Terminology and Anatomy
Bit Terminology
Terminology | Description | Diagram |
Mouthpiece | Part that is inside the horses mouth |  |
Cheekpiece | Part outside of mouth to which the bridle and reins are attached to |  |
Loose Ring | Mouthpiece is able to slide on the cheekpiece |  |
Fixed Ring | Cheekpiece is fixed to the mouthpiece |  |
Solid Mouthpiece | Mouthpiece has no joints and is not flexible |  |
Broken Mouthpiece | Has one or more breaks and is able to fold |  |
Semi-Broken Mouthpiece | Has one or more joints with limited movement |  |
Swivel | Mouthpiece which rotates horizontally |  |
Snaffle | Single joint mouth piece. Traditionally used to describe a non-leverage cheekpiece |  |
Internal Anatomy
Terminology | Description | Diagram |
Bars | Interdental space between the incisors and molars |  |
Canine | Generally in males, sometimes in mares. Found between the incisors and molars |  |
Palate | Roof of the mouth, may be: concave, convex or flat with pronounced or small ridges |  |
Mandible | Lower jaw |  |
Maxilla | Upper jaw |  |