Bits N’ Such Equestrian

06/15/2026

All you need is two rubber bit guards and a dowel rod or the handle of a wooden spoon, large enough to hold the bit guards steady but small enough for you to be able to move them.

Place the dowel or spoon gently in your horse’s mouth where the bit would normally sit. The goal is for it to rest in the corners of the lips without creating wrinkles.

Once it’s in position, slide the rubber bit guards up so they sit flush against each side of the lips. This helps mark the exact space the bit would occupy. The rubber guards will stay where you place them, making it much easier to get an accurate measurement at home.

Remove the rod/spoon and measure the distance between the inside edges of the rubber guards. That’s your horse’s approximate bit size.

Have questions? Ask!

06/13/2026

When we talk about bit selection, most riders focus on the shape of the mouthpiece and whether the bit fits their horse correctly. But there’s another factor that’s just as important: what the bit is made from.

This is an article worth reading. It focuses on the importance of considering material as well as fit, and includes conversations with a variety of bit manufacturers to better understand modern materials.

There has been a rise in generic, unbranded bits that closely resemble trusted branded designs. Unfortunately, not all of these products are manufactured to the same standards. Some lower-quality bits may contain lead, which can be added during the casting process so the bit doesn’t need to be heated to such a high temperature. Because bits are designed to oxidize in the horse’s mouth to encourage salivation, when lead is used in the metal it can potentially leach into the horse’s system. A gold-colored mouthpiece isn't always what it appears to be.

Beyond material concerns, lower-quality bits may also be more susceptible to wear, weakness, or breakage.

This is one of the many reasons we encourage riders to look beyond appearance and price when selecting equipment. Bit fit is critical, but so is bit quality. Investing in products from trusted manufacturers helps ensure you're putting something safe, durable, and thoughtfully engineered in your horse’s mouth. It’s why we're selective about the brands we carry and recommend.

06/13/2026

Serious discussion about bits at Hof Bettenrode on our Germany trip!

06/05/2026

Kim recently came across a blind wolf tooth in one of her clinics.

“I found one blind wolf tooth on the upper jaw of a horse that was brought to me because it would never take a contact. The horse always had to be ridden with a loose rein.

Understanding the physics of how bits work is crucial! A snaffle bit, with the exception of a hanging cheek or baucher, will always slide up in the mouth when contact is taken and rotate downward onto the bars and tongue. Even though this was on the upper jaw the lack of space in the mouth was still an issue. In this horse's case, every time contact was taken on the reins, the bit made contact with the wolf tooth. The owner was told that the wolf tooth did not need to be removed, as it would never be a problem.

I referred the client to a dental specialist who removed the tooth and noted that the tooth had been constantly moved by the bit and was surrounded by scar tissue. In addition to the owner having the wolf tooth removed, I fitted the horse with a bit to remove the pressure from that area. This guy will feel way better in a couple of weeks!”

06/04/2026

We’re on our way home from a packed trip to Germany. Lots of bit fittings and very productive meetings with suppliers.

06/03/2026

Kim and Felicia spent the day at Otto Schumacher’s German production facility working on new ideas 💡

05/08/2026

The updated USEF Annex A has been published with updates. Be sure to check that your equipment is legal!

https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/96D17lSsaCo/annex---bits-saddlery-equipment?fbclid=IwZnRzaARqQ1NleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEez1Q7NKQ09bieGvCMQa-TJuudKl254P1a1_oSQYVjSw-NF529O4_lcVJn3NU_aem_Gil766ieyy9VHRzUk1DucA

05/05/2026

We are excited to offer the new Bombers Generous Port mouthpiece as a Weymouth, Loose Ring snaffle, Eggbutt snaffle or any other cheekpiece offered by Bombers.
Kim tested the Weymouth with top riders and her own horse and had very good results.
For more information or to try this bit in a fitting contact Kim or Felicia to participate in a clinic!
[email protected]
901-286-8892

06/29/2025

Kim spent the day in Rheinberg, Germany fitting bits for Isabell Werth’s horses including her current star Wendy!

12/10/2024

Interesting research.

https://askanimalweb.com/rein-forces-in-double-bridles-versus-snaffle-bridles/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0Gk_zokh2HNJGK3zBQsGx9hNlBQNwIEyDuNOnlvV4S-VbecQpD5o_wYAQ_aem_D-yWCL7zJXc8SG4w-4tz_Q

There has been a huge amount of speculation concerning double bridles recently, with many suggesting that snaffles are “kinder” or “more gentle”. Last year, a large group of researchers, including myself, undertook a study to measure rein tensions and under-bridle pressures in 13 high-level ...