Choosing the Best Walking Horse or Gaited Horse Bit

Most gaited horses and walking horses are ridden in curb bits or bits with shanks, allowing a rider to have a longer rein yet still being effective in communicating with the horse. Gaited horse bits are designed to add leverage for a more upright head carriage that a walking horse or gaited horse naturally has. Walking horse bits come with different options for the mouthpiece such as a low port, single joint snaffle, copper mouthpiece, and a slow twist or square twist. The cheek pieces are usually a bradoon style, half cheek, and a Weymouth or English curb bit.

Curb bits have longer shanks for the cheek pieces that come in different lengths, with a curb chain or strap under the chin. These bits work by using a lever-type action when a rider pulls on the reins, increasing pressure on the mouth and chin of the horse.

A gag bit for walking horses and gaited horses helps a rider lift a horse up, raising their head and helping if a horse hollows their neck or back. The gag bit uses pressure mostly on the lips and jaw of the horse. No matter what you prefer to use as a walking horse or gaited horse bit, there are plenty of options to meet your needs!

Frequently Asked Questions About Walking and Gaited Horse Bits

What bit is best for a gaited horse?

The best bits for a gaited horse are snaffle bits, curb bits, and gag bits for horses. These gaited horse bits are popular for many riders that ride walking horses and gaited horses as they all allow different levels of control and communication for the horse while being able to ride on a longer rein for a more relaxing ride.

What is a walking horse bit?

A walking horse bit often has longer shanks that allow the rider minimal pressure on the reins in order to communicate with the horse. Walking horse or gaited horse bits can come as gag bits, curb bits, and snaffle bits.