Which bit is right for my horse and me? What is the difference between olive head D-ring and shank snaffles? When should I use a 3-ring bit and when should I use a Pelham?
In our lastBlog post 'How do I find the right bit?' we have explained how to determine the right bit size - i.e. bit width and bit strength - and what the difference is between single and double jointed bits and bar bits.
You can now find out which side piece you should choose:
The term "water snaffle" has long been established in all stable lanes. It refers to a bit with continuous rings. Incidentally, this is a real all-rounder! When the reins are tightened, the pressure is transferred to the horse's lower jaw via the tongue. Water snaffles are basically suitable for every horse and every level of training, as the movable rings can also cushion a somewhat unsteady rider's hand to a certain extent. Regardless of whether you are a beginner or a professional, whether you want to start your horse or master a course: the water snaffle is the "basic" par excellence.
Olive head, D-ring and shank snaffles are the "framers" among the bits. The fixed rings literally frame the horse's mouth. This makes it even easier for you to ride turns, for example, as the boundary on the outside rein is supported.
Similar to a water snaffle, these models only exert pressure in the horse's mouth when there is tension on the reins. Your rein aids are transmitted more directly than with a classic water snaffle because, unlike a water snaffle, the movements of the rider's hand are not cushioned here. Due to the soft transitions between the rings and mouthpiece, the bit lies particularly quietly in the horse's mouth. The ideal choice if your horse has very sensitive mouth angles.
Because they frame the horse's mouth laterally and thus provide a limiting effect, they are the ideal choice if your horse is difficult to turn. However, these models can also be just the right solution for horses that have a very restless or overactive mouth and tend to play around with the bit due to their calm position in the horse's mouth.
Perfect framework conditions - but with which model?
Spoilt for choice: Which bit is the right choice? Olive head D-ring or shank snaffle?
Basically, the larger the contact surface between the side part and the corner of the horse's mouth, the greater the lateral limitation. So compare the side elements of the bits with each other and decide how strong you want the lateral limitation to be. If you want it to be rather mild, we recommend an olive head or D-ring snaffle. If you want a clearly framing effect, you can go for a shank snaffle.
What exactly is a leverage effect - and how does it develop in the horse's mouth? If you choose a bit with a leverage effect, the pressure created by the rein action is distributed to other points of action on the horse's head - for example the poll. If, for example, you need the greatest possible control on the course, this effect can be very useful to stay in communication with your horse even if it wants to pull away.
But beware: Riders should always be careful never to exert too much or too long an influence on the horse's neck! That is why we only recommend bits with leverage for experienced riders with controlled hand action.
Pelhams and curbs always act on three different points on the horse's head. The pressure is applied to the horse's tongue as well as its poll and lower jaw area. Every rein rein applied by the rider is therefore distributed to the various pressure points on the horse's head. This allows you to exert the best possible influence and control even strong or impetuous horses. At the same time, you are able to communicate with the finest rein aids because they are transmitted so concisely.
But be careful: Correct basic training and rideability of your horse are the prerequisites for using a Pelham or curb bit. And you should also be able to work with a sensitive hand. Because the horse's lower jaw is very sensitive, we recommend using a chin chain pad.