horse's neck when using a gag bit. In contrast to 3-ring bits and Pelhams, this type of bit is particularly suitable for horses that lean heavily on the hand or press down strongly.

With the gag bit, the cheek piece is guided through the bit ring and attached directly to the reins. When the rider pulls on the reins, the pressure on the poll increases and the mouthpiece moves towards the corner of the mouth. This causes the horse to straighten up and put less downward pressure or weight on the hand. The use of two pairs of reins is ideal, as the rider can exert targeted and effective influence.

The corners of the mouth vary greatly between horses. Some horses have rather fixed mouth angles that can hardly be moved, while other horses can stretch their's several centimeters without showing any reaction. The less flexible the corner of a horse's mouth is, the more it usually reacts to the gag bit.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)