A bit used in equestrian activities is a piece of metal or similar synthetic material that is placed in the mouth of a horse and allows a rider to control the animal. It is held on a horse's head by means of a bridle and has reins attached for use by the rider.

The first bits were made of rope, bone, horn, or hard wood. Metal bits came into use between 1300 and 1200 BC, originally made of bronze. Stainless steel is the most popular material used today, although copper and "sweet" iron (cold rolled steel) are incorporated into some bits to encourage salivation in the mouth of the horse and hence a softer mouth. Other materials such as rubber or plastic are also used, sometimes in combination with metals.

Throughout history, the need for control of horses in warfare drove extensive innovation in bit design, producing a variety of prototypes and styles over the centuries, from Ancient Greece into modern day use.


Design and terminology

A bit consists of two basic components, the bit mouthpiece that goes inside the horse's mouth, and the bit rings of a snaffle or shanks of a curb bit, to which the bridle and reins attach.

All bits act with some combination of pressure and leverage, often in conjunction with pressure applied by other parts of the bridle such as the curb chain on the chin, cavesson on the jaw and face, or pressure on the poll from the headstall. Particular mouthpieces do not make a bit a snaffle or a curb. It is the sidepieces and the leverage these rings or shanks use to act on a horse's mouth that determines if a bit is in the curb or snaffle family, and has a great impact on the severity of the mouthpiece.

Often, bits with single- or double-jointed mouthpieces are incorrectly referred to as snaffles. Likewise, a ported mouthpiece on a bit with direct pressure from a bit ring, such as the kimberwicke is not a curb.

The mouthpiece of a horse's bit is the first factor most people think of when assessing the severity and action of the bit. Therefore, it should be carefully considered when choosing a bit for a horse. Many mouthpieces are not allowed in certain competitions.

Bit mouthpieces may be single jointed, double-jointed, "mullen" (a straight bar), or have an arched port in the center of varying height, with or without joints. They may also be smooth, roughened or of twisted wire or metal.


Effects

The mouthpiece of the bit does not rest on the teeth of the horse, but rather rests on the gums or "bars" of the horse's mouth in an interdental space behind the front incisors and in front of the back molars. When a horse is said to "grab the bit in its teeth" they actually mean that the horse tenses its lips and mouth against the bit to ignore the rider's commands (although some horses may actually learn to get the bit between their molars).

Bits are designed to work by pressure, not pain. Depending on the style of bit, pressure can be brought to bear on the bars, tongue, and roof of the mouth, as well as the lips, chin groove and poll. Bits offer varying degrees of control and communication between rider and horse depending upon their design and on the skill of the rider. It is important that the style of bit is appropriate to the horse's needs and is fitted properly for it to function properly and be as comfortable as possible for the horse.

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