How to choose the right bit

The given space for a bit in the horse's mouth is limited. The horse's tongue is partly attached to the palate, unlike humans who have plenty of space in the mouth. Only due to the large gap between the front incisors and back molars can we fit a bit in the horse's mouth

Horses' jaws vary in form and size. Especially horses with sharp bars have problems fitting bits. The most pressure on the horse’s tongue is generated between the bars and the mouthpiece. The pressure applied by the reins is spread out more evenly with a double-jointed snaffle than with a single-jointed bit, which primarily puts pressure on the bars with a “nutcracker” action.

It is important that all the bits’ links and joints are worked very fine and carefully, leaving no rough or sharp edges.

If the joint rings are too big, the pressure on the horse’s tongue, between bars and the bit, is amplified. This may result in a bruised tongue. This happens very easily when the rider constantly pulls on the reins. The Dr Bristol mouthpiece is unpleasant and harsh in this respect. It has a flat rectangular link in the middle which is angled to put the thin edge against the tongue, lips and bar, creating a severe pressure point.