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Choosing the Right Western Horse Bit
Knowing how to choose the right Western horse bit can help you and your horse communicate better, resulting in better training and performance. Most riders think of traditional shank bits when they think of a Western horse bit, however, there are many types of Western bits:
- Correction and Port bits
- Tom Thumb bits
- Curb bits
- Shank Snaffle bits
- O-Ring Snaffle bits
- Western D-Ring Snaffle bits
- Dog Bone bits
- Sweet Iron bits
- Twisted Wire bits
- Roller bits
- Spade bits
- Spoon Bits
- Gag bits
Frequently Asked Questions About Western Horse Bits
What is a Western horse bit?
Western horse bits are used for Western disciplines and usually have long shanks for the cheek piece or more decorative type O-ring snaffles. The longer shanks of Western bits work better for one-handed riding to give clear aids to your horse from the reins.
Is a Western bit right for my horse?
A Western bit can be the right fit for your horse if you ride with a Western saddle and have a Western headstall type bridle. Western bits can be used for everything from Western pleasure, trail riding, cow sorting and ranch work, reining, barrel racing, team penning, and roping.
How to choose the right type of western bit for my horse?
Knowing how to choose the right type of Western bit for your horse starts with knowing what you are trying to accomplish or improve with your horse. If you are just looking for a general bit that is good for pleasure riding, trails, starting young horses, or a well-trained horse, then a general snaffle bit is a good option. A Western D-Ring bit can be mild and used for a variety of Western disciplines as well. If you are needing to correct a heavy horse, increase leverage, or correct behaviors in training then a correction and port bit may be necessary.