Can You Identify These Horse Bits?

ANIMALS

By: Kennita Leon

5 Min Quiz

Image: Wiki Commons via Alpha

About This Quiz

Chances are you know this already, but just in case you don't, a horse bit is a type of accessory that is used in certain equestrian activities. It rests near the horse's mouth (the area where there are no teeth) and is meant to provide negative reinforcement to the horse. Made out of a variety of materials, a horse bit helps mold a horse's behavior; when the rider pulls on the reins, the bit adds pressure to the horse's mouth. When the reins are pulled softly, less pressure is added. 

While studies have shown that horses can become stressed and unpredictable when too much pressure is constantly added, soft, consistent pulling is acceptable. Horse bits have become very popular and just as necessary when dealing with horses. So, we want to know if you can recognize the different types that exist. 

Some horse bits, like the mullen mouth, are more comfortable for the animal, while others like the Doc Bristol are said to be severe. Some bits that encourage salivation are easy for the horse to carry, while others are frowned upon. Can you tell the difference between the comfy and the cruel ones? Can you identify these horse bits if we show you a picture?  


Which horse bit is this?

This bit is a simple mouthpiece with a slight curvature so that it rests comfortably over the horse's tongue.

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Which mouthpiece is this?

Thick bit mouthpieces, which may be uncomfortable to some horses, are generally used to produce a softer action in the horse's mouth.

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Can you identify this bit?

A port is an inverted "U" shape which is located in the center mouthpiece of some bits.

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What is this horse bit called?

Keys, which are also called a mouthing bit, are three keys which are located on a center ring in the mouthpiece.

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What do equestrians call this one?

This type of mouthpiece, which is attached by a single joint in the middle, creates a V-shape when the reins are applied.

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Is this a rollers or a Dr. Bristol?

Rollers, which are sometimes found on bits with ports and spades, are used to slightly increase the severity of the bit.

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What is this mouthpiece called?

This bit is characterized by straight, well-decorated shanks and a mouthpiece with a flat, rounded plate fixed above a narrow port.

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What is this one named?

Wire bit mouthpieces are thin, and place pressure on a small area of the bars of the mouth and lips, and on the tongue.

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Can you tell us the correct name of this horse bit?

French link mouthpieces are characterized by a flat peanut shape link in the middle which connects two other links.

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Is this a half-moon mouthpiece?

This bit is shaped for comfort and control, thus reducing tongue pressure and palate injury risk.

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Which horse bit is this?

This type of mouthpiece is thought to be a gentler bit as compared to those with a jointed mouthpiece.

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Which mouthpiece is this?

Chain mouthpieces are made from regular chain, bicycle or chainsaw links, which makes it very uncomfortable for the horse.

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Can you identify this bit?

Rollers may be made of copper, stainless steel or an alternating pattern between the two. They are often seen on the full cheek snaffle.

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What is this horse bit called?

Twisted mouthpieces, which are similar to simple jointed snaffles, are characterized by a twist formed in the middle of the bit, which may be large or tight.

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What do equestrians call this one?

Mouthpieces with a single joint create a nutcracker effect on the bars of the mouth, on the lips and over the tongue.

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Is this the Dr. Bristol or the port?

This bit resembles the French link, but differs in that the link is longer and set at a slight angle.

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What is this mouthpiece called?

This mouthpiece is commonly used on many horses due to the comfort of the weight. It's bulkier in diameter, but hollow.

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What is this one called?

Like the name suggests, this mouthpiece features a small ball in the middle of the bit which sits directly on the horse's tongue.

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Can you tell us the correct name of this horse bit?

Rollers are sometimes manufactured with copper in order to encourage salivation in the horse.

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Is this a spade bit?

A spade bit is considered to be a highly technical piece of equipment which represents the highest level of trust between a horse and rider.

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Which horse bit is this?

Wire bit mouthpieces usually come in three types: straight, jointed or double offset twists.

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Which mouthpiece is this?

Thinner mouthpieces result in a more severe bit, due to the pressure placed on the bars of the mouth and a thin area of the tongue.

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Can you identify this bit?

The mullen mouth bit, as compared to a straight mouthpiece, is slightly more comfortable for a horse to carry.

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What is this horse bit called?

Keys, which are used to introduce young horses to bits, are small elongated beads of metal attached to the mouthpiece.

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What do equestrians call this one?

The French link is considered to be easier for a horse to carry and milder than a mullen mouth or single joint.

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Is this a spade bit or a Dr. Bristol?

This mouthpiece has a slight nutcracker action and is more severe than the mullen mouth or the French mouth.

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What is this mouthpiece called?

Like the wire bit mouthpiece, the chain mouthpiece is very severe and is considered to be very cruel.

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What is this one named?

Ports may be very high or shallow and may have other additions which spin or rattle.

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Can you tell us the correct name of this horse bit?

Wire bit mouthpieces are very severe. Thus, they are frowned upon by many trainers.

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Is this a ball link mouthpiece?

This bit is slightly more severe than the French link, due to the pressure placed on the horse's tongue.

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Which horse bit is this?

This bit is slightly more severe than the French link, due to the pressure placed on the horse's tongue.

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Which mouthpiece is this?

The half moon bit has a curve. This provides room for the tongue.

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Can you identify this bit?

Unlike a jointed mouthpiece, there is no nutcracker effect when the reins are pulled, making the mullenmouth bit gentler and more comfortable.

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What is this horse bit called?

A jointed mouthpiece has a nutcracker effect when the reins are pulled. This bit is less gentle than a mullen mouth bit.

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What do equestrians call this one?

The hollow mouthpiece is lighter in weight than many bits which are made with a solid mouthpiece. This is more comfortable for the horse.

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Is this a spade bit or a mullen mouth bit?

This elaborate, complex bit can only be used by a skilled rider and a horse who have had at least five to seven years of training.

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What is this mouthpiece called?

Roller bits encourage the horse to salivate. Rollers are also prevent the horse from leaning too much on the bit mouthpiece.

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What was this one named?

The French link is a small flat piece in the center of the mouthpiece. It is flat and shaped like a peanut.

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Can you tell us the correct name of this horse bit?

Ports, which are found on English, western and driving bridles, are generally used in more advanced riding. The port is shaped like an inverted U.

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Is this a keys bit?

A bit with keys gives the horse something to play with, with his tongue. This may reduce other unwanted behaviors, such as head tossing.

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