SmartPak Monday Morning Feed: Materials & Purposes of Western Bits and How They Work in Your Horse’s Mouth

There are so many choices when it comes to bits — from materials to mouthpieces to shape … the list goes on.

Last week, we took a look at the types and parts of western bits. This week, we’re expanding the topic by covering the design of western bits and how they’re supposed to function for a horse and in a horse’s mouth. So, here are two more videos with Robb Thomas from Reinsman Equestrian — the videos are aimed at helping us make educated choices when deciding on a western bit for our horses.

This video is technically the second video in the series, but we’re presenting as the third. It covers which western bit material is best for your specific horse. Thomas explains the differences between a bit made of sweet iron, copper, “sweet and sour” materials, stainless steel, rubber, or plastic.

In the fourth and final video, Thomas gets to the meat of the topic — how western bits function in a horse’s mouth. As he points out, this is really where the fun in the conversation begins. In this video, he describes how bits provide pressure on the horse’s mouth and poll to solicit aids from the rider, as well as gives tips on bits for sensitive horses.

The more you know, the better you can do for your horse. Fortunately, there are folks like SmartPak that are always willing and ready to help. Go SmartPak and go riding!