Bit Breakdown Part 2: Additional Bit Elements
When it comes to barrel racing, bits are a central component in controlling and communicating with your horse. Many riders focus on the main elements like the shanks, purchase, and mouthpieces, but there are additional bit elements that can play just as important a role in performance. These smaller components can make a significant difference in how a bit functions and how your horse responds.
In this post, we’ll explore how each element affects the mechanics of different bits, helping you make informed decisions for your tack room.
Combination Noseband Bit – How Do They Work?
A combination bit with a noseband is a hybrid piece of tack that merges the mechanics of a hackamore with those of a traditional bit. This design distributes pressure not only on the horse’s mouth but also on its nose and poll, providing a more versatile range of control. The noseband’s role in this setup is crucial because it engages the horse's nose first before the bit, which allows the rider to create a gentler but more effective signal.
Reinsman Johnson Combo Bit (Hailey Kinsel's "Sister" Bit)
Combination bits are particularly helpful for horses that tend to be over-bendy or get too soft in the corners of their mouths. By adding pressure on the nose alongside the mouthpiece, the bit can square a horse up more effectively. This can help horses maintain balance and stability throughout a run.
Professional's Choice Brittany Pozzi Wire Wrapped Combo Bit
It’s important to remember that not all combination bits are created equal. Some have a gag function built-in, which can delay the bit’s action and be beneficial for horses that need a bit of freedom before feeling the full pressure. It’s also critical to adjust the fit properly, ensuring the noseband sits in the right place. Too low on the nose could cause discomfort and affect performance, while too high will reduce its effectiveness.
Martha Josey Million Dollar Bit
Bit Guards – Why You Could Need Them
Bit guards are small discs—typically made from rubber or leather or neoprene—that are placed on either side of the mouthpiece. They prevent the bit from pinching the sensitive skin at the corners of your horse's mouth, which can happen with bits that have a lot of moving parts, such as gags or shank bits with hinges.
Jerry Beagley Neoprene Bit Guards
When the skin at the corners of a horse’s mouth gets pinched, it can cause pain and even result in sores. This discomfort leads to resistance, which ultimately impacts your horse’s performance. By using bit guards, you create a smoother interaction between the bit and the horse's mouth, encouraging better communication and preventing any unnecessary discomfort.
Cashel Black Rubber Bit Guards
It’s especially important to use bit guards on bits that have additional movement, like gags or sliding mouthpieces. In addition to protecting your horse, they also stabilize the bit, ensuring the mechanics of the bit work as intended without irritating the horse.
Reinsman Easy Button Bit Guards
Reins: How To Choose The Best Set For You
Reins may seem like a simple piece of equipment, but their weight, material, and feel all contribute to how effectively a bit communicates with the horse. The type of reins you choose can dramatically impact how your hands interact with the bit and how your horse responds to your cues.
Gale Beebe 9 Strand Barrel Reins
Heavy reins, such as those made from thick leather or braided rope, offer more weight, which means that when you release pressure, the reins naturally fall back, providing a clear signal to your horse. Heavier reins are often favored by colt starters or trainers working with young horses because they create a distinct contrast between tension and release, which is a key part of teaching responsiveness.
Martin Latigo Laced Barrel Reins
On the other hand, lighter reins may work better for riders who need quicker, more subtle communication, especially in high-speed events like barrel racing. Whether you choose heavy or light reins will depend on your riding style, the specific horse you’re working with, and the type of bit you're using. Reins that balance well with the bit can fine-tune the interaction, ensuring that your signals are clear and precise.
Curb Strap: Different Types & How To Adjust
The curb strap is an often underestimated headgear element, but it has a critical role in how the bit functions in the horse’s mouth. Curb straps are used to apply pressure under the horse’s chin once the shanks or mouthpiece are engaged. This helps reinforce the message that the bit is sending, providing a secondary point of contact beyond the mouthpiece itself.
Martin Latigo Chain Curb Strap
Curb straps can be made from different materials, such as leather, soft rope, or chain. Each type offers a different level of severity, with chain curbs typically being more aggressive and leather or rope curbs offering a gentler feel. The key to using a curb strap effectively is in its adjustment. A properly adjusted curb strap should allow about two fingers of space between the horse’s jaw and the strap when the bit is at rest. Too tight, and the curb strap engages too quickly, making the bit harsh and uncomfortable. Too loose, and it won’t provide the desired reinforcement.
Martin Stainless Steel Chain Curb
Some riders prefer chain curb straps for horses that need sharper corrections, while others opt for leather to maintain a softer, more gradual pressure. Adjusting the curb strap to the correct tightness allows the bit to work smoothly.
Jerry Beagley Blood Knot Leather Curb Strap
As a rider, it's easy to focus solely on the big-picture elements of a bit—the shank length, mouthpiece type, or purchase—but it’s the smaller elements that can make or break the success of your tack setup. Combination nosebands, bit guards, reins, and curb straps each play a role in improving the effectiveness of your bit setup. Together, these additional bit elements work in harmony with the main mechanics of the bit to provide nuanced control, comfort, and performance.
Remember, the right setup for one horse might not work for another, so take the time to experiment with different configurations and adjustments. By carefully selecting and adjusting these components, you can better tailor your tack to meet the needs of both you and your horse. Whether you're preparing for competition or daily training, understanding and using these elements can make a significant difference in your horse’s performance and overall well-being.