How Horse Bits Work
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Purpose
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The bit has been one of the key parts of equestrian practices and horse riding since the sport was first developed. In general practice, the bit is a carefully constructed piece of metal that is fitted into a horse's mouth and held firm by the bridle, or the system of straps that fit around a horse's head. The bridle in turn is connected to the reigns, and by moving the reigns the rider can move the bit and cause pressure in the horse's mouth. A correctly trained horse will recognize these movements as signals and change direction based on how the rider holds the reigns.
Types of Bits
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The mouth of a horse is highly sensitive, with nerve endings located through the gums, cheeks, and tongue. The bit is usually placed along the gum bar between the front and back teeth, and may work in conjunction with bridles that exert pressure on the outside of the horse's head. This can create significant problems with inferior or wrongly sized bits. Bits that are the wrong size or too heavy can create continual discomfort for the horse, possibly causing infections or at least damaging the gums through extensive use and make the horse less responsive to the bit. Smaller bits can often be more of a problem that larger bits, since the large bits extend the surface area of the pressure while smaller versions concentrate it and can cut through gums more easily.
There are many different kinds of bits, made in different shapes to rearrange where the pressure is directed. The snaffle bit, for instance, is connected directly to the reigns and comes in connected with the lips, tongue, and gum bars of the horse. The curb bit, on the other hand, uses shanks that act as a medium between the reigns and the bit, and puts pressure on the gums and roof of the mouth depending on the type of shank. A gag bit, less used because of its constricting effects, may or may not have shanks, and works by pulling at the horse's lips and mouth.
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Materials
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The material the bit is made out of is also important. Riders generally consider two important qualities--durability and taste. Metals that rust or corrode in a horse's mouth can be dangerous, not only by chipping away and cutting into the gums, but also by releasing potentially dangerous metals into the horse's mouth. Stainless steel is considered one of the most durable types of bits, but does not have a pleasant taste for the horse. Copper has a much sweeter taste, although there is still contention on hazards prolonged exposure to copper may have on the horse. Composite bits, like those made of rubber, may have an unpleasant taste at first but increase in usability with time.
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