The overwhelming variety of horse bit is confusing. To the casual observer why the huge variety This has arisen over time in response to the needs of different riders and their specific activity. Also what might be surprising to the non horse person is the great variety of different horse activities. This variety has been a key in the origin of differently performing horse bits and especially in competition where this can be difference in winning and loosing. A pelham or pelham bit have a good degree of flexibility in form.
Probably the most commonly known horse activities are horse racing, equestrian events such as show jumping, and sports such as polo and driving. Within each of these sections there is wide variety of challenges that can require different horse bits for maximum performance.
For dressage except for the upper levels, where the double bridle is allowed, horses may only be ridden in snaffle type bits. And also there are rigourous guidelines as to what type of snaffle may be used. For cross country the rules on horse tack are significantly more flexible and allows the use of gag bits, hackamores and a simple noseband.
With horse racing the Racing Snaffle or more generally the Dee-ring snaffle is one of the most widely used designs. The Dee-ring snaffle has two rings either side of the mouthpiece with the distinctive D shape. The straight bars of the Dee-ring is pulled against the side of the mouth opposite to the rein pulled, pushing the sides of the Dee against the horse’s mouth provide the ability to guide the horse and turn as required in a race.
Horse eventing is a multi-discipline event involving dressage, cross-country and show jumping which tests the ability of the horse and the rider to the limit. From the viewpoint of the event rider there are seemingly competing issues that might confound choosing perfect multipurpose horse bits e.g.the tom thumb bit. One needs fine control during dressage, somewhat more free rein for jumping so that the horse can gain time between fences and finally in the case of cross country allowing the horse to efficiently apply power, without too many distractions.
In the case of show jumping in general a bit that gives good control is popular especially with a heavier horse that might lean on the bit or take hold. The dutch gag bit is a popular solution and when rein pressure is applied the bit slides upward rotating slightly in the mouth which gives the signal to to the horse. Show jumpers find the Cheltenham a popular type of gag bit. The Cheltenham gag is a specific gag bit often used by show jumpers. It has “eggbutt” rings, which help prevent the lip pinching that can occur with a loose ring snaffle.
Where the snaffle looses its effect the curb can step in where it provides extra leverage to the riders rein control. In show jumping the swales 3 in 1 bit which is a modification of the old Swales driving bit| swales 3 in 1 which is a modified old fashioned swales} has become popular with show jumpers who like it because it works well on strong horses. Also problems going overbent can be reduced by the Swales 3 in 1 bit as it doesn’t affect the horse’s poll.
Some horses will rush off after jumping clear and which affects the whole balance of the round. It might be tempting to go for a curb style bit that will pull up the horse but as is often the case fix the issue by training the horse correctly rather than “fixing” the problem when it happens. Be aware that a horse that rushes his fences may be reacting to a poor choice of horse bit, maybe it is pinching him .
The types of issues that the horse rider has to address in their choice of horse bit are not far removed from the issues of professional riders in horse racing, show jumping and the like. However what you often find is that the success of the rider and horse is typically achieved through the skill of the rider and not the application of a particular bit to fix a particular problem