The bit ring is the ring on the side of a horse's bit, particularly on a snaffle. A bit used in equestrian activities is a piece of metal or similar synthetic material that is placed in the mouth of a Horse or other Equid and allows A snaffle bit is the most common type of bit used while riding Horses. It is used as a point of attachment for the cheekpieces of the bridle and for the reins. A bridle is a piece of equipment used to control a Horse. The bridle fits over a horse's head and has the purpose of controlling the horse Reins are items of Horse tack, used to direct a Horse or other animal used for riding or Driving. It also has an effect on the action of the bit. Therefore, the design of the ring is something to consider when choosing a bit for a horse, even though the bit mouthpiece generally has a greater effect than the ring. The mouthpiece is the part of a horse's bit that goes into the mouth of a Horse, resting on the bars of the mouth in the sensitive interdental space where there are
Choices in bit rings can be found in direct pressure bits such as snaffles or bradoons, as well as gag bits. A snaffle bit is the most common type of bit used while riding Horses. A snaffle bit is the most common type of bit used while riding Horses. The gag bit is a type of bit for a Horse. With two sets of reins the gag bit gives a rider the ability to use either a standard direct action or a gag action Leverage bits such as the pelham, and curb bit have a bit shank rather than a bit ring. A pelham is a type of Curb bit used when riding a horse It consists of a mouthpiece a shank a Curb chain, 2 rein rings per side on the shank and one cheekpiece A curb bit is a type of bit used for riding Horses that uses leverage The bit shank is the side piece or cheekpiece of a Curb bit, part of the Bridle, used when riding on Horses The bit shank allows leverage to (see bit shank). The bit shank is the side piece or cheekpiece of a Curb bit, part of the Bridle, used when riding on Horses The bit shank allows leverage to The kimberwicke has a unique design in that the side of the bit resembles a bit ring, but actually is a very short bit shank, as it applies leverage pressure to the mouthpiece. The Kimberwicke, Kimberwick or kimblewicke is a type of bit consisting of a mouthpiece and D-shaped rings on either side The bit shank is the side piece or cheekpiece of a Curb bit, part of the Bridle, used when riding on Horses The bit shank allows leverage to
Bit ring designs also are subject to fads. The loose ring is currently one of the most popular overall designs, but several years ago the eggbutt and dee-ring were quite common. There are also differences in the popularity of a given design from one discipline to another and from geographic region to the next.
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Loose Ring
Types of Bits: Found on snaffles, gag bits, and bradoons. A snaffle bit is the most common type of bit used while riding Horses. The gag bit is a type of bit for a Horse. With two sets of reins the gag bit gives a rider the ability to use either a standard direct action or a gag action A snaffle bit is the most common type of bit used while riding Horses.
Action: The loose ring is a circular ring which may rotate around on the mouthpiece. The sliding makes it more difficult for the horse to tighten against it, promoting relaxation and chewing from the horse. The loose ring therefore keeps the bit more mobile than any other ring type. The ring will also rotate slightly before the bit mouthpiece adds pressure to the mouth, thus allowing it to give more signal than a more fixed bit.
Disadvantages: the loose ring may pinch the corners of the lips as it rotates, causing pain to the horse. This is especially a problem if the bit mouthpiece is too small. If this occurs, a bit guard may be used. A bit guard ( cheek guard in Australia is a specialty piece of Horse Tack: a washer, usually made of flexible rubber that is sometimes used The bit mouthpiece should be slightly wider (to accommodate the bit guard) should one be used; it is best if it is at least 1/2 inch wider than required by the horse's mouth. There are some horses that dislike the rattling noise of the loose ring. Additionally, the loose-ring is more easily pulled through the mouth than a bit with cheeks.
Size and Thickness of the Rings: Rings are generally 2-5 inches in diameter, most commonly ranging in the 2. 5-3 inch range that is legal for horse show competition. A Horse show is a judged exhibition of Horses and ponies. Many different horse breeds and equestrian disciplines hold competitions worldwide Rings for bradoons are smaller than those used on a plain snaffle. A snaffle bit is the most common type of bit used while riding Horses. A snaffle bit is the most common type of bit used while riding Horses. Rings may be larger on gag bits, especially if the rider wishes to increase the severity. The gag bit is a type of bit for a Horse. With two sets of reins the gag bit gives a rider the ability to use either a standard direct action or a gag action Thickness ranges from 10-23mm, with most found at 15mm.
Mouthpiece: comes in many mouthpiece sizes, with 5" being the most standard size for the average horse, with a range from 3" for miniature horses to over 6 inches for a large warmblood or a draft horse. Miniature horses are found all over the world and come in various colors and coat patterns Warmbloods are a group of middle-weight horse types and breeds primarily originating in Europe, registered with organizations that are characterized by open studbook A draft horse, draught horse or dray horse (from the Anglo-Saxon dragan meaning to draw or haul is a large Horse bred for hard heavy tasks Various metals are used, and mouthpieces may be made in almost any type (see bit mouthpiece). The mouthpiece is the part of a horse's bit that goes into the mouth of a Horse, resting on the bars of the mouth in the sensitive interdental space where there are
Uses: One of the three most popular designs, loose rings are often used for training young horses, as the action is mild and the loose movement of the ring provides warning prior to rein pressure. The loose ring is the most common bit seen at the lower levels of dressage and on junior horses in western riding disciplines. Dressage (pronounced dress-ahhzh /ˈdrɛsɑʒ/ (a French term most commonly translated to mean "training" is a path and destination of competitive Horse training WesternClassjpg|thumb|200 px|Modern competitors in western equipment lined up at a horse show class awaiting results]] Western riding is a style of horseback riding which evolved It is also seen through all the levels of eventing (especially in the dressage phase), and is a common bit for race horses and some show jumpers. Eventing is an equestrian event which comprises Dressage, cross-country and Show-jumping. This article is about the sport For other uses see Horserace (drinking game or Horse race (politics. Show jumping, also known as "stadium jumping" or "jumpers" is a member of a family of English riding equestrian events that also includes
Eggbutt/Barrel head
Types of Bits: Found on snaffles, gag bits, and bradoons. A snaffle bit is the most common type of bit used while riding Horses. The gag bit is a type of bit for a Horse. With two sets of reins the gag bit gives a rider the ability to use either a standard direct action or a gag action A snaffle bit is the most common type of bit used while riding Horses. Pelham bits also usually have an eggbutt design for the snaffle ring on the shank. A pelham is a type of Curb bit used when riding a horse It consists of a mouthpiece a shank a Curb chain, 2 rein rings per side on the shank and one cheekpiece
Action: the eggbutt has a slightly oval (egglike) shape, and consists of a round outer ring attached to a more upright, straighter cheek which is fixed to the mouthpiece. The ring can move back and forth where it attached to the cheek, but does not rotate like the loose-ring, and so is more stable in the horse's mouth, and not as fixed as the other types of rings.
Advantages: This is a mild bit and will not pinch like the loose ring.
Disadvantages: It is more easily pulled through the mouth than a bit with cheeks.
Size and Thickness of Rings: The rings range from rounder and thinner to wider and flatter in shape. Their thickness varies from 10-23mm, and most are about 3" across.
Mouthpiece: This is also a popular bit that comes in many sizes, ranging from 3-6. 5 inches. The mouthpiece is usually solid, but may be hollow mouthed.
Uses: Eggbutts are overall one of the most popular ring designs, less common in the dressage arena than loose-rings, more often seen in show hunter disciplines. Dressage (pronounced dress-ahhzh /ˈdrɛsɑʒ/ (a French term most commonly translated to mean "training" is a path and destination of competitive Horse training The show hunter is a type of show horse in the that is judged on its movement manners and way of going particularly while jumping fences They are popular for riding schools, and sometimes in horse racing. This article is about the sport For other uses see Horserace (drinking game or Horse race (politics. Eggbutts are sometimes seen in eventing, show jumping, and equitation riding. Eventing is an equestrian event which comprises Dressage, cross-country and Show-jumping. Show jumping, also known as "stadium jumping" or "jumpers" is a member of a family of English riding equestrian events that also includes Equitation refers to a rider's position while mounted and encompasses a rider's ability to ride correctly and with effective aids They are occasionally seen in western riding. WesternClassjpg|thumb|200 px|Modern competitors in western equipment lined up at a horse show class awaiting results]] Western riding is a style of horseback riding which evolved Eggbutts are also useful as a gentle design with which to start young horses.
Dee-ring/ Racing snaffle
Types of Bits: snaffle. A snaffle bit is the most common type of bit used while riding Horses. The kimblewicke shank has a modified Dee-ring design.
Action: the Dee-ring, as its name suggest, has a ring shape like a "D" with the cheek side of the "D" attached to the mouthpiece of the bit. The straight bars of the Dee-ring provide a slight lateral guiding effect. This is because the bit ring is pulled against the side of the mouth opposite the rein that is activated, pushing the sides of the Dee against the horse's mouth, encouraging a turn. The Dee-ring is fixed in the horse's mouth, because its shape does not allow the bit to rotate. The Dee-ring is most similar to the full cheek.
Advantages: does not pinch like the loose ring, and is not as likely to be pulled through the mouth as a loose ring or eggbutt. Otherwise is fairly mild, but acts quickly on the mouth of the horse.
Disadvantages: Has little loose movement and thus provides less warning to the horse.
Size and Thickness of the Rings: The ring is usually about 3" in width, although they may reach 5" (a popular size for race horses, but illegal for horse shows). The larger the ring size, the more lateral guiding effect it has.
Mouthpiece: varies in thickness, and may be hollow or solid. Generally comes in a variety of sizes and a wide variety of mouthpieces.
Uses: Another very popular design, the Dee-ring was the traditional bit used in hunt seat riding, and is still seen in that discipline. Hunt seat is terminology used in the United States and Canada to refer to a style of forward seat riding commonly found at American Horse It is also one of the most popular designs in horse racing. This article is about the sport For other uses see Horserace (drinking game or Horse race (politics. The D-ring is not seen as often in dressage, eventing or show jumping. Dressage (pronounced dress-ahhzh /ˈdrɛsɑʒ/ (a French term most commonly translated to mean "training" is a path and destination of competitive Horse training Eventing is an equestrian event which comprises Dressage, cross-country and Show-jumping. Show jumping, also known as "stadium jumping" or "jumpers" is a member of a family of English riding equestrian events that also includes A modified Dee-ring design with the straight side and a rounder ring is sometimes seen in western riding. WesternClassjpg|thumb|200 px|Modern competitors in western equipment lined up at a horse show class awaiting results]] Western riding is a style of horseback riding which evolved
Full Cheek
Types of Bits: snaffle
Action: The cheeks of these bits extend both upward and downward, tapering as they get farther away from the mouthpiece, with a half-moon ring similar in shape to the Dee-ring or eggbutt (depending on the design). A snaffle bit is the most common type of bit used while riding Horses. The long sides provide a great deal of lateral guiding effect. The full cheek without bit keepers is more fixed in the mouth than a loose ring, and thus has a similar action to the eggbutt or Dee-ring. Use of bit keepers, however, makes the full cheek even more fixed than the Dee-ring, concentrating bit pressure on the bars and tongue.
Advantages: The full-cheek is not as likely to be pulled through the mouth as a loose-ring or eggbutt and gives considerable lateral commands.
Disadvantages: The full-cheek can easily jab or be caught on something if bit keepers are not used. In some cases, a young horse may be scared by the strong lateral pressure of the full cheek. Bit guards can help this problem. A bit guard ( cheek guard in Australia is a specialty piece of Horse Tack: a washer, usually made of flexible rubber that is sometimes used
Adjustment: The full cheek should be adjusted like any normal snaffle, although it may be placed slightly lower in the mouth when bit keepers are used. When choosing this bit, it may be best to test ride with and without bit keepers, depending on the needs of the horse.
Mouthpieces: Range in all sizes and thickness (10-21mm). Usually in solid mouths, although hollow mouths are available.
Uses: The full cheek is becoming more popular and is now seen in many disciplines, including dressage, eventing, show jumping, western riding and hunt seat. Dressage (pronounced dress-ahhzh /ˈdrɛsɑʒ/ (a French term most commonly translated to mean "training" is a path and destination of competitive Horse training Eventing is an equestrian event which comprises Dressage, cross-country and Show-jumping. Show jumping, also known as "stadium jumping" or "jumpers" is a member of a family of English riding equestrian events that also includes WesternClassjpg|thumb|200 px|Modern competitors in western equipment lined up at a horse show class awaiting results]] Western riding is a style of horseback riding which evolved Hunt seat is terminology used in the United States and Canada to refer to a style of forward seat riding commonly found at American Horse Additionally, the guiding effect makes it popular for use on young horses.
Half-Cheek/Half-Spoon
Type of bit: snaffle
Action: As the name suggests, the half-cheek has only a lower cheek, though occasionally the bit is put on upside down, with the half cheek pointing up. A snaffle bit is the most common type of bit used while riding Horses. The cheek is generally flat and spoon-like, as opposed to the long, cylindrical shape of the full cheek. The bit provides some lateral guiding effect, and is more fixed in the mouth than the loose ring.
Advantages: This bit is not as likely to be pulled through the mouth as a loose-ring or eggbutt. Additionally, it is not as likely to be caught on something, which may happen with a full-cheek used without keepers.
Mouthpieces: Size varies, Mouthpieces come in all types, except waterfords are rare. The mouthpiece is the part of a horse's bit that goes into the mouth of a Horse, resting on the bars of the mouth in the sensitive interdental space where there are
Uses: The half-cheek is most commonly seen in driving classes, because it is less likely to be caught on the harness. Combined driving also known as Horse Driving Trials is an equestrian sport involving carriage driving. It is also frequently used on young horses in Saddle seat disciplines. Saddle seat is a style of horseback riding within the category of English riding that is designed to show off the high trotting action of certain horse breeds It is sometimes seen in horse racing.
Fulmer/Australian loose-ring
Type of Bit: snaffle
Action: The fulmer is similar to the full cheek in that it has an upper and lower cheek, which taper off as they move from the mouthpiece. A snaffle bit is the most common type of bit used while riding Horses. However, the ring to which the bit is attached is not an eggbutt or Dee-ring design, but a loose ring. This bit therefore gives the lateral guiding effect of the full-cheek, without the rigidity of many other bit rings.
Advantages: Provides the rotation of the loose ring without as great a chance that the ring will pinch. Also prevents the bit from being pulled through the mouth like an eggbutt or loose ring.
Mouthpieces: Usually seen in smooth single- or double-jointed mouthpieces
Uses: not as common in the United States as other bit rings, but seen in a variety of disciplines
Baucher/Fillis/Hanging cheek/Drop cheek
Type of Bit: snaffle
Action: The baucher has an eggbutt-like ring at the mouthpiece for the rein, with an upper cheek that has a ring at its end, to which the cheekpieces of the bridle are attached. A snaffle bit is the most common type of bit used while riding Horses. The mouthpiece does not slide on its ring (which would have put the bit in the gag bit category instead of the snaffle). The gag bit is a type of bit for a Horse. With two sets of reins the gag bit gives a rider the ability to use either a standard direct action or a gag action This bit lies flat against the horse's face, and is quite fixed in the mouth and concentrates pressure on the bars. However, contrary to common belief, this bit does not create poll pressure. The poll is a name of the part of an animal's head alternatively referencing a point immediately behind or right between the ears
Advantages: will not be pulled through the mouth.
Mouthpieces: All types.
Uses: Not a common design, most often seen in eventing, during the dressage or show jumping phase. Eventing is an equestrian event which comprises Dressage, cross-country and Show-jumping. Dressage (pronounced dress-ahhzh /ˈdrɛsɑʒ/ (a French term most commonly translated to mean "training" is a path and destination of competitive Horse training Show jumping, also known as "stadium jumping" or "jumpers" is a member of a family of English riding equestrian events that also includes Also sometimes used by dressage riders. Dressage (pronounced dress-ahhzh /ˈdrɛsɑʒ/ (a French term most commonly translated to mean "training" is a path and destination of competitive Horse training May be used in preparation for the curb bit. A curb bit is a type of bit used for riding Horses that uses leverage Is never seen in western riding, where it is illegal for show. WesternClassjpg|thumb|200 px|Modern competitors in western equipment lined up at a horse show class awaiting results]] Western riding is a style of horseback riding which evolved
- NOTE: the Baucher is commonly misused in an upside-down position (seen here [1]), with the cheek containing the smaller ring hanging below the bit, as if the reins were supposed to attach at that point. However, the small ring on the cheek is intended for attaching the cheekpieces and not the reins. Improper positioning makes the cheek into a short bit shank and behave somewhat like a curb bit without the curb chain. The bit shank is the side piece or cheekpiece of a Curb bit, part of the Bridle, used when riding on Horses The bit shank allows leverage to A curb bit is a type of bit used for riding Horses that uses leverage However, this fitting is illegal in competition; it is both illogical and potentially unsafe to use a bit in a manner contrary to its design.
Other Bit Rings
- Full-spoon: similar to the full-cheek, except the cheeks are flat and spoon-like instead of round and cylindrical. The cheeks are generally shorter than those found on a full-cheek.
- Flat-ring: Similar to the loose-ring, but the circular ring has been flattened so it has edges. Generally more common in western riding. WesternClassjpg|thumb|200 px|Modern competitors in western equipment lined up at a horse show class awaiting results]] Western riding is a style of horseback riding which evolved Has similar action as the loose-ring, though is a little more stable in the horse's mouth and the rings may be less likely to pinch.
- Tubular Butt: Similar to the eggbutt but with a sliding loose-ring and is suitable for use with reins that are connected with various knots.
See also
References and External links
A bridle is a piece of equipment used to control a Horse. The bridle fits over a horse's head and has the purpose of controlling the horse A bit used in equestrian activities is a piece of metal or similar synthetic material that is placed in the mouth of a Horse or other Equid and allows The bit shank is the side piece or cheekpiece of a Curb bit, part of the Bridle, used when riding on Horses The bit shank allows leverage to Tack is a term used to describe any of the various equipment and accessories worn by Horses in the course of their use as domesticated Animals Saddles stirrupsDapyx Software network: MP3 Explorer | Ebook Manager | Zenithic