New tack rules in British Showjumping (BS) have caused debate among riders.

On 6 March the governing body announced that following a recent national sports committee meeting, amendments had been made to the tack and equipment rules. Cheltenham gags with roundings and Stephens continental hackamores are no longer permitted with immediate effect – and other bits including the Beris Mullen Comfort Tandem, hammerhead spurs and bridle clips, are among items to be banned from 1 April.

The announcement generated discussion on social media around the notice period – and the reasoning behind the changes. Some riders said they had recently bought bridles with clips or bits that are no longer permitted; others raised concerns about having to find a new bit to suit a particular horse at short notice.

Rider Derek Morton told H&H he believes riders should have more input into rule changes.

“There doesn’t seem to be any sort of discussion with the membership, we don’t know where the root of these changes is coming from. If it’s welfare related, that’s fair enough and would give us a bit more of an understanding, but it just seems to be random things coming out of the blue,” he said.

“It’s like with everything, spurs and bits can be as soft or hard as you want depending who is using them – with a Cheltenham gag, it’s softer with the roundings than having two reins, so I don’t understand where these ideas have come from. Then if you look at FEI competition, it’s a completely different set of rules.”

Shirley Light of Brendon Stud questioned why certain bits have been banned

“I’m not a lover of bridle clips because I’ve seen too many horses put their heads down to rub their head on their front leg and undo the clip – but when it comes to the bits, some of the ones listed are very well made, with good materials and mechanisms, and I can’t understand why they’ve banned them,” Shirley told H&H.

“I’ve got a six-year-old that goes beautifully in the Bomber Happy Tongue Hybrid, and now I have two weeks to find a different bit for him. Unless there’s an extreme reason behind it, rules should be brought on 1 January.”

On 13 March BS issued “clarification”, stating that members are “encouraged to review the clarification” to ensure they are fully up to date with the latest guidance before competing.

In this update, BS confirmed that rope nosebands are not permitted, only one noseband may be worn in competition, and horses may compete without a noseband. The document states that any bit with adjustable mechanisms is not permitted, clips are not allowed on a bridle, with the exception of the throatlash – and further information has been provided around hackamores; this includes that no metal may be inserted in the nose piece, padding or sheepskin, cheeks may not exceed 17cm and the back strap of the hackamore must be made of leather.

H&H has contacted BS for comment.

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In this exclusive article for H&H subscribers, equestrian journalist Pippa Cuckson digs into some of the key points up for debate surrounding the use of double bridles in grand prix dressage and touches on the politics surrounding those discussions

In 45 years as an equestrian journalist, I can recall nothing so polarising as the current debate surrounding the use of double bridles. A bitting combination that was for so many centuries considered refined and aspirational is now at the heart of a public relations crisis with welfare concerns taking centre stage.

The topic is so politically sensitive that the FEI is reluctant to elaborate on its continuing obligatory use of double bridles in international grand prix dressage competition, despite the deteriorating “optics” from the public viewpoint.

Instead it keeps its head down when a senior figure goes “off message”. During the Paris Olympics FEI head vet Goran Akerstrom briefed Reuters that several riders had been warned for alleged “blue tongue” where their use of double bridles had contributed to restricted oxygen supply of their horses’ tongues. This has never been clarified, confirmed or denied by FEI HQ.

However, H&H did not anticipate that the FEI would fail to directly answer any double bridle-related questions at all, when we aimed for more insight into the current situation.

Instead the overarching response from the FEI spokesman said: “At the meeting [in Lausanne} on 1 October, the key stakeholders agreed on a unified vision for dressage. The aim is that, through balanced and systematic education, horses are trained and ridden to be calm, supple, flexible, confident, and responsive, fostering a deep and positive connection with the rider. The FEI is committed to achieving this. Doing so requires a holistic approach rather than just focusing on individual topics, such as specific pieces of equipment.”

Our questions posed to the FEI included the experimental classes proposed by its own dressage committee. The FEI also failed to comment on why available scientific research into the use of double bridles is deemed insufficient; whether its long mooted multi-sport round-table on double bridle modernisation will happen; Dr Akerstrom’s remarks in Paris; and if dressage rider qualifications needed review – currently no qualifications are required to enter a grand prix at CDI3* where a double bridle is mandatory.

While the FEI’s response was limited, one of the FEI’s stakeholder groups was willing to tackle this hot potato: David Hunt, president of the International Dressage Trainers Club, shares his thoughts later on.

The double bridle through history

Before looking further at the current use of the double bridle, it’s worth looking back at how it evolved. In the violent times of the Middle Ages, the curb or lever bit was viewed as a necessity for mounted warriors using a sword with only one spare hand for reins. The name “curb” has a mechanical derivation, from the Latin “curvus” – to curve or bend.

Then came the Renaissance. Nobles studied horsemanship as an art form, in the same mindset as drawing, philosophy and music. Antoine de Pluvinel (1555-1620) was the first master to adopt a kinder approach, pioneering the curb to enhance collection through subtle aids. Initially the second (curb) rein was held in one hand, giving a clue as to its new, non-combative intent.

FEI rules still say the objective (Art. 400) is “to preserve the equestrian art from the abuses to which it can be exposed and to preserve it in the purity of its principles…” But fast forward to our own era of immense societal change, and it looks moot.

Practices considered normal 30 years ago are now unacceptable to many, with improved knowledge of equine physiology and psychology, and changing views on the use of animals. This comes at the same time as dressage has diverged into a lucrative lifestyle business for producers and breeders, as well as a sport. This inevitably leads to suspicion over short-cuts taken in training.

The current situation

The leverage capability of the double bridle is now a concern for those who query how contemporary riders use the bits; while exaggerating to make her point, at the Collectif Pour Les Chevaux conference in April, 1976 Olympic champion Christine Stuckelberger wondered why current athletes “have to ride with 100 kilos in each hand” instead of just “the weight of the reins”.

There is relentless circulation of images on social media associating the double bridle with hyperflexion; “blue tongues” caused by restricted oxygen supply; tight nosebands allegedly aimed at helping to conceal what is going on inside a horse’s mouth; and “conflict behaviours”, such as repeated mouth-opening to seek relief from pressure. A new study by Mette Uldahl and Prof Janne Christiansen recorded one horse opening its mouth 59 times during its 5min 30sec test.

It is only after many years of discussion that the FEI recently authorised a noseband tightness gauge, which will be rolled out next year. Then there is the use of sugar paste (also widely known as marshmallow fluff) for further concealment, which has been banned since 2021 but is still reportedly being used with no yellow cards as yet handed down.

It is worth noting that even a large horse may not have a big enough space inside its mouth to be able to comfortably keep its mouth closed around two bits. FEI rules set the minimum diameter of mouthpiece at 12mm for a curb, 10mm for bridoon and 12mm for a snaffle in horses. British-born, now US-based Dr Hilary Clayton has studied the equine mouth for 40 years. (Her first peer-reviewed fluroscopic study in 1985 on the effect of bits is still cited.) In another study, she found the average available space in a horse’s mouth is only 14mm for an average bit thickness of 15mm.

She told H&H: “Under these (average) conditions, the horse would not be able to fully close its mouth. This does not take account of the fact that the tongue normally covers the bars of the mandible [lower jaw] and cushions the effect of the bit on the bars.”

So why is the double bridle rule under question?

After the Tokyo Olympics, the FEI convened an Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission under equine behaviourist and scientist Dr Natalie Waran from New Zealand.

In 2022 one of its six initial recommendations was to stop mandating double bridles in grand prix dressage – quickly vetoed by the FEI’s own dressage committee (the DTC), the IDTC and International Dressage Riders Club who said “giving in to unwarranted or ignorant criticism is practically and ethically wrong”.

Attempts to revive this by Sweden and the Netherlands – two countries already allowing snaffles in national grand prix classes – were rejected in 2023 and 2024 on procedural grounds; doubles are categorised as a “sport” matter and not a welfare one.

Another recent stakeholder comment has irked the scientific community: that existing research into double bridles is not “meaningful” enough.

Cristina Wilkins was a Spanish high performance eventer before moving to Australia where she collaborates with renowned researchers Paul McGreevy, Andrew McLean and David Mellor. She said: “It is really easy to get distracted by attempts to discredit, misrepresent, overrepresent, and generally weaponise the research, to distract from the point at issue – to cause confusion and buy time.”

Cristina is presenting at a conference in Copenhagen on 18 November, hosted by the Danish ministry of agriculture. It’s a “who’s who” of prominent vets and welfare activists: other speakers include Professor Madeleine Campbell, chair of the British Equestrian Federation’s ethics group and the independent animal welfare committee that advises DEFRA; Mette Uldahl (chief consultant to Horse & Animal Welfare, Animal Protection Denmark) and Janne Christiansen; Julie Taylor, the “blue tongue” whistleblower 15 years ago and author of I Can’t Watch Anymore; Crispin Parelius Johannessen, the photographer whose images have fuelled the blue tongue debates on social media and in Scandinavian mainstream press; and Hans Christian Mathiesen, a vet and president of the International Dressage Officials Club, whose personal support for non-mandating the double bridle and revamping the way dressage is judged have not yet elicited any public support from his peers.

Many are regulars on the conference circuit, where dressage welfare topics inevitably feature. Yet FEI staffers and stakeholders rarely attend or even seem to know these events are happening. Two weeks ago the anti-hyperflexion campaigner Dr Eva van Avermaet addressed the annual conference of FEEVA (the 7,000-strong European federation of equine vets) in Lisbon. It is understood the FEI was represented, but has not fed back yet.

Would the snaffle option actually make a difference?

British Dressage (BD) CEO Jason Brautigam would welcome the FEI allowing the choice to use a snaffle at all levels – aligning with BD national classes.

“The shape of the horse’s mouth, experience of the rider, the type and temperament of the horse, must all be taken into consideration,” he said. “We therefore support making [using a double bridle] optional, to give riders the choice, but we should not be conflating this with welfare. The focus should be on better training, education, and awareness of the correct use of tack and equipment, backed up by scientific data, to prevent problems such as mouth lesions and ulceration.

“The question of whether the snaffle should be permitted at grand prix is therefore more about maintaining a level playing field and ensuring that contact with the bit can be judged consistently. Since making the snaffle optional, we have not encountered any issues in judging at elite level.”

Europe-based Equestrian Action Group (EAG) has also lobbied the FEI to accept what many feel is inevitable: “it is better to accompany this development constructively than to try to delay it”.

Unexpectedly, the FEI’s dressage committee has now said it would encourage organisers to run experimental grand prix classes in snaffles up to CDI3*. EAG member Antonella Joannou de Rham is a former Swiss dressage team rider keen to try. She is the first rider known to have ridden a Intermediare II at a CDI2* in a snaffle, at Crozet in September.

But rider competence will still be a factor, whatever the bit.

Is freedom of choice the answer?

Mette Uldahl prefers overall freedom of choice at all levels: “On the precautionary principle, it should be based on the rider’s decision to figure out which type of bit fits the individual horse the best. Also, many riders are not capable of riding at higher levels when they try.

“[Mouth] ulcer frequency increases at higher levels, so it would then be better for the horse not to wear a potentially stronger bit like the double bridle.

“Too many horses are presented [at shows] with a too high display of conflict behaviours. The reasons may be lack of rider skills, but we should also acknowledge that current sport formats encourage techniques in training and presentation that are harmful for welfare and soundness, but rewarded by the judging system.

“I see findings of an [mouth] ulcer as a historical marker of the horse having had a past problem, which it was forced to alleviate by leaning or allowing too much pressure from the bit.”

Dr Clayton observed: “Of course, there is the prevalent opinion that the ability to perform the high level movements in a snaffle is a virtue, but this ignores the added skill required for correct use of the double.

“I wrestle with whether horses should be penalised because their oral conformation makes it difficult to wear a double bridle. Horses with a long tibia, making it difficult to get the hind limb under the body, or horses with a downhill build making it difficult to raise the forehand are judged on how they perform – not on how they might perform if they had better conformation.”

A dressage stakeholder’s response to key questions

To finish, David Hunt, president of the International Dressage Trainers Club tackles some frequently raised points related to the double bridle debate below. He was the first British rider to win all three grands prix at a major international (Rotterdam in 1988, with Maple Zenith) and is also on the FEI’s Judges Supervisory Panel.

Why is the double bridle not a “welfare” matter?

“Here is the frustration: less than ideal contact, acceptance of the bridle or self-carriage has been conflated to mean welfare risks or abusive riding and that is not the case.

“Training horses is a process; contact, self-carriage, engagement etc. are all things that have to be taught and it is not always an easy, straight-line procedure. Some people are more skilled and others are not, some horses catch on more quickly, some don’t.

“But an unskilled rider does not rise to the level of a welfare issue. We all started as beginners! How can we expect to attract people to our sport or encourage the development of equestrian skills if the learner is relentlessly criticised? Everyone is constantly learning, even the most successful rider will agree. That is the challenge and joy of dressage.

“Of course, when someone embarks on this journey they must do so responsibly which includes, among other things, seeking qualified guidance, identifying suitable horses to learn on, and being realistic about their level of skill.

“I find it curious that those who are so adamant about not using negative training techniques with horses take such a different view when trying to motivate riders and use shame and humiliation so frequently.”

Why continue to mandate using the double bridle?

“The ability to use a double bridle correctly and importantly to train a horse to accept and understand it reflects the highest level of equestrian competence and therefore should be tested at the elite level.

“Yes, it is part of the tradition but it is also a specific skill. The Dressage Handbook – Guidelines for Judging sets out how acceptance of the double bridle must be evaluated. It calls for the main contact to be maintained with the snaffle rein with a lighter contact on the curb rein. If the rider presents a test with the curb rein completely loose, a deduction of one point should be made [from the collectives]. However, if the rider presents a test with the main contact only being with the curb bit and the snaffle rein loose [a deduction should be made from every movement].

“To eliminate the testing of this skill would be a dumbing down (and long term would reduce the incentive to achieve the skill). We recognize that this goal is not achievable for all riders and some horses. All elite level sport is exclusive by nature and depends on a favourable combination of training and genetic potential (both physical and temperamental).”

Why can horses with open mouths or behind the vertical still get good scores?

“In the test a consistently open mouth or the nose behind the vertical will not/should not be rewarded with a high score. This is very clear in The Dressage Handbook – Guidelines for Judging. However the handbook also states “When judging whether a horse is correctly accepting the contact…, it is not enough to look only at the head and neck. Judges need to look at the whole horse, its position and carriage and in particular, the way it moves.”

“Judges do not overlook problems with contact or self-carriage, but must score the totality of the exercise. However problems with head carriage or contact are always noted in the comments.

“We caution against placing too much weight on photos as they are only a moment in time and typically do not provide sufficient context.”

Is the new noseband gauge a step forward?

“The noseband has a legitimate function. The Principles of Riding, German Equestrian Federation state: A noseband completes the bridle. It ensures a quiet position of the bit in the horse’s mouth and that some of the influence of the bit is indirectly transferred onto the bridge of the nose. It must be neither too tight nor too loose. A noseband provides a degree of restriction to the mobility of the jaw, but it must never completely prevent it. To ensure that the horse is able to chew on the bit with relaxed tongue muscles, it must have enough freedom in the jaw.

“The operative words are TOO tight or TOO loose. It is OK for the noseband to function to discourage movement of the jaw but not prevent movement. The optimal tightness will be individual for each horse and therefore the rider should be given maximum leeway to do what suits his/her horse best within these guidelines.

“There are many studies which have shown that both a too tight or too loose are associated with increased mouth lesions. Attempting to standardize things is neither productive nor realistic.”

● What are your thoughts on use of double bridles in grand prix dressage? Write to us at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and country, for the chance for your letter to appear in a forthcoming issue of the magazine

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Stewards’ different and contradictory decisions about a certain bit at international competition have highlighted the grey areas and inconsistencies that can exist in FEI rules.

At the Kentucky Three-Day Event in April, Canadian rider Katie Malensek was eliminated from the four-star in relation to her horse Landjaeger’s Myler combination bit. A month later, in Belgium, British showjumper Charlotte Penny was pulled up over the same bit, worn by Landown Cruise On Air.

Katie told H&H she was eliminated because one steward judged the bit to have been modified – Charlotte told H&H she was only allowed to jump once the bit had been modified. Both said FEI stewards had previously approved the bit as it was.

Katie appealed her elimination at Kentucky, but the FEI Tribunal ruled that her appeal was inadmissible.

“It’s not settled in my mind,” Katie told H&H. “There were some questionable decisions made.”

Katie said she had asked an FEI steward the previous weekend to check Landjaeger’s bit at an event and it was approved, and no issues were raised at the cross-country tack check at Kentucky. But after their showjumping, Katie was pulled up by a steward, who said she thought the bit was illegal.

“She was holding a book of pictures from the FEI tack app,” Katie said. “The sub-category was modifications or additions to the bit, and there were pictures of bits with rope or vet wrap, crazy get-ups. There were two pictures showing Myler combinations with various things modified and she was comparing one to mine saying, ‘That’s why it’s illegal.’”

Katie said her bit was as it was manufactured, with no adaptations. She said although other stewards disagreed the bit had been modified, the one objecting was adamant and called the president of the ground jury away from the top-20 showjumping to show him the pictures, after which he agreed to the elimination. An on-site appeal was rejected.

“It felt like no one knew what they were doing,” Katie said, adding that other riders that day were using the same bit but not pulled up. “I explained why it was legal, it was off the shelf and had been cleared by an FEI official – but the same people look at the appeal, the president and vice-president of the ground jury.

“I’m worried about other events and people trying to get Paris qualification, as other stewards are approving this bit. I want everyone to know – if it can happen to me, it can happen to anyone. It’s luck of the draw and that’s not how it should be.”

Charlotte told H&H she had heard what happened to Katie, so checked with an FEI steward in Belgium and was told her bit was legal.

“But when I was in the chute on the way into the grand prix, the steward said, ‘I can’t let you in as someone’s come over to say the bit’s illegal’. She said the rope was the issue,” she said.

“We had to cut the bit to pieces to adapt it to how they wanted it. The rules said the bit was fine and it hadn’t been adapted, but the steward said if I wanted to use it, I had to adapt it.”

Charlotte said she cut off the rope part of the combination bit and bought two flash straps to attach, and this was allowed.

“That completely changed the way the bit worked,” she said. “The horse didn’t know what was going on. I was so confused. No one knows the rule and it’s ridiculous that the opinion seems to differ between stewards. Stewards in England have said it’s fine, but I’m going to Bolesworth soon and I don’t know what to do.”

An FEI spokesperson told H&H: “The combination bit in question is not permitted at FEI competitions, as per the FEI rules/FEI tack app. It belongs to the group of bits included in the app under items or changes added to bits. This list covers bits that have been changed from their primary concept by the manufacturer and or athlete, which affect its function (i.e. leverage action, excessive pressure on sensitive areas through reduced area of contact over the nasal bone).

“We would like to reiterate that the images in the app serve as examples of some of the tack and the list is not exhaustive. The exact bit in question may consequently not be represented among the images, but it still belongs to the same group of bits.

“The elimination of the athlete was a field of play decision, taken by the president of the ground jury taken in line with the FEI rules/tack app. We rely on the FEI officials present to apply the FEI rules/tack app.”

Monty Stuart-Monteith, managing director of UK Myler distributor Shaws Equestrian, told H&H the situation is very frustrating.

“We’ve been selling this bit since 2001 and it’s extremely successful as it divides the rein pressure over several areas to relieve the horse’s tongue,” he said. “No one from the FEI appears willing to engage with Myler about how it works; if they understood, they’d realise it’s probably the kindest bit they’ve seen. The way it was used at Kentucky is exactly how it was designed; there seems to be poor communication, a lack of understanding, and an unwillingness to acquire it.”

Olympic hopefuls Kitty King and Vendredi Biats have been affected; Kitty had ridden the 15-year-old in the bit and said at Bramham it had been a challenge to replace it.

“We were made aware when the rider at Kentucky got eliminated but they let two others compete; clearly, they don’t even know what they’re doing,” she said. “Badminton trot-up day, at the the briefing, that’s when the riders were told if they were to run in that bridle, they’d be eliminated… it’s a bit of a shambles.”

Kitty and Vendredi Biats won the CCI4*-S at Bramham in a different bit.

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Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Sprenger was established in 1872 by Hermann Sprenger, who created a foundry in Iserlohn, Germany for the manufacture of high quality lorinery (bits, stirrups, harness fittings and spurs). Now in its fourth generation, the company has evolved and expanded over the past 151 years distributing its lorinery around the world. Innovative bit designs, based upon detailed studies and research, have been at the core of Sprenger’s developments in lorinery evolution and manufacture. They include the Sprenger NovoContact mouthpiece, which we explain here to help you ascertain whether it might suit your horse.

The Sprenger NovoContact mouthpiece anatomically adapted mouthpiece has been designed with a unique oval shape so that its cannons (mouth sections) provide a wide enlarged contact surface area across the mouth and upon the tongue but without being too bulky or placing pressure on the palate (roof of the mouth).

“Imagine having an uncooked sausage and pressing the middle section down onto flat surface with you hand – this gives you an idea of its appearance,” explains bitting expert, BETA field officer and lorinery consultant Tricia Nassau-Williams. “This oval shape to the mouthpiece’s cannons creates a larger bearing on the tongue that enables a softer contact area.”

The NovoContact mouthpiece, as with all of the Sprenger bits, has been designed and developed using scientific research. Available in double and single jointed mouthpieces, they are used by both professional and leisure riders.

How the Sprenger NovoContact mouthpiece design works

“This bit is a positive design for the horse and one that promotes comfort, as the rider can influence the aids more sensitively assisting communication between horse and rider for an improved contact and acceptance of the bit,” says Tricia.

“When the rider keeps a steady contact, the flat part of the mouthpiece lies sensitively on the horse’s tongue. As a rein aid is given the bit’s mouthpiece rotates forwards, causing the contact surface to get narrower, ensuring a more precise and effective communication to provide a more defined rein aid and effective level of communication.

“When relaxing the rein contact, the mouthpiece turns back to its soft and smooth position with the flat part lying delicately on the tongue.”

Which type of horse this bit best suits

The Sprenger NovoContact mouthpiece is suitable for a wide range of horses, but is particularly useful design for horses that:

• Are sensitive in the mouth but tend to resist against the rider’s hand.
• Have a sensitive mouth, as this mouthpiece can encourage them to take the contact with greater confidence.
• Go better in a mouthpiece with a broader bearing surface, but can’t cope with anything bulky in the mouth. Good for horses with a smaller oral cavity, which leaves less room in their mouth for the bit.
• Sometimes pull against the hand, but are too sensitive to be ridden in a stronger bit.

What is a Sprenger NovoContact mouthpiece made from?

This bit’s mouthpiece is made from Sensogan – this patented metal alloy is based on scientific research and developed by Sprenger, in association with the University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover.

“A further development of Sprenger’s Aurigan alloy, it has the positive taste and salivation properties of Aurigan, plus a greater compatibility for horse’s with a sensitive mouth,” says Tricia.

“Sensogan is an alloy of copper, manganese and zinc. This provides a more regulated process of oxidation (rusting) and reduces copper released and therefore the amount of encouraged salivation in their mouth.”

The white golden colour of the bit is retained for longer and much less inclined to tarnish due to the reduced oxidation.

The use of manganese is considered to contribute to the prevention of allergic reactions to the metal and the bit rings in this range are made of stainless steel.

Sizes available

Single or double-jointed bits in Sensogan are available in 115mm (4½”), 125mm (5”), 135mm (5¼”) or 145mm (5¾”).

The standard mouthpiece thicknesses is 16mm with 65mm diameter stainless steel rings. It is also available as a bradoon for use in a double bridle with a 55mm ring diameter and a 12mm thick mouthpiece.

Sprenger NovoContact mouthpiece pelham with a double-jointed lozenge

The Sprenger NovoContact mouthpiece is available in a number of different side sections (families) of bitting. One of these the pelham bit, which provides the option of having two rein attachment points. This allows for a snaffle action on the top rein and a curb action on the bottom. Pelham roundings can be fitted, and while this enables the use of only one rein, it does not provide such a clear definition of the upper and lower rein action.

“When using the curb rein of a pelham, the bridle pressure points are distributed over three pressure points upon the horse’s head – downwards upon the mouth, the poll/bridle path area and through the curb groove,” explains Tricia. “This can enable additional communication and control when in the hands of a competent rider.”

As the rein contact is taken up on the curb (lower) rein, the bit’s mouthpiece is rotated forwards and consequently the contact surface upon the tongue gets narrower, thus providing a more precise and defined communication.

You may also be interested to read…

Choosing the right bit for your horse

Neue Schule Verbindend: everything you need to know about this bit

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The Neue Schule Verbindend was developed by bitting expert and founder of Neue Schule, Heather Hyde.

“This bit is usually sourced by riders when a more advanced outline is required,” says Heather. “The 20 degree-angled Neue Schule Tranz lozenge may help stimulate more feel in the centre of the tongue, enabling a more precise aid to be given by the riders.

“The angle may also help the rider achieve a better connection without desensitising the tongue. The mouthpiece has been designed to avoid squeezing the tongue’s sensitive outer edges or forcing them on to the teeth.

“The lozenge, combined with the bit’s curved arms, helps to connect the pressure points required to encourage the horse to soften and relax through the jaw and topline.

“Another aim of the Verbindend is to give more lift from the horse’s shoulder and enhance the bend for lateral work. Customers have told me that the Verbindend has eradicated many long-term tongue evasions.”

The UK lorinery company Neue Schule has been involved in bitting design and development for more than 20 years.

“With a focused understanding and appreciation of the need to create a new school of bit designs, one developed to reflect the equine mouth and its conformation for the many different horse mouth types, a new generation of bitting began,” explains bitting expert, BETA field officer and lorinery consultant Tricia Nassau-Williams. “The Neue Schule range has its foundation in bits that are unique in their detail to accommodate the horse’s individual mouth type, while also incorporating modern bitting material that will aid the success of their designs.

“Most importantly, regardless of the level of work or the discipline being undertaken, their bits are an acknowledgement of a considered design approach to providing the rider with the tools and so potential to communicate with their horses in harmony and with understanding. Backed by research and analysis that is then applied to their designs, this underlines the Neue Schule approach to lorinery.”

The Verbindend mouthpiece is available as a loose ring, bradoon and D cheek snaffle, as well as a lever bit, the universal.

The Verbindend mouthpiece

This innovative double jointed mouthpiece offers no pressure downwards on to the tongue. As the rein contact is taken up, the mouthpiece forms a square shape in the mouth that provides a channel through which the horse’s tongue can lie. This in turn provides the horse with greater comfort, allowing him to move forwards into the contact while being lighter in his shoulder.

When the rider releases this bit, or the horse relaxes into a soft contact, the bit’s mouthpiece will move up into a comfortable position that encourages a relaxed tongue, jaw and way of going. The mouthpiece works on less tongue pressure and more on the lower jaw.

The mouthpiece is made from a neutral tasting copper alloy called Solax, which warms quickly to the horse’s body temperature encouraging the bit’s acceptance. With its high copper content, it is a softer metal providing a gentler consequence should the bit make contact with the horse’s teeth. Salox is nickel-free. The bit’s rings to which the mouthpiece attaches, are generally made from stainless steel.

Which types of horse the bit best suits

Tricia says: “It is useful for horses that can ‘fix’ onto one rein, bring their tongue out or draw it back over the bit, be resistant to the contact or are inclined to lean onto the rider’s hands or be heavy on the forehand.”

The Neue Schule Verbindend can:

• Encourage clarity of the aids, encouraging a true outline with freedom through the shoulder, promoting the horse’s self-carriage and potential for cadence

• Enhance the horse’s bend for lateral and small circles

• Remove tongue evasions by creating greater comfort via the channel for the tongue to lie in, allowing the horse to soften and relax through the jaw

• Help to establish a lighter, softer way of going

• Be used as a bridoon, with its 12mm mouthpiece thickness and small 55mm diameter rings, combined with a Weymouth as a double bridle

• Be helpful for use on a small headed ponies, being available in a 12mm mouthpiece thickness with 65mm diameter rings

• Be useful for some horses where the option of a 12mm thick mouthpiece and the wider 70mm diameter rings aids elevation of the shoulders and gives more room in the mouth than a thicker mouthpiece

• Help horses that are heavy on the forehand as this bit focuses the rider’s aids through the reins

• Be a useful mouthpiece for those who wish to achieve a lift through their horse’s forehand

• Suit horses who are tense, busy-mouthed, heavy or evading the rider’s aids

The Neue Schule Verbindend snaffle design is legal for both BD and FEI dressage, but do check the different class rules for the required mouthpiece diameters and cheek designs to make sure that they meet the required competition rules.

Types of bit with Neue Schule Verbindend mouthpiece

Tricia explains some of the difference variations of the Neue Schule Verbindend:

• Loose ring snaffle – a basic go-to bitting group for horse owners, the snaffle has a direct line of contact from the bit through the reins to the rider’s hands. The general action is an upward one as it has no poll pressure or lever action. The contact points in which it lies across the mouth will vary with the position of the horse’s head and neck. The loose ring allows more freedom of movement of the bit’s mouthpiece upon the tongue, affording more play and enabling the horse to position the mouthpiece where they feel it is best. It can also be useful for horses that are inclined to be heavy in the hand or take hold of the bit. Dressage legal.
• D cheek – D cheek bits are helpful for providing greater directional guidance as the D side sections above and below the mouthpiece provide a flat surface against the side of the mouth, which aids turning especially when in faster work. The D cheek also helps keep the mouthpiece central in the mouth and prevents it from being pulled from one side to the other. The D cheek can be useful for faster work, such as the showjumper requiring tight turns, and of benefit for dressage, where accuracy and clear shoulder aids are essential. Also a useful bit for novice horses or riders. Dressage legal.
• American D Lite: The American D has its side hinges positioned up and away from the corners of the horse’s mouth. This helps to lessen any possibility of the lips being pinched by the joints. Dressage legal.
• Universal: The Universal is a useful bit to help reduce resistance when asking for a downward transition or stride adjustability between fences. With several rein attachment options, it can be a handy step up from a snaffle when additional control is required. This is a versatile bit for a range of disciplines, although it is NOT dressage legal. It provides lift though the shoulder but with the Verbindend mouthpiece, it can do so while still providing tongue comfort and allowing the horse to soften and relax through his jaw. The side cheeks of the Universal provide offer extra control and enhanced turning.

Rein attachment options for a Neue Schule Verbindend Universal

• One rein attached to the large ring (snaffle action).

• One attached to the bottom ring (lever action).

• Two reins with one attached to each ring.

• The fitting of pelham roundings for use of only one rein with two attachment points.

Roundings: these can be fitted so that only one rein needs to be attached. However, it is sound equitation to learn to ride competently with two reins for greater clarity of the aids.

Curb strap: a leather curb jaw strap can be fitted to provide additional control. This is attached to the top ring and will pass behind the jaw, higher up than the curb groove where a curb chain would lie. This should be fitted so that it acts when the bits shanks are tilted to an angle of 45 degrees from the point of rest. The curb straps are available from Neue Schule suppliers.

Bit guards: rubber bit guards can be fitted to prevent pinching of the lips. Most importantly, make sure that you go up a size in the bit to allow space for these. Also that you go down a size if you remove them.

Fitting

Tricia explains: “Firstly, get the correct height of the bit by adjusting the bridle’s cheekpieces so that a joined mouthpiece just crinkles the corners of the mouth (a straight bar bit sits neatly into them with no crinkles). This can vary depending upon how thick and fleshy the lips are, as the tension placed upon them will vary depending upon this. Make sure the bit is not making contact with the horse’s teeth.

“Having found the correct height of the bit, then assess the width. Check this from the ground stood in front of the horse with a gentle rein tension applied to the ends of the bit.

“With a loose ring bit ensure enough space so that the horse’s lips are clear from the hole through which the loose ring passes so as to prevent pinching. Well-made loose ring bits will have a slightly bevelled edge to help prevent this.

“When fitting a fixed cheek, the horse’s lips should almost touch the sides to make sure that the bit will not slip adversely though the mouth. However, some space must be left so that the bit does not punch or bruise the lips. Look for just enough space to place the end of your little finger between the lip and bit’s cheek. Fit the bit when stood still, but be sure to reassess it again once you have ridden to be confident that rein contact has not changed the bit’s fit.

“The correct width and height adjustment of a bit is critical to its successful use and function as well as being horse welfare issue. Always seek the service of a qualified bit and bridle fitter if you are unsure.”

You might also like:

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If you’re considering whether a Waterford running gag bit would suit your horse, you should start by first selecting the most appropriate mouthpiece for your horse’s individual mouth type and conformation, the discipline you are taking part in, and the level of both your horse’s training and the skillset of the rider.

What is a Waterford running gag?

A Waterford running gag mouthpiece can be found across a wide range of bits including snaffles, pelhams, running gags and leaver bits. Each of these groups will have different actions and a wide range of ring – or cheek – designs. Seek help and guidance from a professional bit and bridle fitter of you are unsure and require further help.

“The Waterford gag bit’s cheeks have a hole at the top and bottom through which a specially adapted bridle cheekpiece runs,” explains bitting expert, BETA field officer and lorinery consultant Tricia Nassau-Williams. “Connected to the bridle’s headpiece at the top and the reins at the bottom, it is easy to see how this bit has a strong action, causing it to ‘run’ upward upon the bridle’s cheekpiece. This provides a strong upwards action on the mouth that overrules the downward pressure across the bridle’s headpiece.

“It is best used with two sets of reins, one set attached to the lower rings on the running cheekpiece and the other to the bit’s side rings, as a snaffle bit would be. This provides a choice of action, so that the lower gag rein is only applied when necessary.”

Running Waterford gags are available in a wide range of cheek designs including loose ring, eggbut, Nelson (with full cheeks), Duncan and Hitchcock, to name a few.

“With its distinctive multi-jointed links, it forms a bobbly chain across the tongue and therefore it is very flexible within the mouth,” explains Tricia. “While the basic multi-link features of the Waterford gag are available from many manufactures, designs will vary slightly. Look for high-end purchases, as these will reflect the quality of the bit’s design and finish.

“For example, the Trust bits by Bomber have smoothed out the length of the Waterford mouthpiece for a more even contact. Neue Schule have produced a short smooth section at the end of the mouthpiece on both sides, referred to as a LipSmart shelf. This design function to helps eliminate rubbing in the area of the bit on both the horse’s commissures (corners of the lips and the flesh just inside them).”

Duncan gags are designed for use with a curb bit as part of a double bridle where there is no requirement to attachment of a second pair of reins. Additionally, as much “bulk” of the bit’s end (cheek) sections as possible, has been removed.

Hitchcock gags have a pulley system, similar to the overcheeks seen on some driving horse bridles. This design of running gag has the potential for a very strong and severe action. The “running “cheeks, attached to the top of the gag bit, travel up the side of the horse’s face on rolled leather (or nylon cord) to metal loops at the headpiece, through which the cheeks pass before returning back down the side of the face to run thought the side of the bit and then attaching to the reins.

This double pulley system allows it to act very swiftly, applying pressure to both the mouth and poll area (under the bridle’s headpiece). The Hitchock gag is only for use by the most skilled and empathetic of riders when on a very strong horse in fast work.

How does a Waterford running gag work?

“When the lower rein is applied on a Waterford gag, it will not only cause the mouthpiece to act upon the horse’s lips, tongue and bars with an upwards action, but it will also cause the bit to ‘run’ upwards upon the bridles cheeks,” says Tricia. “This creates a strong lifting action and to a degree, a conflict of pressures between the horse’s mouth and area under the bridle’s headpiece. The overriding action of a running gag will be to encourage the horse’s head and neck upwards.

“When it comes to the action of the mouthpiece, the flexibility of this particular mouthpiece allows it to sit across the tongue and mould around the horse’s mouth to provide an even pressure of contact. Horses often respond well to the movement in many directions that this provides and some will accept bits with this mouthpiece in preference to fixed ones.

“Because this mouthpiece is flexible and its action is broken across the mouth, horses that normally tend to snatch, lean on or set their jaw to block the rider’s aids, may go better in it.”

Tricia explains how to fit a Waterford gag by saying: “Fit by first obtaining the correct height in the horse’s mouth. Look to see the running cheeks are adjusted appropriately so that the bit’s mouthpiece is sitting neatly into the corners of the mouth on both sides, but not wrinkling or pulling them backwards. The bit should also not be too low so that it is in danger of making contact with the front teeth or encouraging the horse to pull his tongue backwards over the mouthpiece.

“Having obtained the correct height, placing a rein contact pressure on each side of the bit, look to see that it is wide enough to clear the sides of the horse’s lips. Equally, make sure that it is not too wide, as this will allow for an adverse movement of the bit from side to side and could cause trauma to his mouth.”

Which types of horse does this mouthpiece suit best?

“Waterford running gags are useful for bold horses, when in fast work, who tend to set themselves against the rider’s hands and lean or go with their head down below the line of control from the rider’s hand though the rein to the bit,” explains Tricia. “With its strong lifting action, a running gag can be effective. It is not recommended for use in every day riding, but can be a helpful bit when additional control is required. It is for use by skilled, educated riders only.

“The Waterford mouthpiece is useful for horses that the rider may feel need to be lighter on the forehand. It can also be helpful for strong, bold horses who when in fast work, tend to snatch or take hold of the bit and pull. It can help to provide the rider with better levels of control making and it a popular choice for cross-country or showjumping.

“However, success over failure will be depend upon the skill and empathy of the rider, who will require an independent seat and rewarding hands. When employed by a skilled rider it can also be helpful for some training purposes to promote self-carriage and response.

“As the Waterford flexes so much, it generally suits all types of mouth conformation, from full mouths to long slim ones.”

Waterford running gag cheeks

There are several running cheek options available for those purchasing a Waterford running gag including:

• Nylon cord – these have a faster action because the bit moves more freely upon them. They have the advantage of being very practical and strong. They are often made with a loop which enables them to be changed from one bit to another.

• Leather – these look smarter than nylon and tend to have a slightly slower action of the leather does not slide through the bits rings as quickly. These will be stitched at each end so they cannot be easily removed. Another option is the have leather running cheeks with button or screw studs. These can be undone to enable the bit to be changed.

As a running gag is generally used for a strong, forward going horse when in fast work, it may be advantageous to have the strongest cheeks possible and to securely stitch them to the bit.

Other useful things to consider…

• When using a loose-ringed running gag, rubber bit guards can be added to help prevent pinching of the horse’s lips. If using these, the mouthpiece of the bit will need to be slightly wider than the horse normally wears.

• Running gags are designed to be ridden with two sets of reins. This allows the rider to predominantly use the snaffle rein for a milder action, only employing the lower rein running gag action when required.

• Always check the condition of the leather and stitching on both the running gag’s bridle cheekpieces and the headpiece to which they are attached before use.

• As a safety measure, it is recommended that the leather on to which running cheeks are attached is at least 3/4” wide, if not 5/8“ wide. It is not recommended to use ½” bridle cheeks on a running gag bridle.

You might also like:

The Waterford bit: how does it work and what type of horse does it suit?

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Austrian rider Gerfried Puck was competing at the 2023 European Showjumping Championships at the San Siro racecourse in Milan, Italy (30 August-3 September), 14 years after his last championship appearance in Windsor, England, in 2009.

On Friday (1 September) the 50-year-old helped the Austrian team to a historic bronze medal in the team final – the country’s first team showjumping medal at the European Showjumping Championships.

But his return to the championship stage wasn’t without mishap as he had to make a last-minute bridle change on his powerful stallion Equitron Naxcel V on the opening day after being told he’d fallen foul of a new FEI rule, just seconds before entering the ring.

“My horse is really sensitive in the mouth – we want to protect him, so we use some tape on the bit that’s very soft,” explained Gerfried, who was put in a similar position to Great Britain’s Jodie Hall-McAteer at the Longines Global Champions Tour in London last month. “But the FEI changed the rules a few weeks ago and when I had the final boot check they saw the tape and said that was no longer allowed.

“So we had to quickly change the whole bridle before I went in – that’s why I was three horses late. They changed the rules so many times and now we have to change which bridle we use once again.”

European Showjumping Championships: an Olympic berth

However, after that initial mishap, Gerfried and his Austrian team-mates secured a place in Friday’s team final, bidding for one of three qualification slots at the 2024 Paris Olympics, which they duly secured with their tremendous bronze medal-winning performance.

“I think will have quite a strong team for next year’s Olympics and we might make a big surprise,” says the Austria-based rider.

“I only ever wanted to go to a championship when I had the right horse, a horse I felt could jump it easy. Otherwise it’s not nice for the horse. That’s why I waited so long [14 years] to do another championship. Now I have a horse that finds it easy, he’s shown that here.

“I haven’t had a horse to jump this really big stuff – I’ve had horses to jump four-stars and some World Cups, but not championships. But with Equitron Naxcel we are really happy – this is his first championship, but we bred him ourselves, so we’ve had him since a baby, and that’s very special.

“He’s also a really good breeding stallion – we have some nice offspring from him who are six years old. He just doesn’t want to make a mistake.

“So we had one goal this week – to qualify for the Olympics.”

High spirits at the vet-check

The Balou Du Rouet stallion’s high-spirited antics in the first vet-check at this year’s European Showjumping Championships had everyone talking – he just loves a crowd, explained Gerfried.

“Yes he’s really powerful – he was a bit crazy in the vet check because everyone was looking at him and that’s what he loves,” he said. “But for the owner and breeder’s family, this is the first time they’ve come to see him at a show. My wife is riding, my son is riding, it’s a total family production.”

Horse & Hound has a team of reporters covering all the European showjumping action. To keep reading on our website after five articles, readers will need to buy a subscription. Visit horseandhound.co.uk/join to buy a Horse & Hound website unlimited subscription or, for great value, visit magazinesdirect.com for a combined magazine and website subscription. If you are already a magazine subscriber, the cost to upgrade your subscription to include full website access is minimal – call 0330 333 1113 to find out more.

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‘It’s incredible’: meet the top showjumper who sleeps 20 hours a day and loves bananas

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‘Iron Maiden or Five Finger Death Punch’: European Showjumping Championships leader reveals unusual pre-ring motivation

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

If you’re considering a hanging cheek snaffle bit for your horse, then read a bitting expert’s view on how it works and what types of horse it best suits

How does a hanging cheek snaffle work?

“There is a lot of misinformation about the action of the hanging cheek,” says Horse Bit Hire’s Gail Johnson. “I do a lot of bit testing and fitting, and I’ve found that this type of bit doesn’t produce the poll pressure it is typically marketed to.

“The cheek pieces fasten onto the top loop and the reins onto the lower. When rein pressure is applied, the top part of the cheek tilts and the cheek pieces often become baggy and bulge away from the face, which raises the question — is any poll pressure being applied?”

Ema Odlin from The Horse Bit Shop agrees: “When you put pressure on a hanging cheek piece, the cheek pieces go loose so it’s impossible for it to put pressure down the bridle track over the poll because the cheek pieces are loose.”

Gail adds, “People often say that their horse won’t accept a hanging cheek due to the poll pressure — my thoughts are that not all horses are happy with a hanging cheek because of the increased central tongue pressure caused by the mouthpiece tilting when rein pressure is applied, or that the mouthpiece choice isn’t right.

“This type of bit cheek offers more stability than a loose ring and due to the action within the mouth, it generally offers more braking control than an eggbutt.”

Bitting expert, BETA field officer and lorinery consultant Tricia Nassau-Williams says: “Being a snaffle, it will act upon the horse’s lips, tongue and bars, generally encouraging an upwards action.”

What sort of horse does a hanging cheek bit suit?

“Horses can sometimes over-bend in this type of cheek, so I wouldn’t generally use this bit on a horse with a tendency to tuck behind the vertical,” says Gail.

Dressage rider and BHSII Stef Eardley says: “I would use this type of bit for a horse that is unstable in the contact as I find it to be a fairly fixed bit and so a fussy horse may settle well onto it.”

Ema adds: “When you put pressure on the rein, it lifts the bit in the mouth, which is why I find that the hanging cheek is better for sensitive horses who don’t like a lot of tongue pressure.”

Tricia says: “This bit is useful for horses that prefer mouthpieces supported off the tongue, and also for horses with a lower palate and those who benefit from the stability of the mouthpiece and side support from the cheeks.”

Hanging cheek bits

Shires Hanging Cheek Snaffles

Sizes: 4½–6in | RRP: From £20.99 |

The links in bold below will take you to the standard, single-jointed hanging cheek snaffle, but Shires also make…

• hanging cheek with a French link
• hanging cheek with a Waterford mouthpiece
• hanging cheek with a steel lozenge joint
• hanging cheek with a copper lozenge joint
• hanging cheek in sweet iron
• hanging cheek in brass with a brass lozenge
• hanging cheek in blue sweet iron with a brass lozenge
• hanging cheek with a rubber cover and peanut link

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, equus.co.uk, rideawaystore.com or naylors.com

Sprenger KK Ultra Baucher Bit

Sizes: 4½–5¾in | RRP: £200 |

In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk or equus.co.uk

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

What is an English hackamore?

An English hackamore is a combination of metal shanks or cheeks with leather straps, and sometimes a curb chain behind the jaw, that is fitted around the horse’s nose and used by the rider to send cues to the horse’s head to aid with control, in a similar way that a bit is also used. An English hackamore does not include a bit and has nothing in the horse’s mouth.

Types of bitless bridles

For greater clarity, bridles that have no bit can be divided into three general groups:

• Bitless nose bridles: structures around the nose and face that do not provide any form of leverage or include any mechanical system. There are many different designs.

• Bitless bridles: these rely upon a leverage system provided by metal shanks on both sides. The most common designs of these are commonly referred to as English hackamores or German hackamores.

• A true hackamore: this is one that is structured around the use of a Bosal, a robust braided loop around the face, to which the rest of the bridle is attached.

Bitting expert, BETA field officer and lorinery consultant Tricia Nassau-Williams says: “Look with care when you purchase a bitless bridle as you will get what you pay for. For example, the Stübben English hackamore has an anatomically shaped nose pad to ensure a better fit on the bridge of the nose. Additionally the quality of the bridle leather and metal cheek sections finish and design will vary according to price. Poor quality bridles may have leather of inferior quality that can rub or stretch and metal shanks with less rounded edges.

“When used for the appropriate reasons by a skilled and educated rider, bitless bridles can be a very useful form of bridling. However, great care needs to be taken with their selection, fitting and implementation. As they can apply a large amount of force to the soft and sensitive facial structures, they are not necessarily a softer option than a bit. Additionally, be mindful of the restrictions of their use in some competition rule books.”

How does an English hackamore work?

With no bit in the horse’s mouth, this bridle is designed to offer another method of communication.

The English hackamore bridle is distinctive in having two metal shanks. One is placed on each side of the face to which the reins, bridle’s headpiece, nose sections and jaw strap are attached. Generally, the nose section will be sheepskin-lined or have a padded section of soft leather. The jaw straps are normally leather but can include a chain link section, which will place much more acute pressure upon the horse’s jaw.

A hackamore with straighter and longer shanks, such as the German hackamore, will provide a more acute and therefore stronger action. As always, its sympathetic and successful employment will rely upon the riders’ skill, balance and good hands.

Tricia explains: “Attaching to the bridle’s headpiece via the bridle’s cheek pieces with a padded front section across the horse’s nose and back jaw strap, the English hackamore relies on the two metal shanks on each side, the bottom end of which are attached the reins. As the contact is taken up via the reins to amplify the rider’s aids, a leverage action is applied. As the shanks rotate with the rein’s action, this applies pressure to the horse’s nose, jaw and poll. Generally, this will encourage a downwards and flexing action. The horse needs to be responsive to seat and leg aids when ridden in a hackamore. The longer the shanks, the greater the leverage and so the severity. However, the success of their use will rely upon the rider’s skill and empathy.”

Tricia continues with some helpful advice on how to introduce a horse to a bitless bridle.

“Introduce the bitless bridle to your horse gradually. Your horse might find the different aids and pressure points strange or confusing at first. Having fitted it correctly, let him feel its action first from the ground with you implementing it while standing alongside. Take it gradually and work initially in a safe enclosed area, such as an arena, and build up your work with it gradually.”

Which types of horse does an English hackamore suit?

Tricia says that a variety of horses could be suited to being ridden in an English hackamore.

“It could suit a horse that has experienced damage or trauma to his mouth or a tooth and needs to be kept in work but without the use of a bit. It might also suit a horse that has a physical facial deformity that makes the use of a bit impractical. It might also work for a horse being used for endurance riding where the horse is ridden for long periods. They also make watering and sponging down easier at intervals with the bridle on. Finally, a percentage of horses just work much more happily in a bitless bridle than with a bit.”

Finally, Tricia offers some advice for those starting out with an English hackamore.

“Be mindful of your riding environment and the discipline it is being used for as an English hackamore may or may not be suitable.

“While bitless bridles do have a place in bridling, it is misguided to think that because they do not have a bit in the horse’s mouth, they are harmless or have a very mild action. As with any saddlery or lorinery they will only be as successful or as mild as the skill of the rider using them. In ignorant hands, just as much harm can be made to a horse with a bitless bridle as a bit.

“Always seek professional help and advice if you are unsure and remember that you will need a light contact and still rewarding hands when riding in a hackamore.”

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

What is a full cheek snaffle?

The full cheek snaffle has long bars attached to the bit rings, which provide lateral pressure on the horse’s mouth and the side of the head as well as preventing the bit from sliding through the mouth. This can help encourage the horse to turn.

This cheekpiece is ideal for horses that are starting out or for those that are having difficulty learning what rein pressure means, and for those that avoid the contact by opening their mouths as the long bars prevent the bit from moving excessively from side to side.

This is a bit from the snaffle category of bitting as it has a direct line of contact from the bit, through the reins to the rider’s hands. This is because the rein is attached level with the bit’s mouthpiece and not below it. There is no lever, curb, poll pressure or other action beyond a direct line of contact from the rider’s hands through the reins to the bit.  

Bitting expert, BETA field officer and lorinery consultant Tricia Nassau-Williams says: “Being a snaffle, it will employ pressure points upon the horse’s lips, bars and tongue – as the rein contact is taken up, it will encourage an upwards action. The mouthpiece should not act upon the roof of the mouth and care must be taken to see that it is correctly sized and fitted. 

“Generally a horse will react to a snaffle bit by lifting his head and neck. The exact contact across the mouth will vary depending upon the mouthpiece’s design, and the horse’s level of training, as well as his fitness and consequently the position in which he holds himself (his head, neck and forehand etc.). The fixed design of the bits cheeks provides less movement or ‘play’ of the mouthpiece when compared to that of a loose ring. It also has the advantage of being less likely to pinch the lips.”

Tricia highlights that the full cheek snaffle and Fulmer snaffle (pictured directly below) are often confused with each other.

“A Fulmer snaffle is not the same as a full cheek snaffle – the two often get muddled.”

How does a full cheek snaffle work?

The cheeks extend both above and below the mouthpiece and have no action upon the mechanics of the bit. The top cheeks uppermost ends are slightly turned away (outwards) at the tops. This is to help prevent them from pushing into the horse’s face.

“Consequently, it is critical to take time when fitting the bit onto the bridle to make sure that it has been attached onto the bridle the correct way up,” says Tricia.

“The long cheek’s function is to prevent the bit from being pulled through the mouth and to help keep the mouthpiece central. Additionally, the long cheeks provide a generous amount of directional support to the rein aids. Leather Fulmer loops (found here on Viovet) can be fitted to attach the bit to the bridle at the top of the bits upper cheeks to prevent the bit from rotating forwards. However, this is not as imperative on a full cheek snaffle as it would be for a Fulmer snaffle, which is similar in appearance but has loose rings.”

Full cheek snaffles are available in a wide range of mouthpieces to meet the individual requirements of each horse.

“Types of full cheek snaffle mouthpieces include a lozenge, straight bar, single jointed, Waterford, turtle top, barrel and the now less popular French link, to name a few,” says Tricia. “Seek help and advice from a qualified bit and bridle fitter if you are not sure what will best suit your horse’s individual mouth conformation and type.”

Due to the long sides, there is a risk of the bit becoming tangled in the reins or mouth and nostrils. Care should be taken when using this cheekpiece to ensure the horse does not get themselves caught on any objects. Fulmer keepers can be used to ensure the bit remains in a fixed position and away from the lips and nostrils.

Which types of horse does this bit suit best?

Tricia says that this bit can be useful for “novice riders or novice horses, also when lungeing and long reining”.

“The cheeks that extend both above and below the mouthpiece provide guidance and support to the rider’s aids. This can be very helpful for a green horse that is in the early stages of his training,” explains Tricia. “The long cheeks also help to keep the bit’s mouthpiece central and prevents it from sliding through or being pulled across the mouth. This can be useful for a horse or pony when being ridden by a less experienced rider. It is also useful for a novice horse or one in faster work where the lateral contact against the side of the face aids directional guidance.”

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Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

What is a Waterford?

The Waterford bit looks like a line of ball-and-chain link. It usually comes with plain loose snaffle rings although you can also buy Waterfords with full cheeks or gag-type rings.

It is a flexible bit that moulds round the horse’s mouth, creating an even pressure. It is moveable in all directions and horses find it difficult to lean or take hold of it, giving the rider good levels of control.

Martyn Welsh, bitting expert at Equiport, says: “Strong horses seem to accept the Waterford rather than a Pelham or curb-type bit as its action is broken when the horse goes to set its jaw. The bit is very loose in the horse’s mouth so they seem to mouth more with this bit.”

Bitting expert, BETA field officer and lorinery consultant Tricia Nassau-Williams says: “The Waterford mouthpiece is available across a wide range of bit designs and groups. When incorporating it to different groups be they snaffle, pelham, running gag or lever, its action will be to a degree be dictated by each of the side sections on the bit’s design. With its distinctive multi-joint links, it forms a bobbly chain across the mouthpiece and therefore it is very flexible within the mouth. 

“While the basic multi-link features of the Waterford are available from many manufactures, designs will vary slightly. Look for high-end purchases, as these will not simply reflect the price but most importantly the quality of the bit’s design and finish. If you cannot afford new look, go for good quality second-hand instead rather than inferior new options. Your horse will thank you!”

How does a Waterford work?

Tricia explains: “As mentioned, the flexibility of this mouthpiece allows it to sit across the tongue and ‘mould’ over the horse’s mouth, to provide an even pressure of contact. Horses often respond well to the movement in many directions that this provides and some will often accept bits with this mouthpiece better than a fixed ones.

“Because this mouthpiece is flexible and its action is broken across the mouth, horses that normally tend to lean on or set their jaw to block the rider’s aids go better in it.”

Which types of horse does this mouthpiece suit best?

“The Waterford mouthpiece is useful for horses that the rider may feel need to be lighter forehand,” says Tricia. “It can also be helpful when used for strong, bold horses when in fast work, who tend to snatch or take hold of the bit and pull, thus providing the rider with better levels of control, making it a popular choice for riders when riding cross-country or showjumping. 

“However, success over failure will be totally reliant upon the skill and empathy of the rider, who will require an independent seat and rewarding hands. When employed by a skilled rider it can also be helpful for some training purposes to promote self-carriage and response. 

“As the Waterford flexes so much, it generally suits all types of mouth conformation, from full mouths to long, slim ones.”

Tricia adds that “today bits are chosen by first selecting the most appropriate mouthpiece for your horse’s individual mouth type and conformation, also the discipline he is doing and the level of both his training and that of his riders”.

“A Waterford mouthpiece can be found across a wide range of bits from snaffles, pelhams, running gags and lever bits. Each of these groups will have varying actions and a wide range of end (cheek) section designs. Seek help and guidance from a professional bit and bridle fitter if you are unsure and require further help,” she advises.

Tricia continues by saying: “In more recent years, a lot of care and research has been put into bit design. The Trust Equestrian bits have smoothed out the length of the mouthpiece for a more even contact. Neue Schule has produced a short, smooth section at the end of the mouthpiece on both sides, referred to as a LipSmart shelf (find one here at GS Equestrian). This design function is to hep eliminate rubbing in the area of the bit on both the horse’s lips and the flesh just inside them. When measuring for either of these bits, a size larger does not have to be selected because the designs help to prevent the pinching/rubbing problem.”

Bombers Bits have also tweaked their design recently, elongating the ends of the mouthpiece in order to reduce the risk of the bit pinching the horse’s lips.

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Amateur rider Jono Fryer’s Irish Draught gelding Fuerty Emperor confirmed his status as the “ultimate gentleman” when he won two championships at the Midlands Irish Draught and Open Hunter show (16 July) in just a bradoon, after his Weymouth bit broke during the class.

Fuerty Emperor, who is known at home as Gabriel, was coming towards the end of his performance under the ride judge, when the bit snapped in two.

Jono had brought Gabriel, a Horse of the Year Show winner last year as a heavyweight hunter, to the show in the hope of qualifying him for the Irish Draught breed show due to take place in September.

“The judge had ridden most of her show and she was just about to ask Gabriel for an extension down the long side of the arena,” Jono said. “She came off the corner, and we could all see that the bit was dangling underneath his chin. I instantly thought that the leatherwork must have snapped, but when the judge brought Gabriel back down to a walk, I could see that the mouthpiece of the bit had broken from the shank. It had literally sheared off — the edge was razor-sharp.”

Knowing Gabriel’s capabilities, Jono asked the judges and stewards if he could be allowed to carry on with the class.

“They were happy for me to continue, so my groom and I dismantled the double bridle while standing in the line-up and we carried on,” he added. “We went on to win the class as well as both hunter and Irish Draught championships with Gabriel being shown in his bradoon bit. He’s such a saint, bless his heart. To be honest, I think it’s a nicer picture with less tack on!

“The bit company has also been brilliant. They were very concerned about what had happened and they asked for the bit to be sent back, also sending out a replacement straight away.

“All I kept thinking was thank goodness I was riding him in a double bridle and not in a pelham, though you could actually show Gabriel bitless as he’s such a dream to ride.”

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

What is a Cheltenham gag?

The Cheltenham gag typically has eggbutt bit rings, which help reduce any risk of the horse’s lips being pinched, with two holes in each ring; one at the top and one directly underneath. This bit is used with gag cheekpieces, which thread through the holes, and attach to the bridle’s headpiece. They are normally made out of rolled leather or cord – the leather cheeks look smarter, but they don’t slide through the cheeks as quickly as the cord ones do, which means the cord gag cheeks have a faster and clearer aid.

The mouthpiece of this bit can be made from a variety of materials including a range of metals, rubber and more, while the design of the mouthpiece can vary to cater for a wide range of mouth shapes and types of horse.

Bitting expert, BETA field officer and lorinery consultant Tricia Nassau-Williams explains: “With so many lever bits on the market that are also described as gags, it is best for the sake of clarity, to refer to Cheltenham gag bits as running gags. This describes their action as the bit runs upwards on the bridle’s specially adapted rounded leather or nylon cord cheek pieces. These cheek pieces pass through the bit’s specially adapted sides, with their lower section concluding in rings to which a set of reins are attached. The cheek’s top end buckles onto the bridle’s headpiece.”

This bit is recommended for use with two reins, with one set attached to the end of the cheek straps and one directly to the bit rings. The Cheltenham gag is most commonly seen in eventing and showjumping, when increased control is required, and should be used by experienced riders only.

How does a Cheltenham gag work?

The Cheltenham gag typically has eggbutt rings, which help prevent the bit from moving around too much in the mouth and can encourage the horse to stretch forward into the contact. It should be used with two reins. The first rein should be attached to the bit ring and then the second should be attached to the rings on the gag cheeks.

The rein on the bit ring will act as a normal eggbutt snaffle would. The second rein on the gag cheek has a running effect, which raises the bit in the horse’s mouth and encourages the horse to lift up off the forehand if they become heavy in the hand. The rider should primarily use the snaffle rein for communication, with the gag rein only being used momentarily when needed to steady or rebalance the horse.

Tricia says: “The effect of the action of a Cheltenham gag is to raise the bit in the mouth and so the horse’s head and neck. Pressure through the bridle will be applied over the head and poll, in addition to the strong upwards action on the tongue, bars and corners of the mouth.  With this additional pressure to the poll area of the head, a wide padded headpiece is beneficial for greater comfort.

“It is also important to note the leather bridle cheeks, as they are attached onto the headpiece, must be of an adequate width for the pressure being placed upon them. Three-quarters of an inch wide is best, and they must be no narrower than 5/8”. That said, you do see bridles with ½” wide bridle cheeks, but that is a lot of pressure to place on such a small strap of leather. This is a safety issue to prevent breakages. For fear of this happening, some riders fit a running gag with an additional bradoon sliphead for extra security. Care will also need to be taken not to put uneven pressure across the horse’s bridle path area.”

Which type of horse would this bit suit?

This bit is used mostly on horses that lean on the bit and become strong during faster work. This bit would be useful if your horse tends to gallops on the forehand or is heavy on the front end. It can be used to help retrain the horse to carry itself, rather than relying on the rider to support its balance.

Tricia says that Cheltenham gag bits are useful for “bold horses, when in fast work, who tend to lean or go with their head down below the line of control from the rider’s hand to the bit. With its strong lifting action, a running gag can be effective. It is not recommended for use in everyday riding, but it can be a useful bit when additional control is needed in the hands of skilled, educated riders.

“Bitting horses is very much about selecting the most appropriate mouthpiece for your individual horse’s conformation and then selecting the category (family) of bitting. So a horse may have the same mouthpiece design with a snaffle/bradoon or running gag or pelham or lever bit.

“The correct mouthpiece selection is critical to happy bitting but it does not define the category (family) of bitting that the bit belongs to. This is defined by the function and mechanics of the bit’s side sections.”

Where to buy this bit for your horse?

Shires Cheltenham Gag

Sizes: 4½–6in | RRP: £23.99 |

This bit is designed to be used with gag cheeks, which you’ll need to buy separately – and two sets of reins are recommended to help stop the horse leaning on the bit or for when more control is needed.

Mouthpiece thickness: 14mm, cheek height: 75mm. Being stainless steel, it’s durable, easy to clean, tasteless and does not rust.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk, equus.co.uk or naylors.com

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The Waterford bit: how does it work and what type of horse does it suit?

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

At Bolesworth International in Cheshire last week (14-18 June) spectators were intrigued by the unusual orange bit worn by Emma Stoker’s ride Daisy, who was runner-up in both Thursday’s grand prix qualifier and Saturday’s 1.45m winning round in the CSI3* section.

The soft-touch bit is made of nylon rope surrounded by thick layer of soft, semi-porous foam that moulds around the nylon core and was originally designed for horses with sensitive mouths. It is also said to prevent pinching, making it useful for horses that have suffered a mouth injury.

The loose rings attach directly to the nylon strap.

“It’s basically a giant sponge and Daisy loves it. She’s been in it for a long time now,” says Emma of the 12-year-old mare by Connor.

“I had to experiment with her as I couldn’t get the feeling I wanted. She’s very polite and has a very light mouth.

“I’d tried it previously on another horse and it was sitting in my bit bucket and she was instantly really good in it.

“I’ve never had a horse it suited before, but it works for her.”

Emma Stoker enjoyed a successful show at Bolesworth, also heading the opening CSI3* class, the two-phase 1.35m, with 10-year-old Q Seven, who like Daisy is owned by Robert Lemieux. Both horses were ridden by his daughter Chloe until eight months ago, when she backed off competing them to switch focus to her exams.

“Q Seven is an out-and-out little winner and such a fun horse,” Emma says. “I had him from when he was four and then Chloe bought him, but I was more than happy to have him back!”

You can read the full report from Bolesworth International in this week’s Horse & Hound magazine, in the shops Thursday 22 June.

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The world, European and Olympic medallist, who won team gold at London 2012, shares her thoughts on snaffles at grand prix and the impact of social licence on rule changes

The summer competition season is now in full swing, and last week I had the privilege of competing with three lovely horses at the wonderful CDI show at Wellington Riding in Hampshire. The team there do such a marvellous job of creating a friendly yet professional atmosphere at their showground.

Having had a very muddy Royal Windsor and Hickstead CDIs in the weeks before, at Wellington we found ourselves at the other end of the extreme, with the heat making for a rather sticky mess of suncream, sweat and dust.

I was riding Full Moon, our home-bred seven-year-old, on the first day of the show, when his shoe went flying past me and ended our warm-up before we’d even got going. I can honestly say this is something that has never happened to me at a competition.

Luckily, the local farrier came and stuck it back on, and the following day “Moony” went into the seven-year-old World Breeding Championships selection class. Though a little hot, he strutted his stuff into first place, which was a great start to the show for me. Things got even better for our team when Sarah Rogers took second on another of our home-breds, Forest Hill. The third of our home-bred seven-year-olds, First Light, was ridden to fourth place in the junior CDI class by Sophie Wallace, so my mother, the breeder of our operation, was brimming with pride.

“Riding publicly is a risky business”

I was very interested to see four riders in the national grand prix class opting to compete in the snaffle bridle at Wellington, including Katrina Cantrell and Woodlander Donna Summer who finished fifth. It followed Patrik Kittel (Forever Young HRH) being recently crowned Swedish national champion, riding in a snaffle, which is allowed at national grand prix level in Sweden as it is in Britain.

I know the topic has been discussed a fair bit already, but I believe that this rule will be the focus of much more debate until it is eventually changed and snaffles are allowed at international grand prix level. This is not because I believe the snaffle automatically equals better welfare than the double bridle, but is because of the perception of it as such.

Having read Richard Davison’s thoughts on the subject of social licence, I think that any decisions seen to promote the welfare of the horse must be considered positive.

Also, with the variety of horse types, shapes and sizes we see in dressage nowadays, the more options we have when it comes to bits, bridles and the fitting of these, the more we can improve the comfort of our horses.

It is especially difficult to navigate all the complexities of competing as we are no longer only judged by the elected judges in the boxes around the arena, but by thousands of other people, who can take one snapshot photo or a 20-second video and immediately form a judgement on how a person rides. Often this comes with extremely harsh and unjustified comments.

Riding publicly has become risky business; a top rider in the limelight need only have one bad ride, or a horse who is having a difficult day, and the consequences can be quite damning. These “keyboard warriors” will judge immediately that a rider competing in a snaffle is softer than one using a double and so, sadly, I believe that one day the double bridle could become a thing of history.

● Do you agree that allowing snaffles in international grand prix will help with the sport’s social licence? Let us know at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance to have your views published in a future edition of Horse & Hound magazine

• This exclusive column will also be available to read in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 22 June, 2023

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Charlotte Dujardin was among the riders who fell victim to the tack check at Somerford Premier League this weekend (26-28 May).

H&H reported in April that a number of combinations had been eliminated at the NAF Five Star Winter Dressage Championships and Petplan Equine Area Festival finals for having their horses’ bits on incorrectly.

There were similar issues at Somerford; Charlotte was eliminated on Times Kismet on the first day, and Anne-Marie Cowan the next.

“We started with a slight error on the first day, when the bit on Kismet’s bridle was unfortunately on the wrong way, with the arrow on the wrong side which caused a elimination for us,” Charlotte said. “Disappointing, but we are all human first and foremost, so together as a team, we looked forward to the following day.”

Charlotte added that “it was worth the wait” as Kismet excelled to win the second prix st georges class, and her first inter I. Charlotte’s other ride Alive And Kicking won the inter II.

“So happy with these special mares and thank you to the whole team at Somerford for putting on another super Premier League,” she said.

Anne-Marie Cowan won the grand prix special on Woodcroft Royal Charter on the final day, 24 hours after she had fallen foul of the tack check and back-to-front bits.

“I even saw Charlotte being tack-checked on the first day so went and checked, double checked and triple checked mine and still got it wrong,” she said. “It’s entirely my fault but at least I’ve joined the elite club with Charlotte!”

Anne-Marie said she was delighted with the horse’s first test at that level.

“I’ve trained him from a four-year-old and his marks are going up all time, we made a few mistakes but got a nine for his walk,” she said. “That test really suits his strengths.”

You might also be interested in:

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Riders are reminded to check – and double-check – their tack after a raft of competitors were eliminated for having their horses’ bits on incorrectly at the Winter Dressage Championships.

By Saturday (22 April) evening, seven competitors at Hartpury for the NAF Five Star Winter Dressage Championships and Petplan Equine Area Festival finals had been eliminated.

The bit in question, the Sprenger Ultra Loose Ring, is dressage-legal. But for those unlucky seven, they competed with the bit attached to the bridle in the wrong way.

The manufacturer’s guidelines state that Sprenger bits that are marked with an arrow at the side of the mouthpiece have to be positioned correctly in the horse’s mouth, and this arrow has to point forwards on the left-hand side.

“It is always disappointing for everyone concerned when a combination is eliminated, whatever the reason,” British Dressage (BD) sport operations manager Lou Jones told H&H.

“It is, however, vitally important that the competition is fair and equal for all combinations – and to achieve this all riders need to comply with the tack and equipment regulations, in accordance with British Dressage rules.”

Ms Jones added: “When a steward finds equipment that either does not comply with the legally permitted tack, or is not correctly fitted, they will refer this to the judge at C, who carefully considers the evidence and determines the appropriate action to take.

“In this particular scenario, relating to the Sprenger Ultra Loose Ring, our stewards and judges have made the correct decision to follow the guidance supplied by the manufacturer.

“While this bit is approved under BD rules, in the case of these eliminations it has not been fitted correctly and used in the conventional manner.

“Our officials have a duty to uphold the rules and ensure that there is a level playing field for all competitors.

“Whether or not this provides a source of competitive advantage is only one factor, as horse welfare and the correct use of tack and equipment will always be at the very top of their considerations.”

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Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

There were a dramatic few minutes in the Palexpo Arena at the CHI Geneva horse show in Saturday night’s speed class, after an incident involving Irish rider Conor Swail and the brilliant gelding Vital Chance De La Roque.

The pair had completed a scorching round in the five-star class and had soared over the final oxer when the 13-year-old gelding decided to throw in a mighty buck to celebrate, as he always does at the finish.

There was then a collective gasp from the packed stands as every rider’s worst nightmare unfolded and the bridle came clean off the gelding’s head. As Conor explained to H&H: “I was forward in the saddle, riding through the finish, so this time when he bucked, he threw me up his neck.

“I was pushing myself back to try and get back in the saddle but that was when his head suddenly came up and I just pushed the bridle right off,” said the US-based Irishman, currently ranked number five in the world.

“Then, with the bridle off, he just started to run, and I almost came off the side, but thankfully the corner was right there in front of us and him coming round to the left helped me get back up.”

Vital De La Roque, who is usually competed barefoot, then cantered off around the arena with Conor perfectly poised in the saddle, but with the bridle hanging from one hand and no means of control.

Remarking on how he managed to keep his cool in what could have been a terrifying incident, the Irishman said, “He’s normally quiet, so I wasn’t that bothered that he would get too crazy, but we kept running for a lot longer than I expected – I thought he’d stop before he did.”

Vital De La Roque eventually came to a halt and stood very calmly as the bitless bridle was put back in place, much to the relief of everyone involved.

Despite the dramatic aftermath, the pair’s round was good enough for a fourth-place finish.

“He jumped incredible,” said Conor, whose team-mate Shane Sweetnam claimed victory with Alejandro.

Earlier in the week at CHI Geneva, Conor Swail had teamed up with another of his great partners, Count Me In, to win Friday’s speed class, which acts as a qualifier for Sunday’s Rolex grand prix.

“He jumped good the first day but just had one down, then obviously the grand prix qualification is very important,” said Conor. “In order to do that I felt I needed to be in the top 15 in the speed class, so you needed to do one of two things – you go slow and clear, but if you have one down you’re out, or you go quick and if you have one down you’ll also probably be in the top 15 or 20 and my horse is very fast anyway and careful, so we played that card and thankfully it worked very well.”

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Knowing how to choose the right bit for your horse can be a minefield with a myriad of options out there. Would a mullen mouth or lozenge be better? Should you go for an eggbutt or loose ring? And is stainless steel or copper alloy the right choice? If you’re unsure where to start, bitting clinician Hilary Vernon offers some excellent advice to set you off on the right lines.

1. Invest in your horse’s mouth

Horse owners share a common goal: we all want our horses to be comfortable. That’s why we spend so much of our hard earned cash on tack and accessories. It has been drilled into us from an early age that we should buy the best headcollars, bridles, saddles, girths and boots that we can afford — because good quality materials are kinder on the horse, safer for the rider and will last longer.

The same can be said of the bit. Your horse’s mouth is just as important as his face, back or legs. Don’t buy bits too cheaply, because they are cheap for a reason. A good quality snaffle will cost between £55 and £75 – and it will last a lifetime if you look after it.

2. Understand what you need and why

Think about the mouthpiece first, before the cheekpieces. What behaviour is your horse displaying? And what would help to counteract that behaviour?

I helped a client once who owned an ex racer. He was ridden in a single jointed hollow mouth snaffle, which was causing tension. The horse threw his head up in the air, squeezed his tongue over the bit and ran off on a regular basis. So we changed him to a ported mouth loose ring snaffle that allowed more tongue room. Once the horse realised that he didn’t have to fight the bit, he became less resistant.

If you can identify what is making your horse uncomfortable in his mouth, then you can give him what he needs. If you aren’t sure, then ask your instructor or a bitting expert for their opinion.

3. How to choose the right bit – keep it simple

It is easy to get bamboozled by advertising when it comes to the type of material that your bit is made from. But just remember two things: a horses mouth provides a warm environment for any bit and any good quality metal is going to warm up quickly.

Good quality stainless steel may not be a trendy metal — but it works just as well as any metal at promoting salivation and acceptance. Riders have commented that their horses’ mouths are wetter when they are more relaxed in a well-shaped bit.

4. Think relaxation

A grinning horse is an uncomfortable horse. So when it comes to gauging the height of your horses bit, two wrinkles are too much.

You want your horses face and neck to be in as natural a frame as possible, and his mouth to look relaxed. All that is needed is a little upward turn at each corner of his mouth — no dramatic wrinkles are required.

5. Expect less from the bit and more from yourself

Lastly, the key point to remember is that changing our horses’ equipment is not going to change his ability overnight — no matter how much we want it to!

If your horse is at prelim level now in a single jointed eggbutt snaffle, then he is still going to be at prelim level if you change to a bit to one that suits him better tomorrow. So take the pressure off and be kind to your horse and yourself. Listen to what your horse tells you and do your best to find a bit that works for him — and you. If you focus more on comfort than the end result, then you won’t go far wrong.

Bits can only provide a platform from where clear aids are given, they cannot teach our horse the aids — that is down to you and is something that will happen naturally as you refine your riding, so keep that in mind when you are wondering how to choose the right bit.

• To find out more about Hilary Vernon, visit www.informeddesigns.co.uk

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A number of bits have been recalled as a “precautionary measure” after they were found not to meet safety regulations.

On 24 June the Government’s Office for Product Safety and Standards issued a product recall for single- and double-jointed Nathe bits with “built-in plastic connectors and a pink N sticker on the bit end”. The items affected include eggbutt snaffles, D-rings, full cheeks, and three-ring bits.

“The plastic connectors of the bit become brittle and can break. A rider could lose control of the horse, fall and suffer injuries,” the OPSS alert stated.

“The product does not meet the requirements of the General Product Safety Regulations 2005.”

A spokesman for Nathe asked customers to stop using the bits affected.

“It cannot be ruled out that the installed plastic connectors will become brittle in individual cases. This can cause the bit to break, which is associated with a corresponding loss of influence,” read the statement.

“The recall is a precautionary measure to protect riders and horses. As a precaution, consumers who have bought one of the items listed should no longer use the bit and return it to the respective point of purchase.”

The spokesman added the company “very much regrets” the situation and apologises to all of its “valued” customers for the inconvenience, and thanks them for their understanding.

British Equestrian Trade Association chief executive Claire Williams told H&H it is important that individuals only return the bits affected by the recall, being those stamped with a pink N.

“If there’s no stamp, they are not covered by the recall,” she said.

“If a consumer has one of the affected bits, it’s important they take it back to where they bought it from. On returning the bit to the retailer, consumers will get a full refund, and then the retailer will go to the distributor and be refunded themselves.”

For further information owners can contact Nathe on info@nather-pferdegebisse.de.

The barcodes of the bits affected are:

4022853239129, 4022853239136, 4022853239143, 4022853239150, 4022853239167, 4022853243461, 4022853239181, 4022853239198, 4022853239204, 4022853239211, 4022853239228, 4022853239112, 4022853239235, 4022853239242, 4022853239259, 4022853239266, 4022853239273, 4022853239280, 4022853239297, 4022853239303, 4022853239310, 4022853239327, 4022853239334, 4022853239341, 4022853239426, 4022853239433, 4022853239440, 4022853239457, 4022853239464, 4022853239419, 4022853239549, 4022853239556, 4022853239563, 4022853239570, 4022853239587, 4022853239532, 4022853239600, 4022853239617, 4022853239624, 4022853239631, 4022853239648, 4022853239594 4022853239778, 4022853239785, 4022853239792, 4022853239808, 4022853239815, 4022853239822, 4022853240217, 4022853240224, 4022853240231, 4022853240248, 4022853240255, 4022853240262, 4022853240378, 4022853243348, 4022853240392, 4022853240408, 4022853240439, 4022853243324, 4022853240453, 4022853240460, 4022853243317, 4022853240422, 4022853243331, 4022853240361, 4022853243416, 4022853239174, 4022853243423, 4022853243430, 4022853243454, 4022853243409.

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Many owners are using bits that do not fit, new research suggests, as the importance of giving more consideration to a horse’s breed, age and sex in mouthpiece choice is highlighted.

In the study, researchers from the University of Helsinki looked at the variation in oral dimensions between 554 horses and ponies – including types such as warmbloods, Connemaras and cobs, aged between five and 29.

Of the 554, 465 wore a bit and researchers compared the oral dimensions of these horses and ponies to the bits they wore. Of the bits used, a double-jointed snaffle was the most common mouthpiece and a loose-ring was the most common cheek type. But of the group, 25.8% of the horses and ponies were wearing a bit that did not fit, by being either too short or too long for the mouth. Oral dimensions were significantly smaller in mares than geldings, and they were found to have less tongue space.

The researchers concluded it was common for horses to wear bits that did not fit in relation to their oral dimensions.

“Breed and age appeared to affect the owners’ selection of bit length. However, owners may be unaware of the relationship between oral dimensions and sex when selecting bit size,” they said.

“Measuring oral dimensions as part of routine dental examination aids in choosing a bit mouthpiece size that fits in order to avoid discomfort. It is recommended to check bit fit regularly as the horse ages.”

British Equine Veterinary Association council member Neil Townsend told H&H correctly fitting tack is “paramount” to the welfare of the ridden horse.

“There are considerable differences in mouth width and space between breeds so owners should take advice on bit sizing, and swapping bits between horses of different breeds may not be appropriate,” he said.

“At first glance, the results of this study can be dramatic, but 70–75% of horses had a bit that fit correctly based on bit length and thickness. The measurements in this case were carried out by experienced researchers under sedation to an accuracy of 1mm, which may not be transferable at present to a clinical setting such as a routine dental exam.”

Gill Batt, bit-fitting specialist and founder of Horse Bit Advice, told H&H that of the horses she sees, around 50% might have an incorrect fitting bit – but she said owners are willing to learn.

“We’re very good at getting the saddle checked and all those sorts of things, but we’ve been a little bit behind about bits. But on the whole, who doesn’t want to do the best by their horse? And that’s whether we’re talking about Olympic standard or someone who has a horse they just want to go hacking with,” she said, adding that it is just as important to consider bit fit with an older horse as it is a younger horse, and she recommends horses are seen around every six months by a bit fitter.

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Whether you are buying your horse a bit for the first time, or trying a new bit on your horse, it’s vital to know both how to measure your horse’s mouth and the bit itself. A horse will be uncomfortable whether a bit is too tight or too big, which can destroy the trust between horse and rider. If the bit is too narrow, it will squeeze the horse’s lips and cheeks, causing discomfort and trauma. However, if it is too wide it can move adversely from side to side, which can cause bruising and trauma inside the mouth as it is not sitting as it was designed to be.

Lorinery expert and BETA field officer Tricia Nassau-Williams says that “fitting bits too big is perhaps the most common fault I see”.

“People think if the bit is too big it will be kinder as there is more room, but nothing could be further from the truth,” she explains. “The bit has to be a true fit for the individual horse. It can be frustrating when I recommend a bit and the rider borrows one that is much too big. It’s not just about finding the right design, but also the right size.

“To know if the bit is fitting correctly, it first needs to be at the correct height as this will affect the width in the V-shaped jaw. It should be neatly fitting into the corners of the mouth, parallel to the second two grooves on the roof of the inside of his mouth. Then stand in front and with a bit of rein contact, look to see how much clearance there is. As a very general guide, you want to have an index finger’s clearance.”

For loose rings, the horse’s lips should clear the bit ring holes by 1/8 inch on each side, to prevent pinching. If you can see half an inch or more, the bit is too big for this horse.

Some manufacturers, such as Neue Schule, provide a service whereby you can send them a picture of the bit in the mouth and they’ll advise on size.

How to measure a horse’s mouth

There are various bit-sizer tools on the market to help you determine the correct size bit. This is an inexpensive plastic measuring device that slides into the horse’s mouth and shows you what size should fit – always go up a size if it falls between two. Some bit gauges also have a nylon strap so you can slip it over the horse’s head giving a more accurate measurement according to bit height. Check out if you have one of these on your yard, as they are quite hard to come by in online tack shops. Various manufacturers supply their own bit gauges to relate to their own bits.

If you don’t have a bit sizer to hand and your horse will allow it, you can use a piece of string and a marker, marking the sides of the mouth and measuring the distance between each mark. Bits in the UK are usually measured in inches.

However, Tricia cautions that as bit designs and thicknesses vary, that affects how they fit inside the horse’s mouth, so the measurement may not tally precisely with the right bit size.

“It’s no good saying, ‘my horse is a 5.5in’, because some bits have more curve and fit differently, so you need to be open-minded to acknowledge what is in front of you,” she says.

Measuring the mouthpiece

So you know what size bit your horse should take, now to check the bit’s size. If you buy it new from a shop, this should be straightforward as it will be labelled. However, many of us have a box of bits in our tack room ready for whichever horse needs something different. It’s bad practice hygiene-wise to share bits around the yard, so make sure you have sterilised it first. You can put them in the dishwasher or soak in a home-made solution of water, vinegar, and baking soda, scrub and rinse.

To measure your bit, first find a ruler (better than a floppy tape measure) and lay the bit flat on a hard surface on top of the ruler. The length of the bit is the distance from the inside of one bit ring to the other. For a loose-ring bit, measure from the inside of the hole for the ring. UK bits are measured in inches, and will be in the region of the 5in mark. You cannot go by the old adage for 4.5in for a pony, 5in for a horse, 5.5in for a draft horse – mouth sizes and shapes vary far too much for that.

You will also want to know the thickness of the mouthpiece, as this can vary from around 12mm to as much as 23mm.

“The easiest way to measure the thickness is with a digital caliper gauge,” suggests Tricia. “If not, put the bit on a ruler on a hard surface and measure in millimetres from above to get the diameter. If the bit is tapered, measure the widest bit next to the cheek. Twelve to 14mm is very fine, 16mm is the most common, while 20mm is very generous – more common on a mullen mouth or a rubber mouthpiece.”

You may also need to measure the ring size. This is taken across the diameter from the inside of the ring to inside. A normal loose-ring snaffle would be between 60–70mm; a bradoon around 50–55mm, while 45mm is very small.

Curb chains are simply measured from one end to the other, and tend to come in sizes small, medium and large.

Finding the right size is not as simple as picking a bit off a peg. As well as being diligent about checking the size, you also need to be adept at switching from imperial to metric to general sizing. But for your horse’s sake, it’s worth taking a bit of time to get right.

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In our 94th weekly episode of The Horse & Hound Podcast, H&H’s Pippa Roome talks to ltalian event rider Vittoria Panizzon. She talks about her experiences of riding at three different Olympics, including the challenges of getting to Tokyo last year. Pippa then catches up with the H&H news team to discuss the treatment of grooms in our industry, how the menopause affects riders and also a look into jockey weights. Finally, we’ll be hearing from bits and bitting expert Tricia Nassau-WIlliams, who talks about changes in this area over the years. We hope you’ll enjoy listening.

Episode 94 of The Horse & Hound Podcast, our popular audio service available every Thursday morning for our H&H digital subscribers, is now live.

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• View all episodes of The Horse & Hound Podcast

In our 94th weekly episode of The Horse & Hound Podcast, H&H’s Pippa Roome talks to ltalian event rider Vittoria Panizzon. She talks about her experiences of riding at three different Olympics, including the challenges of getting to Tokyo last year.

Pippa then catches up with the H&H news team to discuss the treatment of grooms in our industry, how the menopause affects riders and also a look into jockey weights.

Finally, we’ll be hearing from bits and bitting expert Tricia Nassau-WIlliams, who talks about changes in this area over the years.

• We would love to hear your feedback on all our podcasts, so please do send your thoughts to pippa.roome@futurenet.com

Horse & Hound Podcast: episode 94

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The ‘bit wall’ at Kochers in the vendors village at the Winter Equestrian Festival draws riders in. “Bits are the shoe fashion of the horse industry,” said Gail Kocher, who started selling bits more than 30 years ago. “Everyone who comes in goes to the ‘bit wall’ – even if they don’t want to buy anything, they just want to look at it.”

Bits come in and out of style and last week, there was interest in a Springsteen bit that had been spotted in the mouth of a grand prix rider’s horse.

“And then there are fads like this,” said Leigh York, Kocher’s manager pointing out the Springsteen bit that is also known as a ‘run-through’ or ‘spoon’ bit and as a fairly severe correctional bit, may be safer in the hands of professionals.

“It’s really a racehorse bit,” Leigh explained. “But one grand prix rider rode in it and a couple of riders saw that, then came in and bought it. If they see a grand prix rider with a bit, the other riders want to try it. Then you have people who don’t know what they’re doing and they’ll put it on every horse because they saw one person ride in it.”

The industry has changed since Gail started out. “Most people only knew one particular style of bit and it has changed a lot. It has just grown,” she says, sweeping her hand over the 300 or so bits that hang behind her.

Gail finds a large demand for custom bits – the Manolo Blahniks of the bit world, priced at $300 and up. They are handmade by her supplier. “He’s hidden away in another state,” she said. “And that’s where we’re going to keep him!”

Some riders will ask advice and Leigh tries to help. “Americans are very big on blaming the bit,” she said. “Unfortunately I find that a lot. The hands make it. A bit can do one thing for a horse and you put it in the next person’s hands and it does the exact opposite.”

If a rider finds their horse is strong in the mouth, paradoxically Leigh will recommend a milder solution. “I always tell people if their horse is getting strong, try and go softer. Because sometimes they’ll get lighter. You can’t tell riders what to do, but you can make them think about it.”

For many, buying bits is in fact a lot like buying shoes – you can never have too many pairs. “I’ll bet most riders use about five bits and they have a trunk of 40,” said Leigh.

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Every horse is an individual, each with different mouth conformation, which is why there are many types of bit to suit all requirements and preferences.

How the horse’s mouth is conformed will influence whether he prefers a thin or thick bit, a certain type of action and mouthpiece. The thickness of his tongue, the way his jaw is set, and even his natural head carriage will all play a part. A strong horse does not necessarily need a stronger bit – a different type of bit, possibly combined with more training, may sort out any control issues.

The rider’s expertise also comes in to play, as well as the horse’s discipline. Fortunately there are hundreds of bits, with different thicknesses and permutations. It can be a minefield trying to work out which one would suit your horse best. Often it is a case of trial and error, as well as taking the advice of your trainer and an independent bitting expert, to find the perfect match.

Three main types of bit

Snaffles

This is the most common bit, but there is a wide range of options.

How it works: by placing pressure on the tongue, corners of the mouth and bars (spaces between the front and back teeth). There is very little poll or leverage action, although some of the different rings connecting to the cheekpieces can create a small amount.

Who is it for: snaffles tend to be fairly mild while still providing adequate communication between horse and rider. They are a common bit choice for young horses.

Snaffles are usually single jointed, a lozenge (double jointed) or French link. The eggbutt snaffle (pictured above) is particularly common, and known as a good all-round bit. Loose-ring snaffles are also common, but have a slightly different action to the eggbutt. Slightly less common is the straight-bar snaffle, which works on the tongue and bars. It is made more comfortable in the mullen-mouth (curved) or polymer versions that contour around the curves of the mouth. Some horses prefer the straight bar to the nutcracker action of a jointed snaffle.

There are a range of cheekpieces, such as D-rings, full-cheeks, loose-rings, “Wilkies” (loop ring) and hanging cheeks. Each one has a slightly different effect and control, which you will need to consider when selecting the right one for your horse.

Gags

Often the mouthpiece is the same as for the snaffle, but it is a much more severe bit, as the cheekpieces, rings or shanks apply pressure to more areas of the horse’s head.

How it works: it applies pressure to the lips and poll, encouraging the horse to lift his head and stop him from leaning on the bit, while the poll pressure discourages him from lifting his head too high.

There are three main types of gag, all used with a snaffle-type mouthpiece. They are designed to be used with two reins, one connected to the snaffle part, and the other to the ring below the bit to increase poll pressure:

• Dutch gag (pictured above): consists of three or four rings – the top one where the cheekpieces attach and three lower ones for various settings, with the lowest being the strongest.
• Running or Cheltenham gag: strips of leather or cord replace the cheekpieces and slide through the holes in the bit rings. The top part attaches to the headpiece of the bridle, while the bottom part fastens on to the bottom gag rein. Another set of reins attaches to the snaffle rings. People do use just a single gag rein, but this is a very strong set-up and gives no option of using the plain snaffle contact.
• American gag: this has shanks, which can be of varying lengths. The longer the shank, the greater the poll pressure. They can be used with two reins – it is easier for steering to have the snaffle rein as well. Some riders feel this is less severe than the other gags because the elevator action is more limited.

Who is it for: typically for horses that lean on the bit, are on the forehand or are strong pullers to give the rider more control. It has the potential to be very severe so should not be used by novice riders.

Curbs

These provide greater control compared to the snaffles.

How it works: by putting pressure on four areas, the tongue, corners of the mouth, bars and the chin groove. Some designs also give a small amount of poll action. Sometimes they have a port, which can apply pressure on the roof of the mouth if it is very large. Smaller ports offer added room for the tongue.

They are split into three categories:

• Pelham: a single mouthpiece – usually straight but can be jointed, which is more severe. It has shanks, which can be used with two reins. The bottom (curb) rein applies pressure on the poll and the curb groove as the shank moves backwards. Roundings can be used to connect the two rings, so that it can be used with one rein.
• Weymouth: works the same as the Pelham on the curb rein. This is the second bit in a double bridle (pictured above) and is combined with a bradoon (a neat snaffle designed specifically for use in a double bridle).
• Kimblewick: similar to the Pelham, but with a hanging D-ring. It has similar action to the Pelham, but due to the lack of shank and the fact that it is used with one rein, it is considered a milder option.

Who is it for: the double bridle is used in higher level dressage and showing, while Pelhams, with roundings, and Kimblewicks are popular options for children on strong ponies.

Hackamores

The most common bitless bridle, hackamores are essentially a noseband with a shank, which acts on pressure points on the nose, chin and poll – there is nothing in the horse’s mouth. Although there is no bit, it can be very severe in the wrong hands because of the amount of pressure it can exert. There are various varieties, such as German, English, flower and bosal.

How it works: the reins are attached to the shanks, which connect to the noseband and chinstrap. This puts pressure via the curb or chinstrap under the chin, the poll and the front of the nose.

Who is it for: a horse that has suffered a mouth injury or won’t accept a conventional bit. It is also often used by endurance riders as the horse can eat and drink more easily without a bit.

Whatever type of bit you use, it must be the appropriate size for your horse, correctly fitted and any sign of discomfort should be acted upon immediately.

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When starting a young horse there are so many mouthpieces to choose from that it can be a minefield if you don’t already have a tried and tested favourite, so we’ve rounded up a selection of the best bits for young horses. There are designs that appear simple and traditional, while others may appear quite complicated on first look.

It’s important to give your horse a good start when it comes to bitting, as doing so will help you provide him with a smooth introduction to work and give you the best chance of educating him to be light in the hand. While it’s not possible to advise which specific bit will be the perfect match for your horse as each horse’s mouth conformation, temperament and rider are different, there are some designs and subsequent actions that are more suited to bitting a young horse.

It’s important a young horse is comfortable with his bit, which is why ergonomic designs prove very popular. The shapes and materials usually encourage a horse to mouth the bit and accept it, while the different mouthpieces and cheek shapes help to give clear signals and discourage leaning.

What to consider when choosing a bit

Size: In order to make sure your horse is comfortable, it’s important to get a bit that fits well. The easiest way to measure the width of your horse’s mouth if you don’t have a selection of sizes to hand is to use a bit sizer. You should also consider the diameter of the mouthpiece – how much space you have is determined by the height of your horse’s palate and the width of his tongue. Your dentist will be able to help you with this if you’re unsure. Although a thinner mouthpiece applies pressure over a smaller surface area, if a horse has a low palate it may not have room for a thicker mouthpiece without it pressing on the roof of the mouth. Horses with large tongues may be more comfortable with a bit that has a shallow port to provide more room for the tongue.

Cheeks: Snaffles are the most common type of bit for young horses and they are available with a range of cheeks – eggbutt, full cheek, D-ring or loose ring. Eggbutt cheeks are a fixed oval-shaped and help the bit to sit quite still in the mouth. Full cheeks help to reinforce the turning aid and prevent the mouthpiece from sliding across the tongue and bars of the mouth. D-rings are similar to eggbutts, but with a larger D-shaped cheek, which can also helps with turning. Loose rings have much more movement than any of the other types and so encourages mouthing, and discourage leaning or fixing on the bit.

Joints: There are many different types of joints, all of which have slightly different actions, while some bits don’t have a joint at all. Most bits for young horses either have no joint or are double-jointed – the main difference is that jointed bits tend to allow more independent action from each rein, although some single-jointed bits can producing the “nutcracker effect”. Single jointed bits with a curved mouthpiece minimise this action.

Materials: Stainless steel is one of the most popular materials as it’s durable, easy to clean and doesn’t rust. Copper and sweet iron encourages the horse to salivate, while plastic and rubber are often used for horses with sensitive mouths. Non-metal bits are also more pleasant to handle in cold weather (although do warm up quickly in the mouth), but can be chewed, so it’s important to check for sharp points that could cause irritation.

Best bits for young horses

Shires blue sweet iron loose ring with mullen mouth

Sizes: 4½in, 5in, 5½in | RRP: £19.99 |

The medium port on this bit from Shires allows more room for the tongue, which may be more comfortable for some breeds or horses with larger tongues. The sweet iron metal oxidises easily to create a sweet taste, encouraging acceptance and salivation.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

In the US? View now at amazon.com

Sprenger Dynamic RS full cheek

Sizes: 125mm, 135mm or 145mm | RRP: £196.50 |

This bit is designed to help the horse to accept the bit more easily. The mouthpiece fits ergonomically to provide soft and even pressure on the entire tongue area, encouraging the horse to chew. The bit also supports the contact to the corners of the mouth, which helps to keep the horse on the bit.

In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk

In the US? View now at amazon.com

Myler 04 Low Port Comfort snaffle

Sizes: 4½in, 5in, 5½in, 6in | RRP: From £78.95 |

This bit is Myler’s alternative to a regular double-jointed snaffle. It has a ¾in port for tongue room and independent side movement for a clearer lateral aid. The centre barrel protects the horse’s tongue from getting caught in the joint and prevents the “nutcracker effect” on the outer lips and bars, giving a more gentle, wrapping effect. The 04 is available on a range of cheeks, including loose ring, plain eggbutt and hanging cheek.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk

In the US? View now at amazon.com

Bombers DC Dressage Happy Tongue

Sizes: 90–160mm, in 5mm increments, or custom sized | RRP: £121 |

This bit is designed to release as many pressure points as possible. The reins are attached to the large dee, which swings open independently of the cheekpiece, while the mouthpiece is fixed to the cheekpiece with a solid surface area to encourage flexion. The loose ring ensures the poll and cheek area are relieved from rein engagement.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk

Expert Bits Comfy Barrel full cheek

Sizes: 5in, 5¼in, 5½in, 5¾, 6in | RRP: £44.99 |

This bit is ergonomically shaped to follow the conformation of the mouth, and at only 10mm thick it leaves room for horses that don’t naturally have that much room for the bit. The barrel centre keeps the bits constant shape and allows the bit independent movement of either side without twisting the rest of the bit. As the barrel is stiller than a conventional lozenge or French link, it doesn’t irritate the palate and prevents pressure on the palate. The full cheek offers stability in the mouth and aids steering by applying more pressure to the face, giving a more definite signal to turn.

In the UK? View now at ebay.co.uk

Acavallo Sensitive bit

Sizes: 135mm | RRP: £39.95 |

This bit by Acavallo is made of an innovative, anti-allergic plastic material reinforced with a flexible steel cable. It has a slightly arched and flattened mouthpiece that ensures that pressure on tongue, jaws, and mouth corners is distributed evenly. The one-piece design prevents one-sided squeezing or pinching, helping it to sit quietly and comfortably in the mouth, which allows the horse to find its own balance.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or ebay.co.uk

In the US? View now at amazon.com

Jeffries Minos Vision loose ring balancer snaffle

Sizes: 5in, 5¼in, 5½in, 5¾, 6in | RRP: £30.10 |

Ergonomically designed for comfort, this bit from Jeffries has a 90% cooper mouth piece to aid salivation. The angled lozenge facilitates even contact through the mouth piece without the “nutcracker” effect, allowing for light directional aids. Available in two ring sizes – 55mm or 70mm.

In the UK? View now at ebay.co.uk

GS Equestrian rubber flexi straight bar snaffle

Sizes: 5in or 5¼in | RRP: £9.50 |

Designed to be soft and kind on the mouth, this snaffle from GS Equestrian has loose ring cheeks to discourage leaning on the bit and to promote soft self carriage.

In the UK? View now at gsequestrian.co.uk

You might also be interested in:

5 top tips to help you choose the perfect bit for your horse

The full cheek snaffle bit: how does it work and what type of horse does it suit?

The Waterford bit: how does it work and what type of horse does it suit?

The Cheltenham gag bit: how does it work and what type of horse does it suit?

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

In our 77th weekly episode of The Horse & Hound Podcast, H&H’s Alex Robinson talks to top showing rider Danielle Heath about how she got into producing horses for the show ring. H&H editor Pippa Roome then catches up with the H&H news team to discuss why opinion matters, fireworks and climate change, as well as previewing the point-to-point season with H&H’s Gemma Redrup. Finally, trainer Jason Webb continues his new series about starting young horses, and this week he discusses bitting. Let us know what you think.

Episode 77 of The Horse & Hound Podcast, our popular audio service available every Thursday morning for our H&H digital subscribers, is now live.

Each episode is available for all H&H fans to listen to via your favourite podcast app 24hrs after its early release to our H&H digital subscribers. Search for “The Horse & Hound Podcast” in your preferred podcast app and click subscribe to be notified about each new episode. This will allow more listeners to make The Horse & Hound Podcast an essential part of their week on Friday morning.

• View all episodes of The Horse & Hound Podcast

In our 77th weekly episode of The Horse & Hound Podcast, H&H’s Alex Robinson talks to top showing rider Danielle Heath about how she got into producing horses for the show ring.

H&H editor Pippa Roome then catches up with the H&H news team to discuss why opinion matters, fireworks and climate change.

Pippa also talks to H&H’s point-to-point editor, Gemma Redrup, about the start of the new pointing season.

Finally, trainer Jason Webb continues his new series about starting young horses, and this week he discusses bitting.

• We would love to hear your feedback on all our podcasts, so please do send your thoughts to pippa.roome@futurenet.com

H&H Plus podcast: episode 77

Listen now to other recent episodes of The Horse & Hound Podcast…

The Horse & Hound Podcast 76: Dan Skelton | Starting young horses | News round-up

The Horse & Hound Podcast 75: Hayley Watson-Greaves | Pau | What makes a good coach? | News round-up

The Horse & Hound Podcast 74: Izzy Taylor | GCT final leg | Success & failure | News round-up

The Horse & Hound Podcast 73: SEIB Search for a Star winner | Maryland review | Managing competition nerves | News update

The Horse & Hound Podcast 72: John Whitaker | HOYS review | Tackling nerves | News round-up

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Prince Fluffy Kareem (PFK) has shared horrifying photographs of a horse with a half-severed tongue to highlight the damage a “dancing bit” can cause.

The 10-year-old stallion was taken to the Cairo-based animal rescue, which has recently come under new management, for treatment after an inexperienced rider had ridden him in the bit. He was treated and went home, to return for daily checks.

Emma Thompson, president of the UK-registered charity, told H&H the world of “dancing horses” is for entertainment; they will appear at weddings, for example, as a sign of wealth.

“This bit is the way they’re trained,” she said. “From the outside, all you can see is the ring, which goes under the jaw, with the flat bit sitting on the tongue.

“This beautiful stallion’s tongue had almost been severed off completely. These bits are horrendous and despite some believing they are ok in the right hands, it’s our belief that they are never ok.”

Warning, graphic image

Emma said some of the dancing horses are trained in this bit, with a person behind the horse, and one in front, “with sticks, bashing it”.

“So it starts trotting, in the middle of the two sticks,” she said. “It’s just nasty, and it’s right on our doorstep.”

Emma said she has known of horses whose jaws have been broken by the bits.

“This one got away lightly just almost half-losing his tongue,” she said. “It’s so horrible.

Continues below…

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‘I usually try not to get upset, but to see a horse in so much pain was heartbreaking’

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“If a horse comes in who needs our help, we’ll deal with it. We’re getting a reputation now that we can be trusted, so we’ve dealt with this one, and this horse won’t be able to be ridden in this bit again, but how can we change this?

“We’ll use these pictures to show anyone else who does come in with a dancing bit, it’ll be our way of educating them. The owner of this horse is devastated; I understand he lent him to someone and he came back like this. The fact he brought the horse to us instead of leaving it or trying to do something himself is what we’re focusing on.”

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Researchers have recommended routine bit area monitoring from riders and competition organisers having found more than 52% of event horses suffered acute injuries to their mouths during cross-country rounds.

The study, led by Kati Tuomola in Finland, was published in the journal Frontiers in Vet Science on 31 March.

It also found that thinner or thicker than average bits were more likely to cause problems; mares were also more at risk.

The research was conducted on 208 horses at eight events across three locations in western Finland during the summers of 2018 and 2019. The sample size represented 25% of Finnish event horses competing in a given season.

Competitors were invited to volunteer their horses for veterinary inspection following their cross-country rounds, with 95% agreeing to participate.

Of the 52% of horses who had oral lesions, 22% were classed as mild, 26% as moderate and 4% as severe, with the inner lip commisure (the corners of the mouth) found to be the area most vulnerable to damage.

Bruises were found in 39% of all horses and wounds in 19%, although none of these were graded as deep. Typically, only a single lesion was present and only one horse was found with blood inside the mouth.

Bit thickness and type was implicated in injury risk — bar lesions were the second most common site of injury, recorded in 12% of horses and typically found in horses who had unjointed bits.

Horses in thin or thick bits had a higher risk of moderate or severe lesions than those in middle-sized bits, although the researchers noted that double-jointed bits were usually middle-sized while straight-bar bits tended to be thicker.

The researchers concluded that middle-sized bits were probably the best choice for a horse “if the size of the oral cavity was unknown”.

Old/healed lesions were not included in the analysis, but they were also noted in 52% of animals.

“We encourage adopting bit area monitoring as a new routine by horse handlers and as a welfare measure by competition organisers for randomly drawn horses since oral lesions in the bit area were common after a competition even though no external bleeding was observed,” the study’s authors said.

“In riding horses, bit-related lesions can be monitored in competition environment with systematic oral examination by using a headlamp, unlatching nosebands, and possibly curb chains, and lifting the bit while examining the bars of the mandible.”

The research also queried whether “sex-based stereotypes” may be behind the increased number of lesions seen in mares.

“Literature suggests that sex-based stereotypes may compromise mare welfare if their behaviour is interpreted arising from gendered beliefs or if pain-related behaviours are ignored,” the authors said.

Continues below…

Tight nosebands outlawed by national federation

The new rule is to be introduced from 1 January 2018 following research linking tight nosebands to mouth lesions

14 facts you need to know about your horse’s tongue

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Horse breeds were also found to be more at risk of lesions than pony breeds.

“For both subgroups, differences in mucosal wound susceptibility or healing capacity cannot yet be ruled out, as wound healing is faster in ponies than in horses and, in humans, oral mucosal wound healing capacity is slower in women than in men,” the authors added.

Previous research on Finnish trotters found that 84% of horses had lesions following a race. A study on event horses in Denmark found the number of lesions to be six times lower but only the outside of the mouth was inspected.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Nearly every rider has experienced a horse that pulls like a train – and it’s not an enjoyable feeling. Lucy Elder talks to those who have found the key to famously strong horses and how these blossomed into wonderful partnerships

MOST riders will have heard the old adage of “if you don’t pull, they won’t pull” at some point during their time in the saddle. While grounded in truth, it isn’t always so simple. But there are steps that can help, starting with understanding, training and building mutual trust.

“It’s about getting to know them and building that partnership,” says Charlotte Alexander, who retrained the likes of Denman, Earthmover and Ulck Du Lin.

“If you are taking on a former racehorse at an older age, their bodies are going to be more set in a certain way. There may be only so much you can do on the schooling front, so it is about building up that relationship.”

She adds understanding the aids and how their bodies are built from their previous career is a good place to start, as is looking at your own way of riding and taking an individual approach with each horse.

Charlotte has found Neue Schule Turtle Top bits, teamed with an appropriate noseband depending on the individual horse, particularly suit her thoroughbreds as she finds them kind and effective enough to ride with a light hand.

“Schooling certainly helped Denman with his work, but did not make him any less strong as when the adrenaline was up he was gone. He was sensible and would pull up at the end, but he loved taking the mickey!” she says, adding he “loved being centre of attention and performing in front of a crowd”.

Flatwork was the secret to success with Ulck Du Lin, who came to Charlotte as a nine-year-old that “couldn’t canter a 20m circle”. He went on to event at novice and became “the most talented” team-chasing open lead horse.

“Louise Robson helped me with his schooling and we were able to sit him back on his hocks and get him off his forehand,” she says, explaining they focused on getting him working through his back and loosening his neck, particularly at the wither.

“This made him stronger behind, therefore he did not pull so much and this, of course, helped with everything.”

She adds Earthmover was “probably the strongest” as well as the “most enthusiastic, honest, brave horse you could ride”.

“You had to adapt your riding and ride with a very light hand and leave him be in front of his fences: ‘Drop your hands and trust him’, Talland’s Brian Hutton told me,” she says, adding trust, the right bit and noseband and Brian’s help were the solution.

“So you did have to have nerves of steel as he liked to jump sets of rails at high speed, which was rather disconcerting, but we somehow managed to get to the other side. With Earthmover it was the trust we had between each other that led to the success team chasing.”

LISSA GREEN’S two CCI5* rides Malin Head Clover (Ali G) and Hollyfield were both strong in different ways.

Lissa explains both horses were already established when she got them – Ali G was 12 and Hollyfield 11 – and the main focus was building a partnership and working with what they had, rather than against it.

“They are both awesome horses, whom I absolutely love,” she says. “It was interesting with Ali G as personality-wise he is a really kind horse and has the most perfect temperament, but it was almost a balance and self-preservation issue. He is incredibly long – he’s 15.2hh, bum-high and wears a 6ft 9in rug – and I think that’s why his balance was so on the front end. He really is the most extraordinary, ordinary horse.

“I remember taking him to our first event, and I was just wanting to get the feel of him. He got stronger and stronger – he just tucked his nose into his chest and went. We came into one of the smallest fences on the course, it was a little house and the sun was slightly on it but nothing out of the ordinary, but when I went to half-halt him it had the opposite effect, he went faster and straight into it. It didn’t make sense as horses don’t want to fall.”

Lissa was airlifted to hospital with multiple fractures. Once back on board, the first thing they did was to go back to a bit they discovered had previously suited him, and then focused on training and trust.

“I knew we had to build our partnership, Mum [Lucinda Green] and Dickie Waygood were a massive help,” she says. “They helped with his balance and his mindset – previously when I touched the bit, he would run off, which was counterproductive as I needed that aid as a tool and not for him to see it as a negative.”

Lissa adds the way she rode Ali G was “unique” and is not a way she would ride anything else. They found physically breaking his rhythm, and riding him into an imaginary right-angled corner

as part of the preparation before a fence, helped to get him back on his hocks and enabled him to jump at his best.

Lissa stressed the horse’s way of going was no ill reflection on his previous riders, but rather about finding what worked best for them as a combination.

“He never became any less strong, but I learnt how to ride him so he did get easier as our partnership together grew,” she says.

Interestingly, she found both Ali G and Hollyfield (pictured top) required more leg than any of her others, to get the hind-end engaged so they could lighten the front. But Hollyfield needed sussing out in a different way. While he was strong, he also had a stop in him, and Lissa found his key was balance.

“He was very weak behind when we got him so he had no choice but to use his front end as a motor,” she says.

Hill work, polework and breaking down every course into no more than two or three fences, after which Lissa would halt, then continue, were the answer.

“Our first event back the next season was Aldon and I did the same there [in the showjumping] – two fences and woah – and it worked! When I bought him, he was having seven or eight down, so for him to jump clear that day was unbelievable,” she remembers.

KIRSTY SHORT went back to basics with her CCI5* bold jumping grey Cossan Lad (Bouncer). She had been able to manage his strength until they reached advanced, where his keenness meant they were finding striding in combinations tricky.

Kirsty sought out advice along her journey with Bouncer, which all helped for a time, but the underlying problem was still there.

“He got stronger and stronger, I was changing bits frequently and it reached the point where I thought, ‘What do I do? I can’t change bits all the time. I need to fix this or we are going to get hurt.’ It is too dangerous a sport to be out of control,” she says, adding Blair CIC3* (now CCI4*-S) 2014 was the moment she realised things had to change.

“I got to the hill and I had nothing – he ran off with me and I managed to stop at the bottom, so I put my hand up and said, ‘Thank you very much, I’m going home.’ I knew I needed to spend the winter fixing this.”

Selling him had crossed her mind, but she didn’t want to and felt sure the problem could be solved. So she sat down with her team and made a plan.

The pair were qualified for Burghley and the late Matthew Wright rode him that year, before Kirsty spent the off-season working on the root of the issue with Polly Jackson Griffin.

They stripped everything back to basics, using a fat Sprenger KK snaffle and loose cavesson noseband, and replaced fences with canter poles and 1ft courses.

“We taught him to come back to trot using my voice and the neckstrap, and stopped after each fence until he felt balanced enough to be able to canter round in a nice rhythm. Until he could do that, we weren’t going to jump any bigger,” she says, adding they applied the same techniques cross-country schooling.

Their first affiliated event back was at Lincolnshire, where Kirsty rode him in a snaffle. Each time Bouncer went to take hold, she brought him back to a trot, then allowed him to go on. They finished with 52 time penalties, but she had cracked it.

“It all comes down to the stages of training. He was advanced at eight and I was only 21, so looking back now, I can see what he missed and why going back and fixing his balance and rhythm solved the problem,” she says.

“It was a year-long process and we went through it when he was turning 11. It is never too late to change something. There’s always time to learn and find that extra bond in your partnership.”

Strong superstars

ARENA UK WINSTON (pictured) and long-term rider Ellen Whitaker have a phenomenal partnership with international successes and multiple Nations Cup team appearances. While Ellen has previously said Norman Oley’s 17.2hh stallion is now “very easy to ride”, there were times in the past she felt “over-horsed”.

After the pair’s third place in the 2019 Bolesworth CSI4* grand prix, Ellen explained she had been focusing on building her own strength and fitness, and learning how to use that to best effect in the saddle. The result? One of British showjumping’s leading combinations.

MURPHY HIMSELF was notoriously strong, memorably launching himself and Ginny Elliot (then Leng) into space over Badminton’s ski jump fence in 1988. While they had success together, winning Burghley 1986, the decision was made that he may be more of a man’s ride. Ian Stark took over the reins in 1988 and the popular grey went on to continue his terrific success, adding more Badmintons to his CV, plus team and individual silver at the 1990 World Equestrian Games.

NICOLA WILSON got inside the mind of her superstar medal-winner Bulana to understand exactly what was causing her to be strong, and found it came down to the mare’s desire to please. Although not an “out-and-out puller”, Bulana would stick her nose onto her chest and go. Nicola worked to get the mare listening to her body language through surprise transitions, both within and between each pace, working up and down hills, and giving and retaking the reins, so she could lighten her hand while keeping the mare with her.

“It all comes back to that confidence, trust and relationship between horse and rider,” she says.

This exclusive feature is also available to read in this Thursday’s H&H magazine (1 April, 2021)

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Snaffles are the most widely used bits on the market, but what is the difference between a loose ring and an eggbutt and which horses do they suit best?

Eggbutt snaffles

How does an eggbutt snaffle work?

“The traditional eggbutt snaffle tends to have a straight-arm, single-jointed mouthpiece and is designed to give stability for the horse to stretch forwards and down,” explains Gail Johnson from Horse Bit Hire. “The mouthpiece is designed to act on the outer edges of the tongue with a squeezing action and provide control.”

With a mullen mouth eggbutt, both the mouthpiece and the cheek are designed to encourage the horse to stretch forwards into the contact.

“However, there can then be issues with leaning and reduced control,” advises Gail. “An exception to this is the Myler mullen eggbutt which has the added advantage of independent side action due to the central barrel, meaning the rider can lift each side creating less of a rigid shape for the horse to fix onto.”

What type of horse would benefit from an eggbutt snaffle?

“An eggbutt cheek is often a good choice for a sensitive horse that needs the stability it provides to encourage him to confidently stretch into the bit,” Gail says. “Eggbutt cheeks are also a great choice for horses with lips that protrude from the face, as you can get a good snug fit without the risk of rubbing.” Grand prix dressage rider Stef Eardley adds: “The eggbutt can be easier to steer with than a loose-ring as the fixed bar action on the sides of the mouth are more precise.”

Where to buy an eggbutt snaffle

Shires Hollow Mouth Eggbutt

Sizes: 4½–6in | RRP: £21.99 |

The mouthpiece on this bit is fairly thick and being hollow, it is very lightweight.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, equus.co.uk or rideawaystore.com

Shires Flat Ring Jointed Eggbutt

Sizes: 3½–6in | RRP: £23.99 |

With a thinner mouthpiece, this bit can be a little stronger, but it may be a more comfortable option for a horse with a small mouth.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, equus.co.uk or rideawaystore.com

Loose-ring snaffles

How does a loose-ring snaffle work?

“The loose-ring is widely seen as the most popular cheek across all brands and designs,” says Gail. “It has more movement than an eggbutt as the mouthpiece isn’t fixed meaning there isn’t a fixed pressure on the tongue. The loose-ring is available in a variety of different diameters; the largest has the least chance of pulling through the mouth and is often used in racing, and the smallest have traditionally been used as the bradoon part of a double bridle.”

Due to the ring being able to slide through the mouthpiece, the rider’s rein aid is not as direct as the eggbutt. This can also mean that there is more movement in the mouth, which can be distracting or uncomfortable for certain horses. Correct fitting of loose-rings is important to ensure the rings don’t pinch the side of the horse’s cheek.

What type of horse would benefit from a loose-ring snaffle?

This bit would best suit horses who are established being ridden into the contact and aren’t fussy in the mouth. “A loose-ring can suit a stronger horse as it gives more control than a fixed eggbutt,” says Gail. “It is also more suitable for a horse that may fix or lean onto a fixed ring.”

Where to buy a loose-ring snaffle

Shires Hollow Mouth Loose Ring

Sizes: 3½–6in | RRP: £15.50 |

This hollow mouth bit is much lighter than a typical solid one.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, equus.co.uk or rideawaystore.com

Shires French Link Loose Ring

Sizes: 4½–5½in | RRP: £18.99 |

This snaffle has a traditional flat French link mouthpiece.

In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk, equus.co.uk or rideawaystore.com

You might also like:

Choosing the right bit: would a hanging cheek snaffle suit my horse?

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What is a Dutch gag?

A Dutch gag typically consists of four rings: the top one where the cheek pieces attach and then three lower rings offering a variety of rein settings. There are also versions available with just two lower rings that some riders feel look neater.

How does a Dutch gag work?

The cheek ring is often quite large and flat with all the rings in alignment underneath, and it has a variety of rein options that allows the rider to use one bit for a variety of situations, depending on how much control is required.

“This bit is not legal in dressage competitions, but is often seen in showjumping as it offers a variety of ‘brake’ strengths,” says dressage rider Stef Eardley. “The lower down the bit the rein is attached, the more leverage on the poll and therefore the more control the rider has. It is a popular bit as it is effective but not overly severe and can be used with roundings on the lower ring and main ring to have a softer effect.”

What impact does a Dutch gag have on the horse?

“It comes with a variety of different mouthpieces and the action of the bit can vary greatly depending on the mouthpiece chosen,” Gail Johnson from Horse Bit Hire explains. “The action of this bit is to have some uplift in the mouth and a varying degree of leverage depending on the rein setting used.

“A curb strap is sometimes added which creates curb pressure and further tongue pressure, as the bit is kept stiller in the mouth.

“The long flat cheek can cause problems for some horses depending on facial conformation as, when it tilts, the top ring travels forward and can squash the face which can cause the horse to toss its head to avoid the pressure.”

What horse would benefit from a Dutch gag?

“In general, this cheek action raises the head so wouldn’t often be a first choice for a horse with a high head carriage,” Gail says. “If used in conjunction with a single-jointed mouthpiece, this would give quite a strong head raising signal depending on rein setting. Horses that find this cheek and mouthpiece action too strong, will sometimes lean into it.

“The Dutch gag in conjunction with a lozenge mouthpiece (pictured above) can be a good choice if a rider finds they needs a little extra control for jumping or fast work.”

Where to buy a Dutch gag

Shires Three Ring Dutch Gags

Sizes: 4½–6in | RRP: From £21.99 |

The links in bold below will take you to the standard single-jointed three ring gag pictured above. Shires also makes…

• Dutch gag with Waterford mouth
• Dutch gag with French link
• Dutch gag with a lozenge
• Dutch gag with a sweet iron Waterford mouth
• Dutch gag with EquiKind coating
• Dutch gag with EquiKind apple-flavoured coating

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, equus.co.uk or rideawaystore.com

You might also like:

5 top tips to help you choose the perfect bit for your horse

Eggbutt snaffle or loose ring: what’s the difference?

Snaffles are the most widely used bits on the market, but what is the difference between a loose ring and

9 bits designed with young horses in mind

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The World Bitless Association (WBA) will meet with the FEI for the first time this year.

The move follows a campaign by the WBA in 2019 against the ban on competitors using bitless bridles in the cross-country phase of FEI eventing competitions.

The invitation from FEI eventing director Catrin Norinder said they would like to discuss “our common drive to improve equine welfare standards and public perception of horse sport” and “have an exchange of views with you on these important topics”.

The invite is for members of the WBA to meet with the FEI in Switzerland later in 2020, once Covid-19 restrictions are eased.

A statement from the WBA said the invitation has been “warmly accepted as a valuble opportunity to help generate dialogue between the bitless community and the FEI”.

The WBA is asking for the equestrian community to share its views through a survey ahead of its meeting.

“The aims of the WBA are to improve welfare for horses through the promotion of evidence-based, benign, horse-friendly training, by helping to develop opportunities for competent balanced riding and by ensuring equal opportunities are established for all equestrians to compete, whether they choose to ride bitless or bitted,” added the statement.

Article continues below…

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The ban on using bitless bridles for cross-country was passed among the eventing rule changes for 2020 at the FEI general assembly in Moscow in November.

Two national federations supported the WBA campaign — US Equestrian and British Equestrian.

No discussion points were raised on the subject at the general assembly and the changes to the 2020 FEI eventing rules were approved unanimously.

“WBA believe that the bitless community is a much-needed asset in the traditional equestrian community and should be viewed as being able to play an exciting and valuable role in shaping the future of horse sport,” added the WBA.

Click here to complete the survey

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Designed for horses that are difficult to lead, the Chifney bit has a reputation for being severe if used in the wrong way. We find out when and how they should be used safely

What is a Chifney bit and how does it work?

“The Chifney can either be very sharp, or very useful — depending on the handler,” says Olympic gold medallist Jane Holderness-Roddam. “We only use it on our stallions, or horses who have been mishandled.”

The Chifney, also known as an anti-rearing bit, is an in-hand bit designed for horses that are difficult to lead. The mouthpiece, a thin metal circle, loops over the horse’s tongue and behind the chin, and is attached to a sliphead, a single-strap headpiece than can be slipped on and off easily. The leadrope attaches to a single loose ring at the back of the horse’s chin.

How to use a Chifney

“The Chifney needs to be used with great care and consideration,” says Tricia Nassau-Williams, lorinery lecturer and projects manager at The Worshipful Company of Loriners. “It functions by applying an intense pressure straight onto the tongue, which means it has huge potential to cause serious damage if misused,” warns Tricia.

“Try fitting it on your arm and applying pressure as you would if leading a horse — that will give you an idea of how it would feel on the horse’s tongue and bars!”

Like standard bits, the Chifney comes in a selection of different widths and should fit in much the same way – not so low as to sit on the teeth, or so high that it wrinkles the corners of the mouth.

There are two types a mouthpiece — a straight bar and one with an inverted port.

“This indent on the mouthpiece is not designed as a tongue port, but to increase the pressure in the centre of the tongue, which is where the horse is the most responsive,” says Ema Odlin-Baxter, director at The Horse Bit Shop. As such, it can be very severe.

“The mouthpiece is curved so the sides can come down onto the bars of the mouth,” says Jane. “You need to have a soft hand with it, and be firm not sharp. For horses out of control, it is useful, but if the handler is rough with it, they can do damage.”

The Chifney was invented by jockey Samuel Chifney Snr, and patented in 1805. Samuel had hoped the Jockey Club would fund his creation — ‘a bridle that will never be excelled for their light weights to hold a horse from running away’. When the club refused, he became indebted to a loriner called Latchford and was incarcerated in Fleet Prison; he died a year later. Yet the bit he created became popular, and remains so — particularly in the racing industry.

“The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) rules that you have to use a bridle or a headcollar fitted with a Chifney when [being led] on-site at a racecourse,” says racehorse trainer Kerry Lee. “We use them on all of the horses. They’re all very well-mannered and we’ve never had a problem — though you do have to be careful as they are very sharp.”

Not a replacement for a headcollar

However, Tricia points out that, outside of the racing industry, Chifneys should never be used as a replacement for a headcollar. “Imagine if you were leading your horse in a Chifney and it took fright or panicked — if you hung on to the rope, you could do serious damage, yet if you let go, the rope could get caught in his legs and cause just as much trouble,” says Tricia.

“Some vets report cases of tongues being lacerated by the Chifney — they have to be used with extreme caution. I would only ever use one in conjunction with a headcollar, fitting it over the headcollar with a different coloured lead rope attached. That way, you are never just relying on the Chifney and can use it only when necessary.”

Much like a strong bit, once the horse feels the contact of the Chifney, they will respect it.

“I have used them successfully when handling and leading challenging horses inclined to barge, but always only for very short periods of time — such as loading or leading them to and from the field,” adds Tricia. “If they are successful, they are used once or twice and that is all that is required. If not, a Chifney is not the answer!”

Before using a Chifney, it can be well worth exploring other types of corrective halters — such as the dually halter. “I always suggest trying different styles of halters first, or perhaps a standard bit with a sliphead,” advises Ema. “However, if the horse remains unruly, it is dangerous. You need to make sure you have the horse’s respect and, if used correctly, the Chifney is an effective way to do so.”

“In my experience, horses respect them,” agrees Jane. “When you have an excitable stallion, it can lose all reason! You need something that says, ‘Hey, I’m in charge’.”

You might also like:

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The country has been battered by storms; if you were thinking of emigrating, this winter would be the decider.

One week it felt like we had moved to three different countries in as many days. We were in T-shirts with bright sunshine one day, then felt the extremes of gale-force winds and torrential rain the next. We even had snow. Thank goodness for indoor schools as it has been tough to get consistent work from the youngsters. However, preparation is well under way for the coming season.

We have run a few training clinics this winter that have proven very popular. It is great to see that enthusiasm in general has not been dampened. Our pupils were both amateur and professional. No matter what your level, I think it’s always good to gain another perspective and eye from the floor. None of us are beyond accessing help as you just never stop learning. We always have to be open to new ideas and be ready to take on constructive criticism.

Safeguarding our next stars

Every year it seems new rules are emerging with each showing society. The British Show Horse Association (BSHA) have imposed a ban on the swales bit in novice classes for 2020. I have always said that any bit in the wrong hands is a problem. Can you imagine making a rule to ban bad hands? It has, after all, been enforced for overweight riders, another welfare issue.

In all seriousness, I understand why the rule has been implicated as not all riders are capable of riding in every bit, but I do think that is a judgement each rider should make for themselves. I don’t think we all need nursemaiding.

Technically, there is no age limit on a novice in that society and not all novice horses are four-year-olds. For example, a horse that has never shown but has hunted or showjumped before may need a stronger bit and would still be eligible for novice classes.

I am so glad to see that the BSHA have imposed a rule that horses in novice classes must be ridden by the judge first before their saddle is removed for conformation. As a judge, I have always followed this procedure as otherwise it is not fair for the horse or the judge.

This is a much fairer and safer option — many young horses are not comfortable with a quick regirthing, and it can be unreasonable to expect them to come out and settle into their job under those circumstances and with a strange rider.

Extra time and care should be taken in these classes to give them the best experience possible. This includes from stewards and judges.

It is always appreciated when officials make every effort not to rush through these classes and when an appropriate ride-judge is selected — one who is confident yet sympathetic. As a ride-judge, I never expect young horses to go perfectly and I always give allowances for green mistakes. They’ve all got to start somewhere.

Ref Horse & Hound; 27 February 2020

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The bit has always been an integral communication aid between horse and rider, but the type, design and shape has evolved enormously, says Emily Bevan

While a limited selection of bits was available in the latter part of the 20th century, today you’ll find thousands of different designs, shapes and sizes on the market, in a wide range of materials.

Bits were originally made from steel before 18/8 stainless steel — which doesn’t rust and is easy to clean, but is colder to the touch — became the most common material. Solid nickel was also frequently used in the past, but it tended to wear badly and is rarely seen now. Instead, other alloys are more in favour, with mouthpieces often boasting a high copper content and better thermal conductivity properties.

Popular choices today include sweet iron, which has a high carbon content that oxidises in the horse’s mouth, encouraging salivation and resulting in better acceptance of the bit, and titanium which is lightweight yet strong.

“Like most things, bits come in fashions. I thought bits with keys on had been consigned to the past but they’re back again, as is the Swales three-in-one pelham,” says Tricia Nassau-Williams, lorinery lecturer and projects manager at the Worshipful Company of Loriners. “There used to be many different designs of pelham on the market, but they are more limited now. The French-link mouthpiece was also a popular option, but it’s now been sidelined in favour of lozenges.”

Ema Odlin-Baxter, senior bitting advisor at the Horse Bit Shop, agrees: “I can’t remember the last time we sold a hollow-mouth French-link; the demand for jointed bits has really died off recently, as have driving bits like the Wilson snaffle, which were very common to ride in before the turn of the century.”

Pressure relief

Today, bits are designed with pressure relief in mind. It’s for this reason that lozenge mouthpieces have proved popular. Their oval-shaped link in the centre of the bit contours the tongue and uses even tongue pressure to encourage the horse to accept the bit.

Lever bits like American or Dutch gags are also widely used nowadays, with owners favouring the choice of rings that offer a variety of rein settings.

Horses accept pressure in different ways; some prefer tongue pressure to bar pressure, while for others it is the other way around. The numerous bit designs on the market, many of which are ergonomically shaped, means that there are many combinations of the different pressures, too.

“A lot of time and trouble has been taken with saddle making and fitting in recent years, but now it’s the turn of the bridle and bits,” says Tricia. “A huge amount of anatomical research is taking place, people are responding to demand and it’s a really exciting time in the development and research of bits and bitting.

“But whatever the design or alloy, a bit can only be as effective or successful as the rider implementing it,” she adds.

Nosebands have also influenced bit changes. Whereas bridles used to feature either a plain cavesson or a drop noseband, nowadays there is a greater range on the market. Types like the flash or grackle restrict the extent to which the horse can open his mouth, and consequently affect how bit pressures are applied.

A range of breeds

Another impact on bitting is the evolution in breeding. While thoroughbreds, cobs and native ponies used to make up the majority of the UK’s horse population, today the range of breeds is much wider, with cross-breeds, sport horses and warmbloods more commonly found than before.

“Horses are being bred to be hotter and more athletic, which has resulted in a change in mouth conformation. They often have narrower bars, bigger tongues, and are more sensitive and less tolerant,” explains Ema. “Bit mouthpieces used to be 21mm thick but now they are 16mm, and they have been better developed to spread the pressures around the horse’s mouth. Owners are also more educated and aware of changes that can be made.”

As well as the influx of nosebands and changes in breeding, the way horses are exercised and the range of disciplines they compete in is also different. In the pre-war days, riding mainly entailed hunting, polo, hacking and showjumping, whereas now there are many more disciplines available and greater demands are placed upon the horse.

“We follow the FEI on permitting bits under British Dressage (BD) rules,” says Rachel Smith, BD member experience manager. “The list has grown as new technology and research has come to the fore, although it’s still based on the same principles of simple rings and mouthpieces, meaning no Kimblewicks, gags or pelhams can be used.

“These bits are generally not permitted as they can provide riders with assistance to get horses’ heads lower or higher, depending on the effect required.”

A spokesperson from British Showjumping said that it “monitors the use, and trend of use, of bits throughout the year, as well as listening to feedback from the officials workforce”. It then updates and amends rules accordingly.

Alexandra Bright, British Eventing (BE) assistant sport manager, explains that “for the dressage phase, BE follows BD rules regarding permitted bits, while for showjumping and cross-country we align with FEI rules, with some exceptions”.

These rules are continually reviewed by BE, and it is happy to consider proposals from members.

Industry innovation

“Over the past five to 10 years, people have started to realise what a difference a bit can make,” explains Claire Lund of Bombers Equestrian Equipment which, along with Sprenger, Myler and Neue Schule, is one of the most innovative bit brands on the market.

“It’s no longer about forcing a horse to work with a bit, but about finding a bit that works for that individual horse,” she explains. “Bombers’ bits work largely due to the philosophy behind the bits, that pressure creates resistance and resistance creates a lack of control. By softening the pressure and making the bit as comfortable as possible for the individual horse, we improve the horses’ response to the pressure of the bit.”

Using research focusing on the working angle of a bit, Neue Schule has developed the Turtle range, a selection of bits that are designed to sit more comfortably over the tongue when a rein contact has been taken up.

“The loops [circular parts of the joint] of the Turtle range have been attached in a way that they do not dig into the tongue after a rein contact is taken up, and the lozenge lies flat in the mouth,” explains Heather Hyde, founder and director at Neue Schule.

“As horses don’t have much room in the mouth, these mouthpieces are anatomically designed so they fit comfortably between the tongue and the upper palate without taking up too much room and crushing the tissues of the mouth.”

You might also like:

9 bits designed with young horses in mind

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

German showjumper Philipp Weishaupt was lucky to escape with only severe bruising after having to jump off his nine-year-old mare Che Fantastica when the bit broke while they were jumping in the CHIO Aachen on Friday (19 July).

The pair were competing in the first round of the RWE Prize, a qualifier for Sunday’s prestigious Rolex Grand Prix, which Philipp won in 2016 with LB Convall, when the bridle appeared to fall away on the approach to a maximum-dimension oxer.

“Everything was OK until we were heading towards jump number six,” Philipp told H&H. “I wanted to add a stride to the oxer so I took a slight pull, but after the second or third stride I felt something break.

“I didn’t realise in that moment that it was the bit — I just knew that something had broken — and then it was scary to see the distance coming, a really bad distance, too, towards a big, 1.60m oxer. But I had no control and I had to jump it off no stride at all. It was pretty scary.”

Despite clearing the fence in one piece, Philipp had to make the terrifying decision to jump off the mare when she bolted on landing. The mare was unharmed in the incident, but the 34-year-old has suffered a severe bone bruise on his coccyx.

“It’s really painful and I’ve been told that it will take a while before I’m back in the saddle,” said Philipp, who has been ruled out of a place on the German team at the European Championships in Rotterdam next month as a result. “It’s OK to stand up and lie down, but it’s super painful to sit. It will be over two weeks until I can ride again.

“This is life! But the main thing is that Che Fantastica is absolutely fine and nothing happened to her.”

Continued below…

‘I thought, ‘this is going to end in disaster’: Paul Tapner’s bit breaks cross-country

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

It turned out that the metal link in the horse’s rubber pelham had rusted away, causing the bit to break apart “at the worst possible time”.

“It was an old bit, about 10 years old, and nowadays they’re made of stainless steel but the metal piece that goes through inside the rubber had become rusty and of course we had no way of knowing until it was too late,” said Philipp, whose birthday came the day after the incident. “It had rusted right through.

“It’s very unusual and nothing like that has ever happened to me before. You sometimes see it happen with a hackamore bridle, but I’ve never seen the actual bit break before,” added Philipp, who also suffered a tack malfunction in the 2017 Hamburg Derby when his stirrup broke.

“So I’m feeling really disappointed right now because the horse was in such super shape and I think she’d have had a great chance in the grand prix.

“But on the other hand, I’m just really glad that nothing worse happened because it could have been a really bad accident for me and the horse.”

Read Horse & Hound’s full report from Aachen CHIO in this week’s magazine, on sale Thursday 25 July

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A rider who was eliminated because his horse was not wearing a bit in the conventional manner is lobbying for British Eventing (BE) to allow bitless bridles in the dressage phase.

Mark Smith, a campaigner for bitless riding, was eliminated at Chepstow for riding with the horse’s bit attached the bridle, but sitting behind the horse’s chin.

Rule 7.19.3.4 states that “a bridle with a bit is compulsory and must be used in the conventionally accepted manner… The loop of the reins must be above the horse’s neck with the reins attached to the bit and reins are to be held in the conventional way.”

Mr Smith told H&H there is no mention of the bit having to be in the horse’s mouth in the rules.

“I am using the bridle and bit to form part of the sending of signals to the horse,” he said.

“I am also using by body and legs, as I am sure all the other riders are, confirming my assertion that this is the conventionally accepted manner. I may not be wearing it in the conventionally accepted manner, but that is not the rule.”

Paul Graham, BE’s chief sport officer, told H&H Mr Smith was eliminated as the bit was “not being used in the conventionally accepted manner”.

“It is commonly known and understood that both BE and British Dressage do not permit dressage tests to be ridden in a bitless bridle,” he said.

“This has been much debated by both national governing bodies and reported heavily in the media for a number of years.

“In Mark’s case, although a bit was attached to the bridle, it was not being used in the conventional manner i.e. in the horse’s mouth. In most of the equestrian disciplines the ‘conventional’ manner is accepted and deemed to be riding with a bit in the horse’s mouth.”

But at Chepstow, Mr Smith rode his dressage test while the stewards contacted BE headquarters to check whether the arrangement was allowed.

Mr Graham added: “He was subsequently eliminated for performing the test in incorrect tack for which he had not received permission to use.”

Mr Smith, who has had previous disputes with BE over his tack arrangements in the dressage phase, said he is trying to appeal.

“My point obviously that I’m always making is that the welfare of the horse should come first,” he said.

He added he cannot understand why bitless bridles are not allowed in dressage when they are allowed in the other phases, and when the British Horseracing Authority will also allow horses to be ridden in them on a case-by-case basis.

Mr Graham added: “BE has horse welfare at the forefront of any decisions and rule changes which are implemented.

“There is a formal process for requesting BE to consider rule changes which is available to all members.

“The use of bitless bridles in the dressage phase has been considered by the BE sport committee recently and it was agreed that no change to this rule is required.”

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

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Irish Olympian and Fellow of the British Horse Society Eric Smiley launched his new book Two Brains One Aim, written with freelance journalist Ellie Hughes, at the recent International Eventing Forum (4 February).

In this extract of Two Brains One Aim, Eric discusses how the bits horses wear can impact on cross-country safety:

I first noticed the desire to achieve greater control when the minimum weight restriction was removed from the eventing cross-country phase in 1998 (previously all horses had to carry 165lbs (75kg), made up with lead weight if necessary, for the cross-country phase). At the same time, courses started becoming more technical. These two changes brought control into focus as lighter riders were now riding big, “scopey” horses, and they needed better control to negotiate the more technical courses. The short fix was to find a bit that offered more control.

A similar thing happened in show jumping. Bigger jumping horses were introduced — they were not necessarily better or more careful, they just had bigger jumps. Courses became more technical, so there became a need to control these horses.

In dressage, the desire for control has taken a different route. While there have been adaptations to the snaffle and double bridles, these two pieces of tack have remained a constant. Crank nosebands and hyperflexion have become the focus.

When it comes to bits there has always been a fashion, a “must have,” a “follow the trend.” Bit manufacturers see opportunities in the market and take them, convincing the uninitiated that a certain bit will make all the difference because it is “kinder to the horse” or “more natural.”

Bitting to gain control produces problems for everyone, from the happy hacker to the upper level rider. Coaches must feel like they are swimming against a tide when they advocate correct acceptance and understanding of the rider’s aids, and instead, see three-rings, pulleys, and big hunks of metal. The welfare and integrity of the horse remain paramount, but, at times, it seems this has been replaced by the need for control at all costs.

When double bridles were permitted in the dressage phase of eventing, riders saw this as an opportunity to gain the control they felt they were missing in a snaffle. Thank goodness this trend has been identified and rule changes seem to be coming in to rectify this. In show jumping it appears that riders will resort to anything in order to gain control, provided it is within the rules.

Every discipline has its own requirements and some would say that it is not possible to draw comparisons. But I think there are similarities and that it is important for us all to seek a moral common ground.

We all want a nice riding horse: one that goes, stops, and turns on request. When asked to jump, we want the horse to know what to do. When asked to gallop, we don’t want him to run away. In dressage, the “Carl Hester effect” has changed the face of the discipline throughout the world. To watch and listen to this brilliant horseman should be a must for all riders. In time, the ethical way of training that Carl so inspires will filter right through the sport at all levels.

Does the end justify the means? No, of course not, but we need to be careful to supervise that it does not. At this year’s Junior and Young Rider European Championships for all disciplines, I was able to watch each discipline warm up for their respective classes; because of the age grouping most riders had trainers. Indeed that’s why I was there. I was struck by the difficulty the stewards have in enforcing the rules. Not so much when they are clearly defined (as in show jumping), but more so the interpretation of the rules in the dressage warm-up. Each rider had a headset on and was being instructed by her trainer. In many cases, it amounted to “supervised bullying” of the horse with a high degree of “mental cruelty” — always on the edge of the rules and their interpretation. Hyperflexion, excessive use of spur and or whip, seeking “false paces” in place of correct and ethical schooling.

Classical principles dating to Xenophon some 2400 years ago should still be upheld today:

1 That the horse should be allowed to develop naturally.

2 That force should not be used.

3 That the result should be beautiful and beautifully easy to watch.

In show jumping, jumping clear is the aim. The issue of making horses careful is, and always will be, part of the sport. The ethics of how this is achieved is open to much debate. Bits and bitting can be a part of this.

But it is for eventing that I have my main concern with the misuse of bits. In dressage and show jumping there are undoubtedly issues, but cross-country there is far more danger lurking.

“Fake” Control

Horses are not natural gallopers. Their instinct allows them to sprint, but they must be taught to gallop, just as they are taught to walk, trot, and canter. To perform in all gaits in harmony and control should be every rider’s aim. Without this harmony and understanding, we open a Pandora’s box of possible problems.

Asking a horse to gallop at Preliminary (US) or Novice (UK) cross-country speed of 520mpm before he is comfortable with a fast canter (350–400mpm) has every chance of triggering his natural response of “run.” The moment speed becomes a conditioned response to the rider shortening her stirrups and getting into an open space, the rider feels the need to control it. Now problems arise and the perception is that brakes are needed.

The range of bits and gadgets is endless. Some of the most popular are:

➤ The three-ring or bubble bit.

➤ The elevator.

➤ Rings and pulley reins in various forms.

➤ Curb chains — excessively tight.

Every one of these is a potential disaster waiting to happen!

The aim of flatwork training is to produce a nice riding horse for all occasions. As the topline is rounded to encourage the horse “through” from leg to hand, an acceptance and understanding of the aid is produced. This harmony must also be present cross-country.

The bits I have listed above, and others like them, have an action that encourages hollowness in the horse’s way of going that is detrimental both on the flat and over fences. Not every horse has a natural bascule over a jump — and we should make every effort to work with what the horse is given and encourage him to buy in to what he has to do to jump. But by using bits that encourage an incorrect way of going, we create many problems for ourselves and the horse:

➤ The jaw shows resistance.

➤ The head comes up.

➤ The neck goes hollow.

➤ The shoulders become blocked.

➤ The steering becomes delayed and unresponsive.

➤ The back becomes less “through.”

➤ The rider stops using her legs for fear of more speed.

➤ The horse’s hind legs are less engaged.

➤ The rider’s hands become the dominant aid.

And so it goes on.

The problems that occur when hollowness appears can manifest in different ways:

➤ Lack of roundness to a jump.

➤ Dragging of hind legs (causing poles to fall down behind).

➤ Tight shoulders (causing more poles down in front).

➤ Tight shoulders (causing more chance of hitting solid fences).

➤ More stand-offs or long spots.

➤ More speed, less impulsion.

Spend a day watching cross-country and you will see some unsightly pictures. Look more closely and there is also a trend: most of the ugly sights are control issues. Look more closely and you will see these control issues will also have a bit issue. Course designers cannot make the jumping phases of eventing higher or wider in their effort to separate competitors, so they have had to use their imagination to test the control of horse and rider.

Course designers explore the concepts of the control of line and pace, the control of accuracy, and the riders’ training of their horse in answering this control.

Coaching riders and horses to meet these challenges of control requires skill, but there is a perception that this increase in skill is a euphemism for more control. More control can come from an improvement in the way the partnership works together, or it can be tack-induced. The latter is a shortcut. This is not to say that a change in tack can never make a difference for the better, but it is important to know how to retain the good qualities when in control and not to just “be in control”! There is too much of the latter.

A lot of our everyday problems are directly attributable to bits and bitting. Moreover, only a handful of top riders are skilled enough to “cope” with the issues created by bitting, leaving the rest to struggle with the consequences of these issues.

When Cross-Country Becomes Dangerous

Good cross-country horses look, think, and react. To the rider who says, “He’ll jump anything,” I reply, “That’s not always a good thing.”

To produce a suitable canter or gallop, the horse must allow himself to be balanced by accepting the rider’s leg aids. These aids should engage the hind end in a way that doesn’t produce speed, but encourages the horse to accept the contact and the resulting adjustment to speed in a round and rideable way. Failure to do this makes it difficult for the horse to see, assess, and take responsibility for his part in the jump.

Imagine a car with its accelerator stuck on and the brake as the only regulator of speed. The driver would survive for a short time but very soon the brakes would overheat and fail. This is what happens to over-bitted horses — it is called “running through the bridle” — and it can have frightening results.

Hollowness over solid fences is a problem in itself, but add in a drop behind and safety becomes a very real issue. When the horse is unable to see what he has to do until the last second, he will not be able to react quickly enough to stay safe. Furthermore, the way the horse is likely to hit the fence will be with his forelegs above the knee. This is the type of impact that often causes a rotational fall or a fall on landing as the horse is unable to get his undercarriage under control.

There is an indisputable link between bitting and falls. As the rider endeavors to regain control and balance in front of a fence, the horse inverts and so the ability to ride from the leg to the rein diminishes. The takeoff becomes uncertain, spreads become a lottery, distances in combinations become short, and the “out” element becomes very chancy. A blow on the horse’s forearm could be the result, and with it, the risk of a serious fall.

Where to buy Two Brains One Aim: Two Brains One Aim can be purchased at Amazon.

Two Brains One Aim is published by Quiller Publishing, 2019

You might also like:

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Maintaining rider balance and position can be the difference between a winning performance and cross-country penalties

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A snapped stirrup or rein is the stuff of nightmares — check out these instances when it happened to some

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Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The organisers of the first “world bitless horse day” hope to raise awareness and “give all riders the opportunity to think about going bitless”.

The World Bitless Association (WBA), which was formed last November, says it hopes events, including trail rides, competitions and demonstrations, will be held across the world on 7 September.

Charity trustee Johanna Richardson, who also sits on the WBA board of directors, told H&H the organisation aims to “help facilitate and promote more humane methods of horse training and to promote equality in competition for modern bitless bridles”.

“We hope the day will allow bitless riders to network, and also for bitted riders who might want to explore going bitless, or who want to switch,” she said.

“All sorts of things will be happening. No one’s registered yet as registration hasn’t opened but it’s going to be global; we’ve had interest from Brazil.”

Ms Richardson said the organisation will provide support packs and relevant advice, for individuals, organisations or event organisers who want to run events or training.

She added that the main aims of the WBA are to represent bitless riders and raise awareness of welfare in riding and training.

“It’s not just saying ‘remove the bit and put a bitless bridle on’, it’s about the whole way horses are ridden, and how all of us can improve in everything we do,” she said. “Everyone can make changes and bitted or bitless, we represent everyone on that angle.”

The final WBA aim is to “fight for rule changes” to allow riders to compete bitless and “on a level playing field” with those who use bits in all disciplines.

But Ms Richardson stressed that the charity is not anti-bitting.

“We’re not against them; we just want to bring about opportunities for personal choice,” she said. “It depends on what the rider needs from the horse and how the horse reacts to the bridle it’s in.

“It all comes down to quality of riding; an independent seat and hands. We’re not anti bits, we’re pro choice.”

Anyone interested in taking part in events on the world bitless day can contact the WBA on its website.

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Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

From team chasing and showjumping to hacking and schooling, the use of bitless bridles is increasing. However, if you’ve only ever ridden horse in a bit, it can feel daunting to go without. We speak to Wendy Wainwright of the World Bitless Association for her advice on going bitless.

Types of bitless bridle

Bitless bridles take many forms, distributing pressure in varying places around a horse’s head. It’s often a case of trial and error to find a bitless bridle that suits you and your horse. Wendy Wainwright of the World Bitless Association explains that: “the different kinds of bitless bridles are defined by how they act upon the horse’s head. They vary from the mild to the very severe, and can act upon one or more of the following: nose, jaw, curb, cheek or poll.” Within this, different bridles can exert pressure either directly, with or without leverage, or indirectly using cross or running straps.

The World Bitless Association has a comprehensive guide for those looking for more information about the different kinds of bitless bridles available. However, the main variations tend to sit in the following categories:

• Cross-under

• Hackamore

• Bosal

• Halter

• Side-pull

Benefits of bitless bridles

There are many reasons behind trying a bitless bridle. Some horses need a bitless bridle due to physical issues in the mouth, from broken jaws and melanomas to tongue damage. Ridden behaviours like head shaking, spookiness, bucking, bolting, head nodding and excessive salivation also lead to riders exploring bitless options.

In addition to physical and behavioural issues, Wendy explains there’s a “growing paradigm shift” occurring in the equestrian world. There’s “a shift away from the traditional ways of the last 60-70 years of horse-keeping, to a more natural and enriching environment, to positive and science-based training methods.” Part of this, Wendy explains, is that more people “are questioning what has previously been accepted — and use of bits is a part of that.”

Bitless bridles have been observed to solve a number of issues, from head shaking and bridle lameness to napping, rearing and anxiety. Dr Cook’s Fear of the Bit publication shows in the detail the types of issues found and overcome — or at least improved — by using bitless bridles.

What to consider before going bitless

There are a great many positives to be found in going bitless. Wendy describes how the horses she’s worked with bitless “are often calmer, less anxious and spooky than bitted horses” and they “often move freer and more expressively”.

However, it’s key to remember that changing bridles and going bitless won’t solve all your problems.

“Bitless will never cover up poor training and riding, and will often uncover weaknesses that have previously been hidden by the bit,” Wendy states. She adds that: “some riders might think they are going backwards when going bitless.” So, if you try bitless and you don’t instantly succeed, don’t panic. Put more time into your training and addressing the areas you and your horse struggle with.

How to introduce your horse to a bitless bridle

Wendy suggests:

• Introducing your horse to a bitless bridle in an enclosed space

• Including a period of groundwork to gauge understanding and response before riding

• Try long-reining, as it’s an excellent introduction (in-hand work is also useful)

• Use flexing to the left and right in-hand to introduce the feel of the bridle

• Follow this up with transitions and circles either in-hand or long-reining

• Help your horse understand how the bridle feels by using transitions in slow paces, circles and serpentines

What horses do bitless bridles suit?

All horses can go bitless, as long as the correct training is done and the right bridle is found. As Wendy explains: “for some horses, the feel of a bitless bridle is very different from what they are used to, so it can take some time for them to understand and adjust to it.”

Finding a great trainer who understands the training process is key to achieving success in a bitless bridle.

You might also be interested in:

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Eventing legend Jane Holderness-Roddam has called on the equestrian world to promote and remember balance and feel as the lynchpins of good riding.

The two-time Badminton winner said that while times have changed, with health and safety creating all manner of challenges for instructors, the industry must remember that helping riders develop balance and feel are crucial for safe riding.

“We do have to be careful and we have to think much more so than we used to,” she said, admitting that “health and safety” is one of the biggest barriers to helping people learn to ride well.

“Where do we draw the line?” said Mrs Holderness-Roddam. “I think we have to think about what we, as riders, trainers and people that have influence in the horse world, do about it.

“The independent seat and balance is so important, so the hand at the end of the reins can be the last resort, simply there to collect and balance your horse very lightly, but not to be the be-all and end-all.”

She added that riding bareback as a child, taking on jumping lanes blindfolded and enjoying hacking across all sorts of terrain were part of how she developed feel and balance.

Mrs Holderness-Roddam, who was speaking at the Worshipful Company of Loriners’ conference at Cheltenham racecourse on 6 November, said these are skills that cannot be directly taught, but that instructors can give guidance and exercises to help their pupils develop it for themselves.

“To me an independent seat means an independence from the reins, that you are not pulling on the reins and are in the right place for specific disciplines,” she explained.

“It is also adapting your position to suit physiological movements of your horse. You have to be in balance — that depends very much on your shape. The horse’s size and shape, all of that is an way of affecting balance.

“I think we all need to develop balance by developing feel — that is one of those terms that is very difficult to define, we should feel when we are in the right balance.”

Mrs Holderness-Roddam said movements such as round-the-world — providing someone is holding on to the pony – and exercises such as using an exercise ball, yoga, Pilates and the Alexander technique can all help, especially for those who cannot ride every day.

“Keep getting your children all doing as many things like mounted games, sponsored rides, hunting, all those things that we did when we were young,” she said, adding that with health and safety, insurance and liability at the forefront of people’s minds now, teaching riding is very challenging.

“We do have to be careful and we have to think much more so than we used to,” she said, and ‘health and safety’ is one of the biggest restrictions to getting people riding well,” she said.

“For me the best training is riding out in the country, cantering up and down hills, riding through woods, where you learn those things naturally. You cannot force balance: it has to come naturally.”

Article continues below…

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Mrs Holderness-Roddam and fellow speaker Mark Smith, who is often referred to as“the bitless man” both agreed more lunge lessons are needed.

“We need to just try and get across to our riders that they really do need to be soft with their hand,” she added.

“Lunge lessons are sadly missing now, we don’t do nearly enough of those. They teach everybody everything about balance and they should be teaching you about feel.”

Mr Smith added: “If all riders spend more time on the lunge, their balance would improve and they wouldn’t be balancing on the horse’s mouth.”

Mr Smith, a former international eventer and founder of the “Bitless Not Brainless” open team chasing squad, works with riders to emphasise correct body-weight position and leg use to avoid them inadvertently giving the horse contradictory signals.

“I have never advocated all riders go bitless — it is all about techniques,” he said, adding he is rather the “soft hands man”.

“It may well be that the competitive riders that ride with a bit would find that a couple of sessions bitless would make them more aware of what they can achieve with their bodies and legs as a focus, rather than their hands.

“Holding your horse cross-country has to be technique in the same way that dressage is.

“There is not a bit in the world that hurts the horse — it is the idiot on the end of the reins.”

Don’t miss next Thursday’s issue of Horse & Hound — out 15 November — for a full report from the conference.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

How does the Myler combination bit work?

Contrary to its complex appearance, the Myler combination bit is said to be one of the kindest bits available. It spreads rein pressure over three to five areas, using a combination of the mouthpiece, curb strap and rope noseband.

Firstly, it acts on the nose, the poll and the back of the jaw. If a rider uses the reins more, the mouthpiece engages by moving up against a stop on the ring. This then acts on the tongue and bars, as in a normal mouthpiece.

“The Myler Combination bit is designed to distribute pressure but must be fitted correctly,” says bitting consultant Mary Wastie. “As the rider applies pressure to the reins, the horse initially feels the pressure on the front of the nose, followed by upper rear jaw, then on the poll and finally pressure inside the mouth.”

Eventer Louise Harwood uses the Myler combination bit on her gelding, Balladeer Miller Man (pictured).

“I tend to ride him in a hackamore for showjumping, but I was getting time faults for not going forwards enough,” she says. “The hackamore really relaxed him, so I wanted to use something with that same nose effect, but with a mouthpiece, too. In the Myler combination bit I can ride more forwards on him, and get rid of those annoying time faults!”

Not only can you decide how much pressure to exert and where, but you can also change the mouthpiece and shank length, depending on what you need.

However, this degree of freedom and flexibility has one drawback. Not all combinations are competition legal, so before you find a set-up that works, it’s important to check with the governing bodies whose rules you compete under.

“It is crucial to pick the correct mouthpiece for the stage of training the horse is at,” adds Mary.

“The combination worked well at Oasby in the showjumping, and I tackled the cross-country in it too,” says Louise. “I had control, but I need to try a longer shank for better steering. He can put his head up going cross-country, so I’m hoping it will help with that too.”

Vet nurse and amateur eventer, Alison Law, uses the Myler combination bit on her thoroughbred gelding. “I like the mouthpiece as it gives loads of tongue room, and I hadn’t found a bit that did that. I had a hunch that was the problem. The strength is extremely variable depending on the mouthpiece and length of shank chosen,” she says. “The one I use is very mild, but you can get stronger versions.”

What type of horse does it suit?

The Myler combination bit can work for most horses — from the just-backed to the schoolmaster. All five touchpoints engage and release pressure at the same time, creating the perfect pressure and release training system. As long as the rider relaxes their hand, the pressure goes.

Bitting consultant Hilary Vernon emphasises how vital it is for the rider to relax the hand. “The rider must have good hands that do not constantly hold too much contact, or the Myler combination will apply too much pressure to the horse’s face,” she says. “As the horse yields, so must the rider’s hands.”

The combination is particularly suited to horses used to facial pressure, but who haven’t yet worn a bit. For example, when backing a young horse who is used to signals from a headcollar or rope halter, the combination can be used to help transfer the aids.

“The Myler combination has more refined facial pressures to train with and is a good introduction to wearing a bit while still having those facial pressures,” says Mary.

Likewise, horses who are sensitive in the mouth are likely to find the pressure system more freeing.

Mary adds that the Myler combination is good for horses who have had a bad experience with a bit.

“It brings pressures to bear other than just the mouth, and allows the horse to gain confidence with mouth pressure again,” she says. “It’s also good for horses that have an unnaturally high head carriage on which nothing else has worked, to encourage them to lower the head.”

“I was having a lot of problems with control while jumping my sensitive thoroughbred,” says Alison.

“He seemed to really resent me taking a pull and would run through the contact with his head in the air. He was never strong any other time. The difference it made was unbelievable. It was like flicking a switch – he went from tense, rushing and almost panicky, to relaxed, rideable and making a beautiful shape over the fence.”

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

While winter outings usually make up the quieter end of the show season, one rider’s 2018 debut was one she certainly won’t be forgetting in a hurry.

Jill Wormall, rider and owner of the 17.2hh coloured gelding Kinder Scout, was competing at BSPS Area 5’s winter fixture held at Lincolnshire’s Arena UK when the duo suffered a tack malfunction while in the ring.

During their individual show in the CHAPS non-native class, Scout’s Pelham bit broke clean in half, dropping from his mouth.

The break brought more than a few sharp intakes of breath from stewards, fellow riders and spectators as most expected her to pull up and stop. However, obviously trusting in her horse’s ability and temperament, Jill remained completely undeterred. Using just her legs and voice as aids, she produced the winning show.

Scout walked, trotted, and cantered a figure of eight, also offering a slight extension, before coming back to walk and then into a very mannerly and square halt.

Continued below…

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Jill bought the Primitive Star-sired six-year-old grey and white gelding as a yearling with the intention of having him to keep her foals’ company. But he has exceeded all expectations as a ridden horse, competing successfully on the coloured circuit.

Last year in his debut season, the pair had a multitude of wins in the open ranks, including finishing fifth at the Royal International Horse Show and just missing out on Birmingham qualification after finishing second five times in Horse of the Year Show qualifiers.

After being presented with her rosette, Jill said: “He is a perfect gentleman with manners to burn. Considering he’s only been back in work for 10 days, I don’t think I could have done any better if the bit hadn’t broken.”

Read more winter show reports in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 22 March

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Horses have been found to tolerate similar levels of rein tension whether they are wearing a bitless bridle or a traditional bridle, according to a recent study.

Findings of the research, ‘Horses’ voluntary acceptance of rein tension with various bitless bridles compared to a single-jointed snaffle bit’, were presented at the International Equitation Science Conference in Australia (25 November).

“In trying to use more welfare-friendly alternatives to conventional bridles, riders often resort to bitless bridles, but little is known about horses’ pressure sensitivity in the different body parts bitted and bitless bridles act on,” said the team of researchers from Germany.

“The aim of the study was to obtain information on how horses perceive the pressure exerted by various bitless bridles as compared to a regular snaffle bit.”

The 21 horses involved in the study were fitted in a random order with each of the four following bitless bridles: an LG bridle, sidepull, Dr Cook’s bitless bridle or Fred Rai Rope, a rope halter or a conventional bridle with a single-jointed snaffle bit.

Reins were fitted with a tension meter which was positioned to simulate the position of the rider’s hands.

The reins were adjusted to a length that allowed the horse to hold its head 5–10° in front of the vertical.

The horses were lured with food to encourage them to stretch forwards and downwards against the reins, while standing in a stable.

Testing was stopped after the horse stopped stretching for the food, and subsequently released the tension, or after a maximum of one minute.

This procedure was repeated for each horse three times per day, and the entire trial was repeated for each horse on three subsequent days.

Results

Horses applied similar amounts of maximum tension to all bridles, including the snaffle bit, with the exception of the sidepull, to which they applied less pressure.

But the maximum tension applied to the sidepull and the other bridles “did not differ significantly”.

“Results indicate that with the investigated headgear except for the sidepull […] the same amount of rein tension results in similar levels of discomfort in the horse,” said the researchers.

“Compared to the other bridles, the sidepull is equipped with a stiffer and thinner noseband, resulting in higher pressures on the horse’s nose, which explains the lower threshold of maximally tolerated rein tension for this bridle.

“This indicates that with the different types of headgear, the same rein aid is similarly aversive to horses, and at equal levels of prior training, signals of the same intensity are sufficient to produce a noticeable aid.”

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Navigating the often bewildering world of bits can be daunting. Andrea Oakes finds out whether bitting clinics could be the answer

Whether it’s an art or a science is debatable, but there’s no doubt that bitting a horse has become infinitely more complex.

From basic brakes to a more sophisticated means of fine-tuning communication, there’s seemingly a bit to suit every horse and every discipline. Yet finding the right one amid the mind-boggling range of options on offer can be a daunting and difficult task.

What is a bitting clinic?

A bitting clinic is a try-before-you-buy solution designed to bring expertise within easy reach. Guesswork is taken out of the equation as horses and their riders meet with 
a bitting adviser for a hands-on session.

“We find that bitting clinics are vital in getting our clients’ horses to go the best they can,” explains Lynn Chapman of Train Equus, who organises half a dozen of these get-togethers a year at her Hampshire yard. “Rather than going to a tack shop to say your horse is pulling, or won’t turn, you have an expert in front of you to see what’s going on.”

How do bitting clinics work?

Lynn uses full-time bitting clinician Hilary Vernon, with clinics following a tried-and-trusted format.

“We start with a general talk from Hilary about bitting, followed by a cup of tea and an open question session,” says Lynn.

“People then ride their own horses individually for Hilary in their current set-up. They can each spend time with her to talk through any issues and try new bits in an informal and relaxed environment.”

Hilary runs her own range, Informed Designs, but has also had design input into brands including Happy Mouth. 
She travels to a number of venues, taking a large variety of bits for customers to try.

“These bitting days have evolved over the years,” she says. “It’s really hard to get people to tell you about their horses, so the free talk is aimed at making them feel comfortable and confident and to encourage them to start thinking about the sort of issues we may encounter when we consider re-bitting.

“I cover various areas of bitting, such as conformation of the horse’s head, jaw and mouth, and discuss the effect of different designs,” she adds.

“I’ll explain why sharper bits are not so good, how a double works and why a snaffle is limited. We’ll then look at each of their horses in turn.”

Gail Johnson of Horse Bit Hire asks her clients to complete a questionnaire, so that she can glean information about their horses before travelling. She will then see the customer ride and suggest an alternative bit to try, if appropriate.

“Not everyone needs to change their horse’s bit, but many do,” she says. “This could be due to sizing issues, or perhaps because the horse is doing a different discipline.”

While Gail will travel to most UK venues, she also offers a virtual bitting clinic for 
far-flung customers.

“I’ll watch them ride in their current bit through a Skype link,” she explains. “If I feel that change is recommended, I’ll send a bit by post and watch them work the horse again with it in place. It’s not ideal, as I can’t put my hands on the horse’s head, for example, but it’s the next best thing if I can’t meet with them.”

What should you expect to get out of a bitting clinic?

Hilary is keen to point out that a new bit is not a miracle cure.

“I impress upon people that a horse’s teeth, back, saddle, feeding and training all impact upon the rider’s ability to control him,” she explains.

“The bit is probably the last thing to think about. People shouldn’t believe that a new bit will help them go from prelim to elementary in three weeks.”

Dressage rider and trainer Dan Greenwood can see the value of a bitting clinic.

“There is a risk of overcomplicating things, but if you feel that a horse is particularly difficult to bit, or you’re struggling, it could be useful,” he says. “I find with bits that a new one is either instantly better or not at all, so a clinic makes a lot of sense.

“At the end of the day, though, it’s the pair of hands on the end of the reins that really matters.”

Continued below…

Liked this? You may also enjoy reading these articles…

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How should you choose your clinic and expert?

A successful clinic depends very much 
on the skills of the adviser — and Gail points out that anyone can set themselves up as a 
so-called bitting expert.

“If you’re choosing an adviser, check how long they’ve been doing it,” she says. “Visit their website and talk to them to get a feel for them. Ideally, they should have independent experience so they’re not tied to one brand.”

The full version of this article was first published in the 25 May 2017 issue of Horse & Hound magazine

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The use of the Wilkie snaffle and beval bits in children’s mini (lead-rein and first ridden) classes has once again sparked debate in the showing world.

In the first ridden class at this year’s Horse of the Year Show (5-9 October), all bar two ponies were wearing these types of snaffles, as were many lead-rein contenders.

The use of the Wilkie and beval bit prompted much ringside debate.

“Even when standing still, the ponies were overbending, while some children never released the reins at rest,” said one former breeder.

“I fail to see why a true child’s pony — especially a lead rein — should have to be ridden in something which is technically a gag.”

The Wilkie bit and the beval snaffle feature fixed holes to which to attach the cheek pieces and reins, thus applying greater pressure on the poll than an eggbutt snaffle.

Research conducted by bit specialist Neue Schule confirmed this action on the poll when the reins and cheek pieces are fastened to the fixed holes on the beval bit.

Extensive tests were carried out by the Neue Schule team using two sensors – one applied to the cheek piece, the other to the rein.

The recorded tension was transmitted to a central computer and a rating was calculated to show how much poll pressure each type of bit created.

The beval bit was given a plus one rating for poll pressure, whereas an eggbut snaffle was given a zero rating and the hanging cheek snaffle a minus one, for its poll pressure relieving action.

Related articles:

• Choosing the right bit: would a hanging cheek snaffle suit my horse?
• Bitting debate resolved ‘once and for all’
• Overweight riders asked to dismount at show

British Show Pony Society chairman, Pat Pattinson, referred to the society’s rule book regarding bitting.

“It states that lead-rein and first ridden ponies must be shown in any suitable snaffle bridle,” she said.

“Judges will take into account the severity of the bit, their opinions on suitable bridles may vary and their decision is final.”

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Hanging cheek snaffles have been found to relieve pressure on the poll.

Research conducted by bit specialist Neue Schule explored the action of different bits to help riders make a more informed choice when buying different cheek types.

One of the study’s most notable discoveries surrounded the hanging cheek snaffle or Baucher bit.

Some have argued that the Baucher exerts pressure on the poll, whereas others believe that it alleviates it.

Neue Schule’s researchers found the hanging cheek snaffle does the latter.

“These results actually didn’t surprise us at all because there is no lever in this bit and therefore it cannot apply any poll pressure,” Neue Schule manager of research Caroline Beniost told H&H.

“We actually presented this data at the International Society for Equitation Science in Saumur, France, in June and it was very well received there. We just wanted to end the debate on this one once and for all.”

Extensive tests were carried out by the Neue Schule team using two sensors – one applied to the cheek piece, the other to the rein.

The recorded tension was transmitted to a central computer and a rating was calculated to show how much poll pressure each type of bit created.

“The research culminated in some surprises, as well as reiterating many of our suspicions,” said Heather Hyde, Neue Schule’s founder.

“It will be a great tool to dispel some of the long-standing misconceptions surrounding the action of bits.”

The team has created a poll pressure guide, the first of its kind, from their findings.

Related articles:

• Choosing the right bit: would a hanging cheek snaffle suit my horse?
• Grackle nosebands among new BD-approved tack items
• Eggbutt snaffle or loose ring: what’s the difference?

The guide lists out a series of bits and the pressure they create on the poll.

For more information click here.

Don’t miss next week’s Horse & Hound magazine for full analysis of the Neue Schule research and the poll pressure caused by a variety of bits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Are you looking for a new, stylish snaffle bit that features a lozenge mouthpiece? If so look no further….

Bombers elliptical lozenge full cheek snaffle

This bit features blue sweet iron to encourage salivation and to help the horse accept the bit. The elliptical lozenge mouthpiece has a 45mm lozenge and when used on a horse that uses his tongue to push against the bit, it will help to bring him back to a better point of control. Additionally, the Fulmer cheek piece will prevent pinching on the sides of his mouth and stop the bit from being pulled through the mouth, helping to guide the horse’s head.

RRP: £76

Visit: www.fearnsfarmpartnership.co.uk or call 01704 823539

KK Ultra

This is the ideal starter bit and should be in everyone’s tack room. Its sympathetic shape and unique middle link (which is angled forward by 45°) means that it gives a sensitive connection between the rider and the horse.

RRP: £122

Visit: www.zebraproducts.co.uk or call 01352 763350

Gold Medal Anatomica D-Ring snaffle bit

This double-jointed, anatomically shaped bit is 14mm thick. The bit is nickel-free and is made from a special alloy that encourages chewing. As a result the horse produces more saliva and becomes more supple.

RRP: £46.90

Visit: www.kramer.co.uk or call 01803 420125

Novocontact double-jointed bit

This is the latest bit from Sprenger and features a unique oval shape design, which widens the contact area of the mouthpiece on the horse’s tongue, without putting pressure on the palate. The bit is good to use on horses that occasionally tend to pull against the hand, but are too sensitive to be ridden with stronger bits.

RRP: £129

Visit: www.zebraproducts.co.uk or call 01352 763350

Neue Schule Team Up loose ring snaffle

This loose ring snaffle is ergonomically curved to encompass the horse’s tongue and align itself underneath the upper palate, giving an even and gentle weight distribution. The Team Up also helps to alleviate over activity in the month and tongue evasions. The bit encourages the horse to soften through the jaw, while relaxing and lengthening the neck. This bit is dressage legal and bit hire is also available on this style.

RRP: £67

Visit: www.dressagedeluxe.co.uk

 Bombers Elliptical Bradoon

The Bombers Elliptical Bradoon is a double-jointed bit that features a lozenge in the middle, a curved mouthpiece and loose rings. The rings allow for immediate release and relief from tongue and bar pressure and therefore the bit is immediately reset to a neutral position in the horse’s mouth. The comfy mouthpiece also has an extra curvature, which softens the action and therefore offers more tongue relief. This bit is dressage legal and bit hire is also available on this style.

RRP: £62

Visit: www.dressagedeluxe.co.uk

Lorenzini Titanium snaffle bit

This bit features a lozenge mouthpiece and is made in Italy from solid titanium which is incredibly light, biocompatible and non-reactive.

RRP: from £98

Visit: www.arkaequipe.com 

 Sprenger Dynamic snaffle

This bit is suitable for horses that perhaps need something a little stronger. Like other Sprenger bits, this bit is made from a special material called Sensogan, which is less likely to tarnish and helps to create a smooth and regulated process of oxidation, which enhances salivation over an extended period of time.

RRP: £133.88

Visit: www.zebraproducts.co.uk or call 01352 763350

This week’s new to the market round-up features products for the horse from Childéric Saddles, Dressage Deluxe, TRUST Equestrian and Champion.

New show saddle from Childéric

This stunning show saddle is brand new to Childéric Saddles and brings together quality craftsmanship with beautiful bespoke design. The seat and flap shape are shaped just for you but the whole effect will look like a traditional show saddle. Each Childéric Saddle is specifically crafted to accommodate horse and rider. From construction through to finish, this gorgeous ‘Childéric Showmanship Saddle’ offers both horse and rider comfort and class with it’s butter soft calfskin leather finish in master. The bespoke saddle can be built completely to the horse and rider’s requirements, including different girth strap positions, refined flap and panel shapes with no pressure points, bigger knee blocks, seat depths and sizes. Available in seat sizes 16 -19”. Tree Widths: medium andwWide +. Colours: black, master and irish. Leathers: grain, calf, or buffalo.

RRP: From £3,600

Visit: www.childericsaddles.co.uk

Dressage Deluxe’s new sparkle browband

These beautiful ‘Dressage Deluxe Sparkle’ browbands are available exclusively through premium retailer Dressage Deluxe. The soft leather browband features a stunning Swarovski crystal stone inlay and is available in 16 colour ways. ½ inch and ¾ inch width sizes are available.

RRP: From £48

Visit: www.dressagedeluxe.co.uk or call 0800 321 3001

The new TRUST Equestrian Flexi Bit range

The team at TRUST Equestrian has been working for many years with competition riders from every discipline. As a result, TRUST Equestrian is abreast of market developments and familiar with any problems that riders experience when it comes to tack. So TRUST Equestrian is always on the lookout for products that can help to perfect sporting performance. Behind the scenes, it has been working with a professional team of riders to develop a new range of bits: TRUST Flexi Bits. The mouthpieces are made of TPU plastic which lends them flexibility. Bits with a flexible mouthpiece can be used for all horses but are especially suitable for young horses and horses with sensitive mouths. The plastic we use is FDA approved, which means that the material is non-toxic and contains no plasticisers. In addition, the bits are very sturdy due to the use of a flexible core made of stainless steel. TRUST Flexi Bits are available with different sidepieces such as loose ring, eggbutt, baby pelham and many others. The bits can be recognised by the TRUST logo on both sides of the mouthpiece. All TRUST bits are hand-crafted in the Netherlands.

RRP: From £55

Visit: www.equiport.co.uk

Champion’s Natural Fly Spray

Champion’s Natural Fly Spray is a safe alternative to harmful-chemical equestrian sprays. The fly repellent spray is made from a proprietary blend of essential oils and was created by a Chemical Engineering Student at Virginia Commonwealth University whilst investigating the use of plant-based essential oils to repel flies.

Visit: www.champsnaturalflyspray.com