Are Horse Bits Cruel? (Or Are They OK?)

As a young person taking riding lessons for the first time, I clearly recall my horse moving his mouth and slobbering his tongue around after I put on his bridle and inserted the bit.

I couldn’t help but wondering, how does the bit make him feel?

Does the irritation increase when I’m riding him and using the reins?

I couldn’t know for sure, but he definitely looked awkward, and I wasn’t even pulling on the reins.

The bit, however, is part of tacking up and riding a horse, so at the time I put the thought out of my mind and continued on.

Now, as an adult, and more aware of the well being of animals, I became curious.

The bit uses a painful stimulus to control the horse. In general, riders feel that the bit causes pain to the horse. The potential of creating pain increases if the rider’s movements with the reins are irregular or coarse. Although the horse experiences minimal negative effects when the bit is used perfectly, this rarely is the case.

Typically, the bit puts pressure on the cranial nerve, causing often painful sensations in the jaw and teeth.

It can also cause damage to the molars.

 

What is a horse bit?

The bit is an important item used in the mouth of a horse when being ridden.

It includes shanks, cheekpads, rings, and mullen.

The bit works with the bridle and reins to control the movements of the horse.

It puts pressure on the mouth and signals how and where the horse should move.

It works as part of the rider’s control system along with leg movements and use of the rider’s weight.

Experienced riders learn to use the bit minimally, and are able to control the horse with these other methods.

 

What is the best bit for a horse?

Snaffle bits are more comfortable, as they do not put pressure or pinching on nerves on the side of the mouth.

The mouthpiece does not rotate.

They are mild and easy to use.

Opting for a rubber or plastic mouthpiece will help support your horse to feel better with the bit in its mouth.

There are different types of snaffle bits, but the eggbutt snaffle is considered to be the most gentle.

 

What is a Curb bit?

A curb bit uses a metal ring that stays in the mouth of the horse.

Attached are shanks.

The top shanks are attached to the bridle straps, and the bottom are attached to the reins.

Long shanks will be more rough on the horse.

A curb bit is a strong tool.

It should be used by experienced riders only.

This type of bit should be gradually introduced.

It is helpful to use a curb bit made with a material that is familiar to the horse.

This will benefit the transition for the horse.

 

What is a Hackamore, is it a good option?

A Hackamore is a bridle without a bit.

It is like a halter creating an immediate response.

It works by putting pressure on the horse’s face.

Pulling back, it will push directly on the horse’s nose.

It can, however, can cause pressure on a horse’s delicate facial nerves.

They are considered more humane that a bit.

A Hackamore is considered a good tool for quality communication between the horse and the rider.

 

Should a horse salivate when using a bit?

Yes, you should not prevent a horse from salivating.

The bit is a  foreign object and it is natural for salivation to occur.

Saliva is the lubrication for the mouth, and can protect from friction or sores.

Saliva keeps the mouth soft.

If your equipment increases salivation, this is a good thing.

Some believe that a salivating mouth is a happy mouth and signals relaxation.

Bits to do not prevent the horse from swallowing.

 

How can I know if the horse hates the bit?

The right bit will create a happy horse, and will increase his willingness to cooperate with the rider.

It’s important to know if the horse dislikes the bit in order to keep him happy.

Tossing his head around when standing still is a sign he is uncomfortable.

Chomping on the bit is another red flag.

If the horse has a poor attitude when it comes to work, and is pinning his ears, there could be an issue with the chosen bit.

Bit chewing can also be a sign of discomfort.

If you see any of these signs, look at his mouth for sores or bruises and check the bit to ensure it is the correct size.

 

How do you find the best bit for your horse? 

Think about how much experience you have as a rider.

How rough (or smooth) are you with the reins?

Beginners are more likely to cause harm, so people often start with a snaffle bit.

Be aware of the stage of training your horse it at.

If your horse is extremely difficult to control, you may want to consider a curb bit.

It’s important to take into account the level of sensitivity of your horse.

Some horses have more delicate nervous systems and can feel more pain than others.

Know your animal.

How is he moving?

How tight are the muscles in his neck?

Is he pinning his ears?

Keep in mind the size of the horse’s mouth.

Use a bit that doesn’t look too big or too small.

The bit shouldn’t stick outside the edges of the horse’s mouth, and the length should be the same as the muzzle width.

 

Finally, consider the standards in place for events you are participating in such as horse shows.

Shows and other competitions often set out specific guidelines on what bits are permitted.

Horses are all unique and have very different needs with tack choices, especially when it comes to bits.

To be certain your horse is kept as comfortable as possible, and cruelty is prevented, the best thing is to know your horse, paying close attention to his body language so that he is as healthy and happy as possible.