The Roller Bit for English and Western Horses
The roller bit is named after the small rotating barrels placed on a bit’s mouthpiece. The roller on the bit rotates, giving the horse’s tongue something to play with and promoting saliva and helping the horse relax their jaw and to accept the bit.
A roller may be placed in the middle of the mouthpiece or along the arms of the mouthpiece. Different horses may react more positively to one type or another, while other horses may play with the bit too much for it to be useful.
A popular material for a roller bit is copper. Copper helps to promote salivation as well and help the horse to accept the bit.
It is important to choose a top-quality roller bit as some roller bits might pinch the tongue. Be sure to inspect the rollers carefully for any burrs or bent areas. If possible, roll the bit over the underside of your arm to be sure it doesn’t pinch or stab your skin.
Roller bits are available in many bit styles such as the snaffle bit with rollers, shank bit with rollers, D ring roller, loose ring roller bit and more.