Different Types of Bit Mouth Pieces

A bit with a mullen mouth is a plain mouthpiece, with a slight curvature so that it sits comfortably over the horses tongue. This type of mouthpiece will be slightly more comfortable for a horse to carry than a straight bar mouthpiece. The mullen mouth is thought to be a gentler bit than one with a jointed mouthpiece, as there is no nutcracker effect when the reins are pulled. Mullen mouths are seen on both snaffle and curb bits such as mullen mouth grazing bits, or English and Western style pelhams.

Examples of Mullen Mouth Bits:

• Half Spoon Snaffle
• The Pelham Bit - English Bits - English Pelham Bit

Rollers can be made of stainless steel or copper, or are often seen in an alternating pattern as on this full check snaffle. The function of the cooper rollers is to encourage salivation, while the rollers themselves are felt to prevent the horse from leaning on the bit. The rollers increase the severity of the bit slightly. Rollers are also seen on bits with ports and spades.

Bits With Rollers

• English Full Cheek Snaffle Bit

Ports can be quite low or very high. Some port will have rollers or keys. Both English and western bits may have ports. Learn why bits have ports.

Examples of Bits with Ports

• Western Grazing Bit Explained
• Western Correction Bit Explained

Single joints create a nutcracker effect that acts on the bars of the mouth, over the tongue and on the lips. For some horses, this bit may actually be easier to carry than a straight bar snaffle.

Examples of Bits with Single Joints

• Eggbutt Snaffle
• Wilson Snaffle
• English Full Cheek Snaffle

French link mouthpieces have a flat peanut shaped link in the middle to make two links. The French link mouthpiece is thought to be milder than a single joint or mullen mouth and easier for the horse to carry. A lozenge bit looks very similar to a French link, but the straighter link puts more pressure on the tongue.

Also called a Doc Bristol, this bit has a flat link in the middle, and looks slightly like a French link. The difference is that the link is longer and set at a slight angle, so the edge of the link has more bearing on the tongue when the reins are pulled. Like the French link, the Dr. Bristol has a slight nutcracker action. A Dr. Bristol mouthpiece is more severe than a French mouth or mullen mouth.

The ball link of this bit sits directly on the horses tongue. While the nutcracker effect is lessened, there is more pressure on the horses tongue. This bit is slightly more severe than a French link, but less than a Dr. Bristol as there is no edge on the link to press into the tongue.