Bits N’ Such Equestrian

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Bits N’ Such Equestrian Bits, Bridles and Fitting Clinics.

One category of bits I consider when fitting a horse is multi-jointed bits, the Waterford is one example.The Waterford h...
10/24/2026

One category of bits I consider when fitting a horse is multi-jointed bits, the Waterford is one example.

The Waterford has multiple joints across the mouthpiece, which allows it to conform to the shape of the horse's mouth. Because of that, it tends to act across the bars, tongue, and corners of the mouth and lips rather than concentrating the action in one area.

Those multiple joints are also what make this bit useful for some horses that tend to lean on the bit. Instead of giving the horse one solid surface to lean against, the mouthpiece moves and conforms to the shape of the mouth applying equal pressure throughout the mouth. I may also consider it when we need to relieve some pressure and other bits we've tried haven't worked.

However, the Waterford is not ideal for every mouth. A horse with a large tongue, a low palate, or an oral cavity that is generally small and tight may not have enough room for all of those joints. And, the multiple joints can also create uneven pressure points within the mouth.

This is why I don't look at a Waterford and simply think, “This is a good bit for a horse that leans.” An educated bit fitter is looking at why the horse is leaning, what is happening with the contact, and whether the horse's anatomy gives us enough room for this particular mouthpiece to work the way it is intended to.

The construction of the bit and intended purpose matters, but so does the mouth it is going into.

Kim Gentry
The Bit Lady

10/20/2026

All of these differences matter and means that a proper bit isn't fitting a mouth in the abstract or according to a checklist. It requires interacting with and understanding the anatomy of a specific horse.

That's why I can look at two horses exhibiting the exact same behavior and still be looking at two very different bitting situations. You can't reduce bit selection to a chart that says, “This mouthpiece is for this type of horse or this type of situation.” The mechanics of the bit itself matter and can help guide the process, but so does the anatomy of the mouth it is interacting with.

More often than not, these anatomical differences aren't particularly obvious from the outside, that's part of what I find so fascinating about bit and bridle fitting. There is an enormous amount of individual variation happening inside a horse's mouth that must be considered to make the horse the most comfortable.

The more horses you work with, the more you appreciate just how much there is to consider. This is exactly why I think in-person fitting is so valuable, you aren't just selecting a bit based on a mouth shape or a behavior you've seen. You're looking at the individual horse, the anatomy you are working with, the equipment, and how all of those pieces come together.

Kim Gentry
The Bit Lady

Adding a leverage bit isn't just about adding or releasing pressure. It's also about the timing of that pressure.With a ...
10/14/2026

Adding a leverage bit isn't just about adding or releasing pressure. It's also about the timing of that pressure.

With a leverage bit like a Weymouth or Pelham, we have a shank above and below a fulcrum point, so we have a lever. When we take up the contact, the cheekpiece rotates and applies poll pressure.

A long shank has more leverage off the poll because you have a longer shank below the fulcrum. Because of that, it takes longer for the rein aid to engage because the cheek has to rotate farther forward before the bit engages. With a shorter shank, there is less potential for poll pressure, but the action of the bit is quicker because it doesn't have to rotate as far to engage.

Then with any leverage bit, when the bit engages the tongue is when the curb engages which stops rotation and therefore stops the increase in poll pressure. The difference to a long and short shank is yes, the amount of poll pressure, but also to the point at which this occurs.

Personally, I generally only use short-shank leverage bits with experienced riders who have good hands, good timing of their aids, and a good seat. The exception is that, with some horses, a short shank can actually sit a little quieter because there is less movement in the cheek, and the bit can stay a little more stable in the horse's mouth.

So when we talk about leverage bits, I don't want to reduce the conversation to “long shank equals more pressure” or “short shank equals less pressure.” The length of the shank also changes the timing and mechanics of the bit, and that matters just as much as the amount of pressure.

Kim Gentry
The Bit Lady

The bit is not an isolated piece of equipment. What happens in the horse’s mouth can influence how the horse uses the re...
10/11/2026

The bit is not an isolated piece of equipment. What happens in the horse’s mouth can influence how the horse uses the rest of its body, which is why I am always looking beyond simply asking, “What bit should this horse wear?”

When a horse is struggling, we need to consider whether the bit is contributing to the problem or whether we are looking at a training issue that needs to be addressed. Sometimes changing the bit opens the door for the horse to work through a problem. Other times, changing the bit won't address the underlying training issue.

So why is the bit so important?

Because we need to think about the whole horse.

The tongue is a muscular structure connected to the hyoid apparatus, which has extensive muscular and fascial relationships throughout the body. Those connections extend along the underside of the horse and into the structures associated with the hind end. This is one reason we can sometimes change what is happening in the horse’s mouth and see a change in how the horse moves through the rest of its body.

When a horse is tight or disconnected, addressing what is happening in the mouth can sometimes allow us to reduce tension and improve comfort. Once the horse is more comfortable and able to use those structures differently, we may see changes in movement throughout the body, including behind.

That doesn't mean every change in movement is caused by the bit. It means the mouth deserves to be considered as part of the larger picture because a bit can have far-reaching implications.

Good bit fitting isn't about finding the perfect bit. It's about understanding the horse in front of you, recognizing what the equipment may be contributing to, and knowing when the bit is part of the problem, part of the solution, or simply one piece of a much bigger puzzle.

Kim Gentry
The Bit Lady

Here’s something that often gets missed in anatomical bridles:When you remove pressure from one area, you can change whe...
10/10/2026

Here’s something that often gets missed in anatomical bridles:
When you remove pressure from one area, you can change where the pressure goes.

For example, take a headpiece design that either cuts away over or around the poll to create more freedom there. It is great in theory but to keep the bridle stable that design may use additional straps, a more substantial noseband or different cheek and jaw configurations. It also may be as simple as relieving pressure on the top of the poll but placing additional pressure off to the sides of the poll.

For some horses, that trade-off may be absolutely worthwhile. They may strongly prefer the freedom around the poll. For another horse, the additional pressure around the cheeks, jaw, nose, or side of the poll may be the thing they object to.

There is no universal “anatomical” solution. This is why effective bridle fitting actually requires trying bridles on the horse rather than choosing one because the marketing says it is better for them.

At clinics, I give clients the opportunity to ride in different bridles and see how the horse actually responds in movement. Some horses go brilliantly in an off-the-rack bridle. Others need modifications or a completely custom solution, and sometimes simply customizing the noseband is enough to eliminate a pressure point. I'm a big believer in customization when it genuinely solves a problem. The ability to fully customize certain bits, can be a complete game changer for horses and the same goes for a bridle.

And honestly, I find that many horses do incredibly well in a wide, soft crown piece that properly conforms to the individual shape of their poll and head. Sometimes simple, correctly fitted tack beats a complicated design full of “anatomical” features.

At the end of the day, your horse doesn't care what the marketing department says a bridle can do. They care about where it touches, how it fits, how it moves and how it feels.

So don't just ask:
“Is this an anatomical bridle?”

Ask:
“Is this bridle anatomical for MY horse?”

10/08/2026

Bits are not meant to last forever, especially chewable ones. If the mouthpiece is visibly damaged, don’t wait until it becomes a problem. Replace it.

Metal bits can also wear and should be checked and replaced if showing signs of wear. Wear will create a weaker area that can ultiamtley break under stress. When checking your bit, pay particular attention to where there is moving parts and/or links on metal bits.

Bit severity is influenced by multiple factors working together, not just the type of bit or how much leverage it has.Th...
10/06/2026

Bit severity is influenced by multiple factors working together, not just the type of bit or how much leverage it has.

Things like:
• Mouthpiece design: thickness, shape, joints, ports, and how much movement it allows. How and where different mouthpiece shapes put pressure in the horse's mouth is based on that individual horse's anatomy.
• Cheekpiece or shank: how much leverage is created and where that pressure is applied
• Rein position: where and how the reins are attached dramatically changes the mechanics of a bit
• Curb action: where and how pressure is applied to the chin groove and other structures
• Fit: a bit that doesn't fit the horse correctly can create pressure or discomfort regardless of its design
• Rider hands: the same but can feel completely different depending on how it is used
• The individual horse: anatomy, training, sensitivity, conformation, and previous experience all matter

A bit with more leverage isn't automatically harsher in every situation, and a simple-looking but isn't automatically mild. The goal of proper bit fitting is to find an appropriate bit that communicates clearly, fits correctly, and is comfortable for that individual horse when used by their rider.

10/05/2026

Stainless steel, for example, is relatively inactive. It doesn't interact much with saliva and can feel quite “dead” in the mouth. However that’s not necessarily a bad thing! For some horses, that quiet, consistent feel is exactly what they prefer.

Then you have materials that encourage more salivation:
- Copper and brass can create a much more active response. For some horses, that can be beneficial. For others, it can simply be too much. More salivation and activity isn't automatically better.
- Sweet iron can be a really nice middle ground. It encourages salivation without necessarily creating the same level of activity as some copper-heavy materials. And saliva matters because it provides lubrication and helps create a more comfortable environment in the mouth.
- Then there’s plastic, rubber and other materials, all of which have their own properties and feel completely different.

Another component to also think about temperature and texture.
- How quickly does the bit warm up?
- Does it stay at a temperature close to the horse’s mouth?

Ideally, we want the bit to become the same temperature in the horse's mouth rather than remaining noticeably colder or hotter. The closer the temperature is to the surrounding tissue, the less obvious that foreign object can feel.

Then of course there’s texture.
- How does the surface actually feel against the tongue, lips and bars?

There’s a fine line between being too slippery and creating too much friction. We don't want a bit that constantly slides around, but we also don't want unnecessary friction against sensitive tissues.

So when choosing a bit, don't just ask:
“What material is this?”

Ask:
“What does this material actually do in this individual horse’s mouth?”

Because the same but can feel completely different to two different horses.

Shape matters.
Fit matters.
Material matters.
Texture matters.
Temperature matters.

And ultimately, the best bit is the one that creates the most comfortable, appropriate experience for that individual horse.

Your horse’s dirt and sweat patterns can tell you a huge story about how your tack is fitting and where pressure may be ...
10/02/2026

Your horse’s dirt and sweat patterns can tell you a huge story about how your tack is fitting and where pressure may be concentrated.

Here are a variety of headpieces from different horses, showing the differences in sweat and grease patterns that can occur across the headpiece. These patterns can be useful information when evaluating how your bridle is sitting and where it is putting pressure. When you are looking at your own horse's head piece, look for areas with consistently little to no sweat or grease may be worth a closer look, particularly when there are other areas with quite a bit or signs of compression on the padding of the headpiece itself.

Here are what those patterns may suggest:
• Pressure is concentrated over a relatively small surface area.
• The pressure is focused toward the front or back of the headpiece, suggesting the headpiece may be tipping forwards or backwards.
• The headpiece isn't making even contact across its intended surface area, which may mean this particular shape and configuration simply doesn't suit this horse’s individual anatomy.

While we can’t make a decision from a sweat or grease pattern alone, it’s certainly something worth investigating when you see consistent patterns like these.

There is no single “best” headpiece or bridle design that works for every horse as there are countless shapes, styles and configurations available. An anatomical headpiece that works beautifully for one horse may not be the right choice for another. Likewise, a traditional headpiece can be perfectly comfortable when correctly fitted to the individual horse.

Remember: Anatomical doesn't automatically mean better. What matters is how the individual bridle fits your individual horse, and how that fit changes when the horse is moving and rein contact is applied.

The goal should be to avoid excessive or uneven pressure and to have the bridle sit comfortably and securely without restricting sensitive structures.

A well-fitting saddle is an important piece of the puzzle, but it’s not the only piece. Your horse’s comfort, communicat...
09/30/2026

A well-fitting saddle is an important piece of the puzzle, but it’s not the only piece. Your horse’s comfort, communication, and performance also depend on a bit that truly fits.

Just like saddle fit, correct biting starts with understanding the individual horse. Through proper bitting and equi-dontics, we can better understand how a horse’s oral anatomy influences their acceptance of the bit, their way of going, and their connection with the rider.

If you haven't ever had your horse’s bit professionally fitted or mouth assessed, it’s an important piece to pursue. The right bit isn't about choosing the most popular option or what works for another horse. It’s about understanding your horse’s unique anatomy, needs, and response.

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