What is a Port?

A port is an inverted “U” in the middle of the mouthpiece in some bits. A very low port may appear to be only a slight rise, while a very high port can be quite high. A very low port allows room for the horse's tongue.

A high port, in addition to giving the tongue relief, also places pressure on the palate of the horse’s mouth when the reins are pulled. Some snaffle bits have a port, but they are most commonly seen on curb bits. Some ports will also have a roller that connects the two branches of the U.

Used improperly, a high ported bit can be very painful or damaging for a horse. Ports that are solid, rather than made of a U shaped bar are called spoons or spades.