Simplified Bitting Diagram

Racing Bitting Course Simplified Bitting Diagram

When bitting, you will need to look for acceptance of the mouthpiece. When the horse is comfortable in the mouthpiece, choosing a cheekpiece should be a finer adjustment of pressure. The most important part of bitting is to ensure that the horse is comfortable in the mouthpiece.

Starting with a Snaffle

If the horse is not performing to their full potential in a standard snaffle and they have a high head carriage and pull on the reins, the first bit to try would be a Snaffle Link

high head
pull on the reins

Snaffle Link

The Snaffle Link will decrease the nutcracker action, this should encourage the head to lower

Picking a Cheekpiece:

Recommended: Loose Ring

If horse struggles with steering: T-Bar Loose Ring or Eggbutt

If horse is too strong and struggles with steering: Williams or Drop Cheek Lite

FINER ADJUSTMENTS

Link Lock Up

The Link Lock Up can be considered to use as an improvement, if the horse is comfortable in the Snaffle Link. The Link Lock Up will encourage the head to be lower and the horse to stop pulling.

shaking head
high head
tongue out

Happy Tongue OR Bomber Blue

These are advised for horses that are tongue sensitive and have reactions such as shaking their head, high head carriage or sticking their tongue out

tongue relief
gentle on lower jaw and bars
shown success with a large group of horses

tongue relief
more pressure on bars than Happy Tongue
easily accepted by youngster due to texture

Picking a Cheekpiece:

Recommended: Loose Ring

If horse struggles with steering: T-Bar Loose Ring or Eggbutt

If horse is too strong and struggles with steering: Williams or Drop Cheek Lite

FINER ADJUSTMENTS

Swivel

A Swivel mouthpiece will allow the horse to set the port where it is comfortable for them, maximizing tongue relief. This option is for horses that do not fully settle in the Happy Tongue or Bomber Blue. The Happy Tongue Straight version is available in a swivel and a Bomber Blue is available in a swivel.

Cheekpiece:

The only cheekpiece that allows for a Swivel is a Drop Cheek Lite

shaking head
high head
tongue out
pulling on reins

Ported Pivot

The Ported Pivot is for horses that still show signs of shaking their head, as well as being heavy in the front and pulling on the reins. This is also a good option for horses that struggle to turn and bend.

Picking a Cheekpiece:

Recommended: Loose Ring

If horse struggles with steering: T-Bar Loose Ring or Eggbutt

If horse is too strong and struggles with steering: Williams or Drop Cheek Lite

shaking head
high head
coming behind vertical

Ultra Comfy Lock Up

The Ultra Comfy Lock up softens pressure on the bars, as well as relieving tongue pressure. This bit works well for horses that are sensitive to tongue and bar pressure, that have reactions such as high head carriage, shaking their head or coming behind the vertical

Picking a Cheekpiece:

Recommended: Loose Ring

If horse struggles with steering: T-Bar Loose Ring or Eggbutt

If horse is too strong and struggles with steering: Williams or Drop Cheek Lite

ALTERNATIVE

Moulded Mullen

Important: This bit is ideal for horses that have injuries (past or present) in their mouth.

The Moulded Mullen applies similar pressure as the Ultra Comfy Lock Up, it is a flexible mouthpiece which means it does not apply as much pressure on the bars. The non-metal texture can be favorited by some horses that do not like metal, as well as youngsters.