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Article:
'horse tack ~ A Bit About Horse Bits ~ horse bits'

By: iSnare Articles

".....Thankfully there are very few horses that have been mistreated and most horses..........horse tack,horse bits,bits,horses,equestrian....."

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Thankfully there are very few horses that have been mistreated and most horses have a soft mouth..........horse tack,horse bits,bits,horses,equestrian....."
The bit is your communication hyphen to your horse, along with the reins, pressure from your legs and body position. Depending on your manner of riding and your experience level as well as the stipulation of your horse's mouth, out of ones element bits will be more appropriate than others. Generally most horses that have not been mistreated will have what is called a 'soft mouth' which revenue that their mouth has not be injured by desecration of a bit or cruel treatment by an uncaring rider. Horses that have been misused by cruel and excessive use of a bit are known as 'hard mouthed' and need specialized combinations of bits to control the horse.

Thankfully there are very few horses that have been mistreated and most horses have a soft mouth. The most commonly recommended type of bit will both ensure that the rider has control as well as stock protection to the horse's mouth. Getting the right sized bit is essential in making the bit comfortable for the nag and prevent pinching the sensitive skin at the side of the mouth. In general most volatile palfrey breeds will use a five inch bit, which is the survey the bit. Some horses will have a wider or narrower mouth, so a service rider will always measure the horse's mouth to the outside of the lips, then add an 1/2 inch. If you start with a five inch bit you can then see if you need to go wider or narrower, or you can try a variety of bits and measure which one is the best fit. Keep in mind that the bit should have 1/4 of an inch on either side of the outside of the horse's mouth to fit properly. A string can be used and measured if you don't want to have to try an assortment of bit sizes. Just side the string the horse's tongue in the nook the bit would normally rest and measure out 1/4 inch on either side to get the final bit size.

English and western bits are different, as are bits for racing, dressage and other types of specialty events. The most common bit in both English and western styles of riding is the snaffle bit, which is also the most gentle on the horse's mouth. A snaffle bit is two bars that connect in the middle, with the western snaffle also known as the snaffle curb since it will have two 'curb' pieces on either side. Snaffle bits are fair for novice riders as even if the rider pulls harder than unavoidable on the bit the horse's mouth will not be injured. Horses that have firm mouths may need types of bits such as full curbs, rollers, Kimberwick and Pelham bits, depending on the wording of riding. Since these bits can and will cause damage to the nag if used incorrectly, they are not recommended for riders without significant experience.

Always clean your bit subsequently each ride to prevent the build up of debris, goop and slobber on the bit. It is a behalf apprehension to have a spare bit without that can be buckled into the headstall of the bridle and used during the time the other bit is being thoroughly cleaned. Soaking the bit in clear, warm water for a hour will typically soften any dried on material which can then be removed with a stiff bristle brush and a goodness scrubbing.

"..... Horses that have firm mouths may need supplemental types of bits such as full curbs, rollers, Kimberw....."

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Article Source: http://www.unique-ezine-articles.com

Susanne Malloy is an avid equestrian and an editor for www.EnglishSaddleShop.com, your complete resource for new and used www.englishsaddleshop.com'>English saddles, riding apparel, and tack.