Horse Bit Mouthpieces Explained in Detail
Part 2 of our 3 part series on Horse Bits
Horse bit mouthpieces are used to transmit the rider’s “signal” to the horse through the reins. It’s a bit like the blinkers and brake lights on your car. It tells another driver what your intentions are.
There are many different types of bits for horses but only a relatively small handful of basic horse bit mouthpieces.
Although the terms ‘mouthpiece’ and ‘bit’ are often used interchangeably they aren’t exactly the same thing. The mouthpiece is the part of a bit that goes into the horse’s mouth whereas a bit consists of a mouthpiece, bit rings, and cheek pieces.
The mouthpiece is attached to the cheek straps and reins of the bridle via bit rings and various combinations and styles of cheek pieces. These, combined with the mouthpiece, give rise to the many different types of bits available today. The combination also affects how the mouthpiece works to communicate with the horse’s mouth.
The Function of Horse Bit Mouthpieces
The function of horse bit mouthpieces is to tell the horse what you want to do. When the rider applies pressure to the reins, the mouthpiece applies pressure to the horse’s tongue, bars, and palate (roof of the mouth). This pressure can be used to direct the horse’s head and neck position, and to encourage the horse to collect.
Different types of mouthpieces are designed to suit various riding disciplines, horse preferences, and training levels. They are made from a variety of materials including stainless steel, iron, copper, brass, rubber, and even plastic.
Mouthpieces can also be solid, hollow, thin, thick, jointed, or unjointed. Hollow mouthpieces are lighter than solid ones, and thinner mouthpieces are more severe than thicker ones. Which mouthpiece, and bit, you choose depends on what you are doing with your horse, and what works best for him or her.
How to Choose the Right Horse Bit Mouthpiece for your Horse
Choosing the best type of horse bit mouthpiece for your horse will depend on the horse’s needs and temperament. Some horses are uncomfortable with thick mouthpieces, or may prefer the lightness of a hollow mouthpiece. They might work better in a solid bar mouthpiece vs a jointed one. And so on…
Some factors to consider when choosing a mouthpiece include the horse’s age, experience, sensitivity, and temperament. An experienced horseperson can help you to choose the right mouthpiece for your horse.
Different Horse Bit Mouthpieces – Their function and their role
The way a mouthpiece is designed and constructed affects the way it works in the horse’s mouth, and thus how it communicates with the horse. This then affects how the horse responds and works.
Horse bit mouthpieces are either jointed, or non-jointed (solid bars)…
The Jointed Bit Mouthpiece
Jointed mouthpieces have a join in the middle. The join type varies, creating the wide range of ‘jointed bits’ on the market. The mouthpieces create a ‘V’ or ‘U’ in the horse’s mouth. This puts pressure on the lips, bars, and tongues when the reins are pulled. The following are the most common types of jointed horse bit mouthpieces.
Single Jointed Mouthpiece
A single jointed mouthpiece has a single joint in the middle of the mouthpiece consisting of 2 interconnected loops. It creates a V shape when in the horse’s mouth and acts on the corners of the lips, tongue, and bars of the mouth. Many bits use single jointed mouthpieces, including many snaffle bits.
Double Jointed Mouthpiece
A double-jointed, or 3-piece, mouthpiece, also called a ‘French Link’ or ‘Lozenge’ mouthpiece, has a small flat plate in the middle of the mouthpiece. When the mouthpiece is in the horse’s mouth, the plate sits at the same angle as the bit rings and forms a ‘U’ shape. This design eliminates the more severe nutcracker action of a single jointed mouthpiece. This reduces pressure on the tongue, and providing a more comfortable fit. Like the single jointed mouthpiece, it’s used in a variety of bits, most commonly snaffles.
Dr Bristol (Doc Bristol) Mouthpiece
The Dr Bristol mouthpiece is similar to the French Link mouthpiece. It also has a flat plate in the middle but the plate is longer in a Dr Bristol and is also set at an angle. The angle of the plate applies slight pressure to the horse’s tongue when rein pressure is applied. This encourages the horse to drop its head and come onto the bit. Ideally, though, the horse should take up bit contact naturally through correct training as opposed to being ’forced’ into the contact.
The Dr Bristol mouthpiece is also often used in bits for horses that need a little bit more control and precision in their movements. It can be useful in dressage, show jumping, and eventing. Anywhere you need more direct control over your horse’s head and neck position.
Ball Link Mouthpiece
The ball link mouthpiece is similar to the French or double link mouthpiece but instead of having a plate in the centre, it has a ball. In terms of severity, it sits between the French link and the Dr Bristol. It is designed to work via the same or similar mechanisms to the other two, with the ball in the middle providing the pressure on the tongue.
Waterford Mouthpiece
The Waterford mouthpiece, invented by Jim Waterford, consists of a series of multiple ball-shaped joints linked together. It encourages the horse to salivate and is often used with horses that like to lean into the bit.
The Straight Bar Horse Bit Mouthpieces
Mullen Mouthpiece
The mullen mouthpiece is a single unjointed bar that has a slight curve in it that conforms to the horse’s tongue and mouth shape. It applies even pressure on the tongue and bars. It is used in a range of bits including pelhams, curbs, snaffles, and driving bits.
Straight Bar Mouthpiece
Like the mullen mouth, the straight-bar mouthpiece is a single unjointed mouthpiece. It differs from the mullen mouth in that it is straight rather than curved. Like the mullen mouth, straight-bar mouthpieces apply even pressure across the bars and tongue. This makes it suitable for horses with sensitive mouths or those in early stages of training. It’s common in snaffles, various leverage bits, and is also used for driving bits.
Ported Mouthpiece
A ported mouthpiece is another solid straight-bar mouthpiece but it has an inverted ‘U’ (the port) section in the centre that creates space for the tongue and relieves pressure. Both English and Western bits can have a ported mouthpiece but they are particularly common in Western bits.
Ported bits apply pressure to the lips, tongue, bars, and, if high enough, the roof of the mouth (palate) as well. These bits are also always made from stainless steel, copper, or sweet iron, never plastic or rubber.
Rubber or Plastic Mouthpiece
Some jointed and solid bar mouthpieces are made from rubber or plastic, or are coated with these products. This provides a softer, gentler feel in the horse’s mouth. Horses with sensitive mouths, or those that dislike metal bits, often prefer these types of mouthpieces. However, the mouthpieces themselves will typically be one of the above types.
Twisted or Rolled Mouthpiece
Some mouthpieces incorporate twists or rollers to encourage salivation and focus on the bit. They can provide additional stimulation for horses that have a tendency to be heavy on the bit or lack the desired sensitivity. These bits are usually jointed but can also be solid-bar mouthpieces. However, they are specialist mouthpieces, used for particular purposes by well-trained professionals.
Key Takeaways about Horse Bit Mouthpieces
Selecting the right horse bit mouthpieces is just one aspect of choosing an appropriate bit for your horse. Factors such as horse’s training level, temperament, conformation, and rider’s experience must also be considered. Consulting with an experienced trainer or bit specialist can help you make an informed decision. Remember, a well-fitted and suitable bit can greatly enhance communication. This also ensures a more comfortable riding experience for both horse and rider.
