Horse Training Tip - Bit Position

The correct bit position means comfort for your horse and a softer more responsive mouth. Is your bit is hanging too high or too low in your horse’s mouth? If you are riding in a snaffle, adjust the headstall so that the bit rests against the lips and creates half a wrinkle or none at all. This placement will encourage your horse to relax his jaw and make it easier for him to feel when rein contact has been established or released. For a horse that is intimidated by the bit and very tight in the jaw, letting the snaffle hang a bit loose in the mouth will encourage him to soften as he picks it up and mouthes it. Since a curb bit is heavier, it has a tendency to bang around in the mouth if it’s too low. It also needs to be steadier in the mouth to give precise signals. However, if it’s too high it presses uncomfortably against your horse’s teeth and lips. In the correct position, the curb bit will form one distinct wrinkle at each corner of your horse’s mouth.

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