Do you dream of light and precise communication with your horse, but don’t know which bit to choose? Choosing the right bit is a continuous process of observing your own skills in combination with the needs, preferences and character of your horse. The bit helps to achieve harmony and full acceptance of the contact, which translates into greater enjoyment of riding, as well as faster and more effective development of horse and rider.
When creating the Winderen Gel Bits System, we have primarily focused on the greatest possible comfort for the horse. The gel we use is pleasant to the touch, thanks to which horses are more eager to chew the bit and, therefore, accept contact better. We have also thought about comfort for the rider. Thanks to the innovative system of interchangeable cheek pieces, you can adjust the Winderen bit to the changing needs of your horse in just a few minutes.
The most popular bits
Entering an equestrian shop with a huge number of different types of bits can make many a rider dizzy. The number of available solutions is countless, and each has its own specific purpose and application. Below, we present a list of the most popular bits that can certainly be useful on your and your horse’s developmental journey.
Loose ring snaffle
This is a basic bit that is found in many stables. It has rings loosely passing through the mouthpiece and the rider’s hands directly affect the horse’s mouth. Thanks to this, the strength of its action directly depends on how gently you use the riding aids.
Eggbutt bit
Another very popular bit is the “eggbutt”, which owes its name to the shape of the rings of the bit. Thanks to this solution, the corners of the mouth are not pinched, and the possibility of pulling the bit through the mouth is minimized. This makes the “eggbutt” stabilize the bite in the desired position, while allowing the comfort and freedom of chewing, making it a popular solution for sensitive horses or riders with a less stable hand.
Full cheek bit
This bit is called a “full cheek” because of its arms extended above and below. This solution ensures a very stable position of the bit in the mouth, transferring some pressure to the corners of the mouth and cheeks. Thanks to this, the “full cheek” facilitates communication with young or inexperienced horses that do not yet understand the contact well. This type of bit can also make the learning process easier for novice riders.
2.5 ring bit
In the development of each pair, there can be times when the horse starts to pull forward and the rider starts to lose control. Most often, such situations occur during a hack or while jumping, when the excitement takes over. Then a 2.5 ring bit can come in handy. This bit, thanks to its construction, allows the mouthpiece to be pulled up, increasing the pressure on the corners of the mouth and the poll, which enhances the rider’s hand action.
The bits described above are just a few of the most common types. If you want to know more, we invite you to read the detailed article in the Winderen Knowledge Zone.
Don’t forget, however, that choosing the perfect bit is a continuous process! Pay attention to the signals sent by the horse, showing its comfort and the level of acceptance of the bit in its mouth. You also need to carefully and critically evaluate your own skills, as harmony with your horse and your horse’s enjoyment of riding depend largely on these. When choosing the right bit for the moment, your instructor will surely be of invaluable help, as he or she can coolly assess your common needs, which can and certainly will constantly change. When this happens, a convenient system of interchangeable cheek pieces will come to the rescue.
All described bits and the entire range of innovative equestrian equipment are available in the Winderen equestrian manufacturer’s shop. See you there!
