“How to Put your Bit on Your Bridle Correctly” - Dan and Dawn Chambers

Today we want to talk about how to ensure that our bit is correctly attached to our bridle or headstall. It's common to see bridles assembled incorrectly, with bits put on backwards or upside down.

There are a few telltale signs that indicate whether a bit is on correctly or not.

On some snaffle bits, when held flat, there is usually a slight curve going back towards the horse's mouth. On the backside, some have copper inlays that should lay against the horse's tongue.

Another example is a three-piece, dog bone snaffle bit. It has a slight curvature and some copper inlays in the mouthpiece.

A short shank transitional bridle bit may have a straighter mouthpiece, like this one, which also has no copper inlays. The shanks on this bit can move, making it easy to put on backwards. However, by looking closely, we can see that the purchase of the shank bends out at the top. Identifying the top from the bottom is important: the shank will be longer than the purchase. The purchase is the part that comes out the top of the bit where the headstall attaches, while the shanks are the parts below the bit where our reins attach. Our shanks should always be the same length or longer than the purchase.

Here is another three-piece short shank transitional bit we like to use. It has a straighter mouthpiece and shanks that can swivel around. Again, we need to look at the purchase of the bit and see where it slightly turns to the outside, providing our horse's mouth with a little more room. This bit also has a teardrop-shaped shank, which is longer than the purchase.

We hope this tack tip is helpful and that you find it useful down the road, making your horse happier and more enjoyable to ride.

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