The presence of the bit in the mouth can change air pressures inside the mouth and nose, leading to interference with breathing function [1, 5] Bit pain or pressure may be used to coerce horse performance and posture, even when more gentle training techniques are available.
It's harder for your horse to properly chew with a bit. The bit rests on the tongue and therefore interferes with tongue/chewing action. I have seen a bit after a horse has snacked along the trail, often there are wads of grass mucked up on the bit.
A bit is a tool of refinement, which means it should take something that is working well and make it feel even better. So no, they are not necessary, but for some horses a bit offers a level of refinement that is too amazing to miss!
If you've ever wondered, "What is the gentlest bit for a horse?" you will find that most sources suggest the Eggbutt snaffle due to its thick mouthpiece and loose ring bits. The Eggbutt Snaffle does not pinch the sides of the horse's mouth and exerts minimal lateral pressure.
They may invert, hollow the back and come above the bit, or they may become resistant when you ask for a downward transition and toss/raise their head. They may develop a busy mouth, chomping and chewing and even grabbing the bit and trying to snatch the contact away from you.
Eggbutt, D-Ring and Full Cheek snaffles
The smooth transitions to the sideparts make these bits suitable for horses with sensitive mouth corners.
Once all hand feeding has been eliminated the effective horse person will watch the horse closely and instantly take action on the very moment the horse initiates a bite. The action should be to bump the horse on the shin with your boot, not kick the horse, bump the horse, pain is not advisable.
Most riders agree that bits can cause pain to horses. A too-severe bit in the wrong hands, or even a soft one in rough or inexperienced hands, is a well-known cause of rubs, cuts and soreness in a horse's mouth. Dr. Cook's research suggests the damage may go even deeper — to the bone and beyond.
Snaffle Bits
A snaffle consists of a mouthpiece attached to two rings and is an example of a horse bit that does not exert poll pressure. These cheek types are dressage-legal as long as they are paired with a permitted mouthpiece.
An easy solution to get your horse to open their mouth and take the bit is to stick your thumb straight into the corner of the horse's mouth. There are no teeth in this part of a horse's mouth, so you don't have to worry about your finger getting bit. Once your thumb is in place, you can wiggle it over their tongue.
The Bitless Bridle provides better steering than a bit or natural hackamore/rope halter, and more reliable brakes than a bit or sidepull. Freedom from pain results in calmness and obedience. A Bitless Bridle is also wonderful for starting young horses under saddle.
The two most common bits worn by racehorses are a D-bit and a ring bit. Both bits are snaffles, meaning the mouthpiece is made up of two jointed segments of metal. The D-bit is easiest on a horse's mouth and the simplest. Its name describes the D-shaped rings that attach the ends of the bit to the bridle.
When you take that equipment off, the horses' first reaction is to open their mouths – who can blame them? Trying to get the tongue over the bit is simply an attempt to get away from the bit pressure – the horse is trying to relieve the pressure in its mouth.
Usually when horses lean on the bit it's because they are fitted with a single jointed snaffle which is pinching due to its nutcracker action. The horse then stiffens his tongue and pushes his jaw out to flatten the bit and stop it pinching.
In some instances, they will physically grab the bit between the teeth in order to reduce the pressure. If a horse is uncomfortable and a noseband is employed to shut the mouth, it will simply compound the situation as the pressure and subsequent discomfort will be accentuated.
The mildest of all mouthpieces is the mullen mouth, which is essentially a straight bar across the horse's mouth. This type is common in curb bits and spreads the pressure evenly on the tongue.
One of the best ways to stop a mouthy horse, and especially horses that bite, is to back them up. Backing Up is a very humbling exercise for a horse to do. When a horse gets mouthy or tries to bite you, it's a very forward action; he's coming forward to get you.
A full cheek snaffle, Pelham or elevator bit should fit snugly next to the horse's cheek, but should not squeeze or pinch. For a loose ring snaffle or any bit with moveable rings, make sure that the horse's lips completely clear the bit ring holes by 1/8 inch on each side.
Some horses enjoy having their heads and ears rubbed. Horses often groom each other on the whither, so this would be a good place to try too.
Be sure to stay away from the sensitive areas of the horse like the eyes, ears, muzzle, and belly of the horse. While some horses might be OK with you petting these areas, many are sensitive and won't like to be touched there.
Horses aren't just for humans to show one another affection. Did you know that horses hug too? Just make sure that you're on the horse's good side before hugging them, and remember that if they start licking you or breathing on you it is often because they appreciate your company.
When the horse reaches to bite you, look straight ahead and tap him lightly on the shin of his leg with your foot. Do NOT create pain, just surprise. You want him to associate his effort to bite with a distracting tap on his shin. No fights.
Horses can be disrespectful in many ways; here are the most common disrespectful behaviors when it comes to dealing with horses: Grazing While Being Led or Ridden. Bumping Into You. Dragging You or Walking Too Slow When Being Led.