this is so helpful as a beginner! all the different bits kind of intimidated me, so this was a great way to break down the what's, why's, and how's of each type. thank you!!
As a beginner, please don’t use bits at all. Horses don’t usually need them and beginners are notorious for having hard hands and using bits as a way to hang on. Don’t use bits until you know how to actually ride. Or better yet, don’t use them at all: my horse rides perfectly off of leg pressure and rarely needs contact from the hackamore or rope halter (whatever I’m riding in).
ahh yay! happy to hear a professional talk about this. i always try and just use a simple loose ring french link snaffle but do occasionally come across a horse that i need a little more to avoid hauling on his/her mouth, especially out XC. i’ll usually just pick a pelham if i come across that so i can ride primarily on the snaffle rein:) just gotta make sure to avoid anything twisted haha
@@crayeventer2848 , what evidence do you have to present that " rolling " a bit for a horse indicates comfort ? Does this horse " roll " any other foreign object of pleasure in it's mouth ?
Thank you for this great explaination! I especially enjoyed that you went back through some of your horses and explained the 'why'. I find so often a suggestion is made to switch bits, but the 'why' is missing. This helps me (a newer horse person) immensely!
I also love learning the "why", it is easy to learn WHAT each bit does and all that, but the WHY and WHEN to use WHAT is something that only experience (or watching someone with experience explain it) can teach! I really loved this!
This is actually so helpful - I work in a tack store and as much googling as I do I always have customers ask me bitting questions where my answer is "Uh........". This is a really great info source and I'll be sharing with my coworkers!
With the hack-a-bit combo, I feel like people are scared of it because the shanks look so intimidating. but like you explained, it's all in the hands that use them. I love how informational this is! Finally something educating people, and I love that you're looking from both perspectives both bitted and bitless. Less is more, that's what I go by. I always use Dee rings, loose rings, or eggbutt snaffles. With too joints (french link, or losinch) I've found they always give the best with using the least bit possible. ❤
I love that you kept this video so informational without getting opinionated!! It's great to be able to teach about a controversial topic without making it a "controversial topic". I feel like so many people when they take about bits (or anything deemed controversial) dance around the subject and try to not say anything for fear of criticism, so thank you for not doing that! This is a great informational video every horse person should see!!
All of the horses at the barn i ride at can be ridden in a halter with rope reins, but if we do use bits we use the happy mouth we’re a hunter barn. My trainer also believes in using the least pressure possible on horses’ mouths. Thank you for all the helpful tips 😘❤️
Thanks for sharing! I'm happy to see that your collection of bits is modest in severity 👍 and I like how you mentioned that severity ultimately comes from that hands. I hope this helps people become more educated on how bits function, this is so important!
Great video. I love your approach to treating each horse as an individual and being sure to use the bit they like/ need compared to just what you want.
I used to be the biggest gatekeeper for bitless riding, my stance was that anyone using a bit was abusive. My opinion changed when I actually bought my first horse, that put me in my place 🤣🤣🤣
@@dariaharruff7025 It's not by force. And saying you don't want to be friends with someone who uses a bit is like someone saying that they don't want to be friends with someone who uses a collar for a dog or a harness for a cat. I respect that you aren't into riding horses, but saying, "I don't want to be friends with someone who uses a bit for their horse," makes no sense. Just because you see someone who does use a bit, doesn't mean they're forcing the horse to use one as long as they know how to use them properly, and it doesn't give you an excuse to not be friends with them. And just because you see someone riding bitless doesn't mean bitless is more humane since there are people out there who do misuse them, and equines' noses are as sensitive as their mouths.
@@ariellewilson730 I'm been trying to ride a horse with a bit for two years for lessons I'm too old for that crap I told you I was told how to ride a horse with a stupid bit I don't have a choice why can't I have choices when it comes to horses
@@dariaharruff7025 Oh my God, you are aloud to have choices. The issue is that you said you don't want to be friends with someone who uses a bit, something I don't get from you. And whoever taught you how to use a bit the stupid way shouldn't be teaching you how to ride until you decided to quit which is something I respect, even though you don't have to but it's your choice no one else's, except for the 'I'm too old' excuse because no one is too old for anything. I'm in my twenties and I take horse back riding lessons even though it's been a while since my last lesson. Look, I don't care if you aren't into horse back riding anymore, but just because you see someone using a bit doesn't mean they're always a bully to their horse. 90% is the hands of the rider, the 10% is from the bit no matter how soft their hands are. Now, I don't have a horse, but I have a cat, and I always talked about getting a harness and leash for her. Are you going tell me that you don't want to be friends with someone who wants to use those things for a cat? Or how about someone who uses a collar for a dog, including one for a cat? You're not going to be friends with them, either?
The thing with one riffled side: We use this while driving horses. The even side ist soft and the riffled side is a little sharper. Sorry for my bad english, I am from Germany. greetings :D
This was amazing! This is exactly the type of thing I love, I am fascinated by the different bits and by learning which ones do what and WHY they are good in certain situations, you could go even more in-depth and I would find it fascinating! I love your videos, and your knowledgeable and considerate approach to horsemanship is great to see! It REALLY is all in the hands of the rider, I wish more people understood that! More content like this would be very welcome!
Loooove this, thank you Zoey! I’ve always used simple egg bit snaffles so it’s wonderful to learn such in-depth info on so many different bits. I’ve always been curious but never took the time to really research due to how controversial bits are these days. It’s nice to learn from a trainer/someone’s info I actually trust haha. I love hearing different people’s opinions and uses. You never stop learning. Can’t wait to see more of your content! 😊
I thought that was a very nice explanation of bits. People really dont understand what bits do, they see a big combo bit and think it must be harsh, but will put twisted wire snaffles in their horses mouth! I love that you keep it as kind as possible in the mouth and rely on training as the real answer, and of course, horses do prefer slight differences in how the bit feels and acts, but I love that you weren't going to go to the point of dulling a horses mouth with unnecessary bite or pressure!
Enlightening and very well presented, its great to see you are so knowledgeable, not all horses are so lucky to have trainers who know about proper bit function and this info is invaluable! 😁💗
I really appreciated this video! It helped me open my view to different bits. I’m a very soft handed rider and use a pelhem with my horse. She is a thoroughbred, and was trained to race but was never fast enough to make it on the track. Great video by the way!
This is an incredibly informative and useful video! I know lots of bits and pieces (so to speak) about bitting but this really pulled together everything and answered questions i didnt know i had!
Great video! I am so happy that you started yt. You explained very detailed and I could see that you really made an effort. It's not just something you filmed in your free time to finde the different examples and everything! I bet there goes a lot of time in preparing this kind of videos :) The only thing I missed is something about horses with fuzzy tongue action. My gelding has an overbite (about 5 cm) and he knows how to get away from the pressure with his tongue and any contact really. He can fold his tongue behind the mouthpiece oder he WI put his tongue about it. Do you had anything like that? He goes in a happy mullen mouth bit with loose ring.
Very helpful. Do you have a link to the eggbutt 3 piece lozenge? I would like to start with this bit and see if our new horse likes it. They have him in a dutton tear drop smooth snaffle and he seems to chew and move this bit around a lot in his mouth. I guess it will be trial and error. Thank you very much
I love Waterfords...learned about them late into my horse life. Seem so comfortable for the horse. Watching you talk about the haca bit...sometimes the "worst/biggest" whatever looking bits are much better than a twisted wire, they just look like they are severe...rider's hand's of course to be considered, as you mentioned. with anything. I use to use a "micmar"...looked bad but wasn't , in the right hands. It's like with dog collars...a pinch collar looks worse than a choke collar...but, the choke collar, so so misued by so many . A properly used pinch collar it's place. Oh, if the animals could just tell us, right off the bat. This was a great video...thanks!
Love this! I’ve been really looking for a nice video that goes super in depth on bits, this helped me learn a lot! Would also love to see a tack room tour 😂
Absolutly amazing video! Havent found anybody explaining that well and detailed. As I am from Germany I would like to know if you can use any bit you like on a show. We have very specific rules for using them on show - depending if you are riding dressage or jumping/eventing and with class you are showing in.
Like your videos, and this was informative! I like to think of it like this: bits are tools, and when used incorrectly they can become a weapon. Just like how a hammer is a is a tool until you hit someone with it, it becomes a weapon. Or how a prong collar for dogs is a tool until you're yanking it; it becomes a painful weapon. Although some of the jargon I want to understand more, can you show us some visual examples of what "heavy hands" "hard-mouthed horse" "a horse than leans on the bit" looks like? Or the difference it makes when you put two different bits in a horse's mouth, what that looks like?
Honestly! What she said about using the least amount of pressure possible is my philosophy as well. If you need to go as far as putting twisted metal in your horse’s mouth, risking damage to all the sensitive tissue there, maaaaybe take a step back and think about how you’ve been training the horse in the first place?
@@lynxaway I use a slow twist full cheek single jointed on my mare. She's a quarter horse so she falls a lot on to her forehand. she also has a bad habit of trying to dive into the bit because she does so many beginner lessons. I don't need a harsh bit when I ride her but the beginner riders do.
A jointed pelham has a really messy action. Have heard that some horses like them but have never tried one. All my snaffles are either mullen or double jointed. Have considered a waterford bobby bit. Have had success with a rubber mullen bit. He didn't chomp that but he did chomp the happy mouth. Thank you for my first proper look at a hackabit combo. They look interesting.
Great video and explanations on the bits! I personally don’t mine a slow twist and never had issues. I however don’t like tight twisted, thin bits. I’m the same though I don’t like single jointed bits and my horse definitely likes Mullen mouth or three piece. Most horses seem happier in them too! It’s so fun learning about bits 🤓
This was so educational thank you! I’m of a similar mindset and my old girl used to have a french link hanging cheek snaffle for flat (you had a different term for hanging cheek - it must be a UK thing!) and a double jointed Pelham for jumping or hacking just for that extra bit of respect so I wasn’t hanging on to her. Really good to hear about all the other types and your views on them
Thanks for this informative video, it was very well put together. My journey to find the perfect bit for my mare has been so hard. She has a small mouth (between 4,5 and 4,75). I tried everything from happy mouth to a Myler, snaffle and elevator. To actually found out that she was better with a small mouthpiece 3 pieces with a French link cause turned out she has a « big » tongue for the size of her mouth!!!
For people saying horses don’t like bits, and they like nose pressure olny. they seam to like it More because they are used to nose pressure from being halted. the first time a horse uses a halter they don’t like it and they get used to it. The same goes with a bit but it is used later in life so it seams they like bitless more when they might be just as comfortable or more in a bit.
This is great! I had a trainer who did not really know what she was talking about as far as bits and recommended I ride in a French link to have more leverage and pull on my crazy mare...years of independent training later, I was actually using the softest bit I could for my insane mare 😅😅
The French link is just the mouthpiece. The cheek piece would be what determines if it has leverage. Like a three ring or Pelham, vs the standard French link eggbutt.
i personally think myler bits are some of the best. it’s the only bit i’ve successfully ridden my pony in, he hates everything else. we even had to get a ‘custom made’ myler with universal cheek pieces for jumping since it’s the only bit he’s happy in. the mouth piece is for the horse and the cheek pieces are for the rider😊i say coustom made since it’s not actually a myler brand it’s a different brand that has the same thing and they don’t normally stock that type of bit with the cheek pieces as it’s not very common at all.
Omg such detailed explanations, kept me interested till the last minute. I don't know who you are, popped up on my channel after I searched for a specific bubble bit I rode a horse with a sensitive tongue in - and instantly subscribed. Will check out your other videos now, I think you jump? I love your approach and focus. Love from Germany :)
I really really love your channel ! I found you yesterday and watched every one of your videos and went through your instagram and I can say how much I just love to watch you ride. iv been using your videos to help my jumping position and going to test it out today !! cant wait for your next video !! Im hoping to get my own horse one day and Id really like your opinion on bitless bridles and bitless riding I watched some trainning that was abit different to english riding and im curious as to the differences as in cons and pros and which one id like to follow one day
Even though u have many bridles for training different horses a clip bridle is the best cause it’s easy to change out the bit and size with ease( used to make a bride everyday for my Arabians and changing the bit every week helped their frame)
Hello I totally agree with your opinion on the Hackabit. I ride my eventig horse in showjumping and corsscounty with one and it works very well for me. He is a pretty forward going horse and if I ride with a pelham for example, he just puts his head closer to his chest and still be going like crazy. But when using the Hackabit he seems to enjoy the nosepressure and keeps his head much higher. So I can comunicate with a much softer hand and allot clearer comands. I must say it is the best solution for us. But like you, I keep getting some weird looks from people because of the specal looks of it. I like your videos verry much. Well done:) (sorry for any grammar mistakes. I'm not a nativ speaker)
Hmm, we have a myler bit (the simple one with the cylinder in the middle) and I'm quite happy with it. We got it mostly because our vet took Teja's mouth measurements and she told us that bit would be the most comfortable and best fitting for her mouth shape - we got one by bombers :) very happy with it! Teja seems much more comfortable in it, too (previously we used a lozenge bit but it was possibly a bit too wide for her mouth, so it doesn't mean that better sized lozenge wouldn't work well either!).
I don't know how I came across this video, but I am glad I did. I have tried every dressage legal bit on my gelding and he hated everyone of them. I have been riding him bitless and he has been going wonderful. However, my coach and for doing hunters, he needs a bit. I am having the equine dentist out to do his teeth and check for TMJ and see what type of bit would be good for his mouth shape-he has a wave and is crooked.
My pony came with a double twisted bit when I first got him but thankfully. I switched trainers and I don’t think that we ever used it. Looking back, now that I’m 13 and more experienced I don’t know why anyone would put a horse in that.
I know a lot of hackamores (at least the western version) will have a bike chain or a thin piece of metal under the rubber so that may be one of the reasons people get upset over the hackabit. Just a guess
Cinderella's slipper is right! I've searched and searched for an explanation for why my horse is able to get the bars of a two piece between his teeth. All the two piece bits I've tried are nos. He was alright with a french link full cheek, he was super strong but he couldn't bite the bit. The best option we've found is a mullen ported kimberwick, but he still pulls like a train when jumping. It doesn't help that the majority of the bits that I have to try are too narrow because I've got a warmbloodxtb at a primarily quarter horse barn. lol
Just for a little information - the reason people(including myself) don't like a hack-bit, is because it's a gag. The gag sends a lot of different cues to different places, and it also rises in the mouth - and considering a bit is typically placed about 1-1.5" from the molars, most gags have enough slide to hit the molar. I personally find it rather appalling that a bit would ever go up that high, not to mention that most people do not put a curb strap on any type of gag, allowing it to over-rotate and really squeeze the horse's mouth between the hack leverage, and the curb, bit, and poll interaction. Personally, I'd prefer to just use a hack over a snaffle than a hack-bit. I think if the hack-bit had a fixed cheek, there would be too much leverage most of the time due to the length of the hack shanks and it could be very damaging to the horse's mouth, but I dislike the gag as well - so a hack over a snaffle would be my pick. Then, I can use the snaffle when needed but still have the hack for a little poll pressure added if I need it.
Thanks for all the explanations. It was thorough and helpful. However, oddly, you never showed the kinds of bits that I have :(. Still looking for a video about those. I think one of the bits is called a correction bit. Not sure.
I've seen two horses of the exact same breed and height need two pretty differently sized bits. I'd imagine each and every one of her horses would need a different size!
So my trainer had my horse in a full cheek snaffle and said she could ONLY be in a full cheek because she was an OTTB. It was only until after I bought her and tried a few bits to find that she did wayyyyyyyy better in a D ring snaffle. I honestly felt like I had less control with the full cheek and she would constantly fight the bit. She had no problems with the D ring and I didn't even need to use much pressure. Why do you think this is??
Great video. It’s interesting to learn the different names for bits in America compared to England haha. Also the D ring snaffle seems to me quite common in America yet you hardly ever see any in the UK.
can you also do a video on hackamores and bit less bridles? i used to ride a big draft mare in a hackamore and i think she was genuinely uncomfortable in it i just wasn’t allowed to change it bc she wasn’t my horse
Hi…I love this video….not sure if you’ll see this but I have a mare that’s very forward. She likes to throw her head up and rush. I currently ride her in twisted wire bits but hate them 😞 I was taught to have your horse in the lightest bit possible when riding and to work on softness and suppleness with leg and seat cues. My mare is in training to be “all around” jumping trail riding and barrel racing. What but would you recommend off this information? I’d like to have her in the softest bit possible without her running off with me 🙃
Thank you for this video! I've been toying around with different things to try on my appendix boy. They previously had him in a three piece twisted mouth with a dog bone and I really don't like it and feel he could go much better in something different. I'm just clueless on where to begin. I've tried him in different hacks and he does not like any of them. He can be heavy on the forehand and very forward most of the time and does play with the bit quite a "bit" 😂. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated in my search for the perfect setup! I'm enjoying your videos and how knowledgeable you are! Keep up the great work!
What do you think of rubber D ring bits? I saw you playing around with one when you were talking and I was secretly hoping you would talk about it! Haha. I just got my 7yr old ottb project (he raced late) and I’m trying to see what he might like best.. I’ve been an English rider for 7 years and I have a soft hand.
I’m getting my guy a new bit. He has a simple Verdun Snaffle, and he hates the pinching. I’m going to try to get a sweet iron French link if I can, but i hate to see his mouth gaping open even with little pressure.
I adopted a green qh mare age 15 and she came with a Tom thumb and she is very heavy on the bit. Loose ring snaffle she was not a fan. Any recommendations for my next bit option?
My mare was mistreated with a single jointed curved metal dee ring bit. I then started riding her bitless after she started refusing the bit. She has been bitless for a while and is doing perfect in it but I am going to start showing soon and most shows require a bit. My goal is to start introducing her into a bit again so my question is what is the softest, most forgiving bit that I can try on her. I was thinking plastic or rubber mouthpieces. Thanks!
Can you do a video more specifically about about other riding accessories like Martengales, draw reins, side reins, flash nose bands, figure 8 etc.
elizabethcorin Yep! This is sort of the first piece of that series.
I agree, I would LOVE to see more of that sort of thing, I can't wait for future videos!
@@pariahmouse7794 ok I'm out im leaving i hate you bits horses
"I hope this was *a bit* helpful"
I get it. 🤣
I am also not a fan of anything twisted! Thanks for sharing, love to hear different trainer’s (logical) opinions. 😊
Beth Cannon Thanks Beth! 💕
@@ZLEquestrian Thanks for this informative video. I'm going to forward it to my daughter & her equestrian college friends. Bravo, great lecture!
@@joannastgeorge5499 stupid
@joannastgeorge549thsts not going to that school I'm not going to period I don't want to be a horse trainer I'm out
I'm not your friend because you like bits
I would love to see a tack room tour
Hailey Campbell Coming soon!
this is so helpful as a beginner! all the different bits kind of intimidated me, so this was a great way to break down the what's, why's, and how's of each type. thank you!!
Ashley Glad I can help!
@@ZLEquestrian will you get anymore horses or a horse for you to own personally?
What if you read the peer reviewed, published studies of researchers stating bits are aversive ?
As a beginner, please don’t use bits at all. Horses don’t usually need them and beginners are notorious for having hard hands and using bits as a way to hang on. Don’t use bits until you know how to actually ride. Or better yet, don’t use them at all: my horse rides perfectly off of leg pressure and rarely needs contact from the hackamore or rope halter (whatever I’m riding in).
@@paxtoncat9795 how many horses do you own?
ahh yay! happy to hear a professional talk about this. i always try and just use a simple loose ring french link snaffle but do occasionally come across a horse that i need a little more to avoid hauling on his/her mouth, especially out XC. i’ll usually just pick a pelham if i come across that so i can ride primarily on the snaffle rein:) just gotta make sure to avoid anything twisted haha
@@crayeventer2848 , how do you know your horse " likes " it ?
@@crayeventer2848 , can you describe " comfortable " behavior signals / observations ?
@@crayeventer2848 , does " rolling " a bit in a horse's mouth equal comfort ?
@@crayeventer2848 , what evidence do you have to present that " rolling " a bit for a horse indicates comfort ? Does this horse " roll " any other foreign object of pleasure in it's mouth ?
Is it possible that " rolling " a bit indicates discomfort ?
Thank you for this great explaination! I especially enjoyed that you went back through some of your horses and explained the 'why'. I find so often a suggestion is made to switch bits, but the 'why' is missing. This helps me (a newer horse person) immensely!
Amanda Acheson Thanks Amanda!
I also love learning the "why", it is easy to learn WHAT each bit does and all that, but the WHY and WHEN to use WHAT is something that only experience (or watching someone with experience explain it) can teach! I really loved this!
This is actually so helpful - I work in a tack store and as much googling as I do I always have customers ask me bitting questions where my answer is "Uh........". This is a really great info source and I'll be sharing with my coworkers!
Elanna R That means a lot to me! Thanks so much 💕
@@ZLEquestrian thats a dumb job
@@ZLEquestrian I don't like that you use bits on horses
With the hack-a-bit combo, I feel like people are scared of it because the shanks look so intimidating. but like you explained, it's all in the hands that use them. I love how informational this is! Finally something educating people, and I love that you're looking from both perspectives both bitted and bitless. Less is more, that's what I go by. I always use Dee rings, loose rings, or eggbutt snaffles. With too joints (french link, or losinch) I've found they always give the best with using the least bit possible. ❤
I love that you kept this video so informational without getting opinionated!! It's great to be able to teach about a controversial topic without making it a "controversial topic". I feel like so many people when they take about bits (or anything deemed controversial) dance around the subject and try to not say anything for fear of criticism, so thank you for not doing that! This is a great informational video every horse person should see!!
Jen McDonald I did my best, thanks a ton Jen! 💕
Not me I don't want to be with horses anymore I'm sorry I hurt your feelings but I'm out
All of the horses at the barn i ride at can be ridden in a halter with rope reins, but if we do use bits we use the happy mouth we’re a hunter barn. My trainer also believes in using the least pressure possible on horses’ mouths. Thank you for all the helpful tips 😘❤️
That's it Ive had enough of people forcing me to use bits on horses I quit
So excited to see your channel grow. Such awesome content :) Not many horse channels do this type of stuff. Well done! Thanks
Bitchie bish Thank you! ❤️
@@ZLEquestrianhorseriding its dangerous I'm out I tried horseriding but I didn't like it
Ohh
You can't force people to do anything they don't want to do I like Rick Gore think like a horse he s anti bit
@@dariaharruff7025 It's dangerous because people make it dangerous. 🤦♀️
Thanks for sharing! I'm happy to see that your collection of bits is modest in severity 👍 and I like how you mentioned that severity ultimately comes from that hands. I hope this helps people become more educated on how bits function, this is so important!
Brilliant video! You did something that very few people do…explain why. Thank you! ❤
Great video. I love your approach to treating each horse as an individual and being sure to use the bit they like/ need compared to just what you want.
Honestly the best video on bits I have ever seen. Very informative, clear explanations, not too biased.
Phenomenal video thank you!
I used to be the biggest gatekeeper for bitless riding, my stance was that anyone using a bit was abusive. My opinion changed when I actually bought my first horse, that put me in my place 🤣🤣🤣
You’re just feeling guilty thats all
@@vm5954you did good by not using a stupid bits if you do I'm not friends with anyone who force bits in horses mouths
@@dariaharruff7025 It's not by force. And saying you don't want to be friends with someone who uses a bit is like someone saying that they don't want to be friends with someone who uses a collar for a dog or a harness for a cat. I respect that you aren't into riding horses, but saying, "I don't want to be friends with someone who uses a bit for their horse," makes no sense. Just because you see someone who does use a bit, doesn't mean they're forcing the horse to use one as long as they know how to use them properly, and it doesn't give you an excuse to not be friends with them. And just because you see someone riding bitless doesn't mean bitless is more humane since there are people out there who do misuse them, and equines' noses are as sensitive as their mouths.
@@ariellewilson730 I'm been trying to ride a horse with a bit for two years for lessons I'm too old for that crap I told you I was told how to ride a horse with a stupid bit I don't have a choice why can't I have choices when it comes to horses
@@dariaharruff7025 Oh my God, you are aloud to have choices. The issue is that you said you don't want to be friends with someone who uses a bit, something I don't get from you. And whoever taught you how to use a bit the stupid way shouldn't be teaching you how to ride until you decided to quit which is something I respect, even though you don't have to but it's your choice no one else's, except for the 'I'm too old' excuse because no one is too old for anything. I'm in my twenties and I take horse back riding lessons even though it's been a while since my last lesson.
Look, I don't care if you aren't into horse back riding anymore, but just because you see someone using a bit doesn't mean they're always a bully to their horse. 90% is the hands of the rider, the 10% is from the bit no matter how soft their hands are.
Now, I don't have a horse, but I have a cat, and I always talked about getting a harness and leash for her. Are you going tell me that you don't want to be friends with someone who wants to use those things for a cat? Or how about someone who uses a collar for a dog, including one for a cat? You're not going to be friends with them, either?
The thing with one riffled side: We use this while driving horses. The even side ist soft and the riffled side is a little sharper.
Sorry for my bad english, I am from Germany. greetings :D
its 2024 not 1800s okay
I think your English is good. Keep practicing. 😁
This was amazing! This is exactly the type of thing I love, I am fascinated by the different bits and by learning which ones do what and WHY they are good in certain situations, you could go even more in-depth and I would find it fascinating!
I love your videos, and your knowledgeable and considerate approach to horsemanship is great to see! It REALLY is all in the hands of the rider, I wish more people understood that!
More content like this would be very welcome!
Why do u like bits I hate bits and horse riding I quit
@@dariaharruff7025 Why can't you respect others' choices and preferences? There's no one sided choice and preference, you know.
I love this. Thank you, very educational for a non rider, I'll watch this a bunch times to learn. I very much enjoy learning about horsemanship.
wait im bitless why am i watching this lmfao
Autumn Sparrowdawn potentially to learn more? hahaha
I'm bitless too, I have no clue why I'm watching this...
Rebecca Murphy maybe it’s because you want to learn?
@@hannahraymond6074 I don't have the want or need to learn about bits. I actually despise them!
Rebecca Murphy then why even click on this video and bother commenting?
Loooove this, thank you Zoey! I’ve always used simple egg bit snaffles so it’s wonderful to learn such in-depth info on so many different bits. I’ve always been curious but never took the time to really research due to how controversial bits are these days. It’s nice to learn from a trainer/someone’s info I actually trust haha. I love hearing different people’s opinions and uses. You never stop learning. Can’t wait to see more of your content! 😊
Absolutely loved this video! I now know so much about bits haha! I’ve never really understood all the terms but now I do
Ablondandahorse Happy to help!
Outstanding video! I learned more about bits in 30 min than I’ve picked up so far!
I don't like bits I had to ride a horse on one so I'm quitting my future horse riding lessons for good
I thought that was a very nice explanation of bits. People really dont understand what bits do, they see a big combo bit and think it must be harsh, but will put twisted wire snaffles in their horses mouth! I love that you keep it as kind as possible in the mouth and rely on training as the real answer, and of course, horses do prefer slight differences in how the bit feels and acts, but I love that you weren't going to go to the point of dulling a horses mouth with unnecessary bite or pressure!
you want us to ride a horse with bits just stop telling us what to do
@@dariaharruff7025 Quit acting like a baby, no one is telling anyone what to do. 😠
Enlightening and very well presented, its great to see you are so knowledgeable, not all horses are so lucky to have trainers who know about proper bit function and this info is invaluable! 😁💗
When you showed me that really jointed bit, I did get a little scared.😂
But then you explained it so well, I might have to get one!! Thank you!
I really appreciated this video! It helped me open my view to different bits. I’m a very soft handed rider and use a pelhem with my horse. She is a thoroughbred, and was trained to race but was never fast enough to make it on the track. Great video by the way!
This is an incredibly informative and useful video! I know lots of bits and pieces (so to speak) about bitting but this really pulled together everything and answered questions i didnt know i had!
Great video! I am so happy that you started yt.
You explained very detailed and I could see that you really made an effort. It's not just something you filmed in your free time to finde the different examples and everything! I bet there goes a lot of time in preparing this kind of videos :)
The only thing I missed is something about horses with fuzzy tongue action. My gelding has an overbite (about 5 cm) and he knows how to get away from the pressure with his tongue and any contact really. He can fold his tongue behind the mouthpiece oder he WI put his tongue about it. Do you had anything like that? He goes in a happy mullen mouth bit with loose ring.
Very helpful. Do you have a link to the eggbutt 3 piece lozenge? I would like to start with this bit and see if our new horse likes it. They have him in a dutton tear drop smooth snaffle and he seems to chew and move this bit around a lot in his mouth. I guess it will be trial and error. Thank you very much
Thanks so much for this video! Where would you get a D-ring egg butt snaffle?
Nowhere. D ring and Egg butt are different things
This was so interesting! Would love to see more of these kind of videos
I love Waterfords...learned about them late into my horse life. Seem so comfortable for the horse. Watching you talk about the haca bit...sometimes the "worst/biggest" whatever looking bits are much better than a twisted wire, they just look like they are severe...rider's hand's of course to be considered, as you mentioned. with anything. I use to use a "micmar"...looked bad but wasn't , in the right hands. It's like with dog collars...a pinch collar looks worse than a choke collar...but, the choke collar, so so misued by so many . A properly used pinch collar it's place. Oh, if the animals could just tell us, right off the bat. This was a great video...thanks!
Love this! I’ve been really looking for a nice video that goes super in depth on bits, this helped me learn a lot! Would also love to see a tack room tour 😂
Absolutly amazing video! Havent found anybody explaining that well and detailed. As I am from Germany I would like to know if you can use any bit you like on a show. We have very specific rules for using them on show - depending if you are riding dressage or jumping/eventing and with class you are showing in.
SmörleMörle No, just like you we have regulations. For example, three ring elevators are not allowed in Hunter classes.
Like your videos, and this was informative! I like to think of it like this: bits are tools, and when used incorrectly they can become a weapon. Just like how a hammer is a is a tool until you hit someone with it, it becomes a weapon. Or how a prong collar for dogs is a tool until you're yanking it; it becomes a painful weapon.
Although some of the jargon I want to understand more, can you show us some visual examples of what "heavy hands" "hard-mouthed horse" "a horse than leans on the bit" looks like? Or the difference it makes when you put two different bits in a horse's mouth, what that looks like?
To be honest some of the bits that have been made are just useless and extra metal that shouldnt even be in the horses mouth
Honestly! What she said about using the least amount of pressure possible is my philosophy as well. If you need to go as far as putting twisted metal in your horse’s mouth, risking damage to all the sensitive tissue there, maaaaybe take a step back and think about how you’ve been training the horse in the first place?
@@lynxaway i agree with you i would never even buy one unless i wanted it for decoration (yaknow inside the house etc)
@@lynxaway I use a slow twist full cheek single jointed on my mare. She's a quarter horse so she falls a lot on to her forehand. she also has a bad habit of trying to dive into the bit because she does so many beginner lessons. I don't need a harsh bit when I ride her but the beginner riders do.
All horses need a different bit it may have extra metal but its whats best for them and there horse
If I was a horse and you put any one of those bits in my mouth, I'll be bucking you right off my back.
A jointed pelham has a really messy action. Have heard that some horses like them but have never tried one. All my snaffles are either mullen or double jointed. Have considered a waterford bobby bit. Have had success with a rubber mullen bit. He didn't chomp that but he did chomp the happy mouth.
Thank you for my first proper look at a hackabit combo. They look interesting.
Great video and explanations on the bits! I personally don’t mine a slow twist and never had issues. I however don’t like tight twisted, thin bits. I’m the same though I don’t like single jointed bits and my horse definitely likes Mullen mouth or three piece. Most horses seem happier in them too! It’s so fun learning about bits 🤓
This was so helpful and informative!! Thank you, think I'm going to be changing my horses setup!
Felicia Hudson Awesome!
This was so educational thank you! I’m of a similar mindset and my old girl used to have a french link hanging cheek snaffle for flat (you had a different term for hanging cheek - it must be a UK thing!) and a double jointed Pelham for jumping or hacking just for that extra bit of respect so I wasn’t hanging on to her. Really good to hear about all the other types and your views on them
i love this video so much its so good at explaining different bits and what pressures and etc. I just learned a lot and i thank you! :3
Thanks for this informative video, it was very well put together. My journey to find the perfect bit for my mare has been so hard. She has a small mouth (between 4,5 and 4,75). I tried everything from happy mouth to a Myler, snaffle and elevator. To actually found out that she was better with a small mouthpiece 3 pieces with a French link cause turned out she has a « big » tongue for the size of her mouth!!!
For people saying horses don’t like bits, and they like nose pressure olny. they seam to like it More because they are used to nose pressure from being halted. the first time a horse uses a halter they don’t like it and they get used to it. The same goes with a bit but it is used later in life so it seams they like bitless more when they might be just as comfortable or more in a bit.
its a torture devices its for an idoit horses riders it sucks to use bits i was forced into that crap
This is great! I had a trainer who did not really know what she was talking about as far as bits and recommended I ride in a French link to have more leverage and pull on my crazy mare...years of independent training later, I was actually using the softest bit I could for my insane mare 😅😅
The French link actually isn't a leverage bit and it is quite soft.
The French link is just the mouthpiece. The cheek piece would be what determines if it has leverage. Like a three ring or Pelham, vs the standard French link eggbutt.
Loved the video!!!! Taught me a lot about bits, I want to try my horse in a ball bit because they are really forward.
GloryHorse15 Thanks for watching!
Great video Zoey! I’ve always wanted to watch a video like this! Definitely a favorite.
Yay! Thank you!
I love how she always brings it back to how the horse feels, just right!
Before watching this video I didn’t know that much about how different bits worked. holy moly this has opened up my mind!
i personally think myler bits are some of the best. it’s the only bit i’ve successfully ridden my pony in, he hates everything else. we even had to get a ‘custom made’ myler with universal cheek pieces for jumping since it’s the only bit he’s happy in. the mouth piece is for the horse and the cheek pieces are for the rider😊i say coustom made since it’s not actually a myler brand it’s a different brand that has the same thing and they don’t normally stock that type of bit with the cheek pieces as it’s not very common at all.
Omg such detailed explanations, kept me interested till the last minute. I don't know who you are, popped up on my channel after I searched for a specific bubble bit I rode a horse with a sensitive tongue in - and instantly subscribed. Will check out your other videos now, I think you jump? I love your approach and focus. Love from Germany :)
"hope this was a bit helpful." hahaha I get it, good one😅
This was really informative!!
Amanda Bonfante Thanks Amanda!
I dont like anything twisted. Thank you for sharing it was very intresting to hear about all these bits and your opinions. Thank you!
Zoe Burns Thanks!! 💕
My mom: whatcha watching
Me: it’s a video about bits
My mom: ohh is that “huckamore” in this 😂😂😂
I was like GURL
These videos are absolutely amazing - so well done and informative!!
I really really love your channel ! I found you yesterday and watched every one of your videos and went through your instagram and I can say how much I just love to watch you ride. iv been using your videos to help my jumping position and going to test it out today !! cant wait for your next video !! Im hoping to get my own horse one day and Id really like your opinion on bitless bridles and bitless riding I watched some trainning that was abit different to english riding and im curious as to the differences as in cons and pros and which one id like to follow one day
Even though u have many bridles for training different horses a clip bridle is the best cause it’s easy to change out the bit and size with ease( used to make a bride everyday for my Arabians and changing the bit every week helped their frame)
Hello
I totally agree with your opinion on the Hackabit. I ride my eventig horse in showjumping and corsscounty with one and it works very well for me. He is a pretty forward going horse and if I ride with a pelham for example, he just puts his head closer to his chest and still be going like crazy. But when using the Hackabit he seems to enjoy the nosepressure and keeps his head much higher. So I can comunicate with a much softer hand and allot clearer comands. I must say it is the best solution for us.
But like you, I keep getting some weird looks from people because of the specal looks of it.
I like your videos verry much. Well done:)
(sorry for any grammar mistakes. I'm not a nativ speaker)
yay second! obsessed with ur channel
Hmm, we have a myler bit (the simple one with the cylinder in the middle) and I'm quite happy with it. We got it mostly because our vet took Teja's mouth measurements and she told us that bit would be the most comfortable and best fitting for her mouth shape - we got one by bombers :) very happy with it! Teja seems much more comfortable in it, too (previously we used a lozenge bit but it was possibly a bit too wide for her mouth, so it doesn't mean that better sized lozenge wouldn't work well either!).
Can you do a video of different breeds of horses? And this really helped thanks! And mabye how to buy a horse for the first time?
I don't know how I came across this video, but I am glad I did. I have tried every dressage legal bit on my gelding and he hated everyone of them. I have been riding him bitless and he has been going wonderful. However, my coach and for doing hunters, he needs a bit. I am having the equine dentist out to do his teeth and check for TMJ and see what type of bit would be good for his mouth shape-he has a wave and is crooked.
Thank you for explaning so good when they are used and their names 😄😄👍
I just love all your videos! Great to see your opinion on bits
Dappled Dreams Thanks so much! 💕
My pony came with a double twisted bit when I first got him but thankfully. I switched trainers and I don’t think that we ever used it. Looking back, now that I’m 13 and more experienced I don’t know why anyone would put a horse in that.
I know a lot of hackamores (at least the western version) will have a bike chain or a thin piece of metal under the rubber so that may be one of the reasons people get upset over the hackabit. Just a guess
Thank you for making this video!👏🏼💕
the amount of times a hackabit has saved my life with my bucker/bolter. he quit the habit soon enough without being too harsh
This was great, thank you!
Such a good objective explanation of how bits work!
thats the stupidest thing i was forced to belive in
Cinderella's slipper is right! I've searched and searched for an explanation for why my horse is able to get the bars of a two piece between his teeth. All the two piece bits I've tried are nos. He was alright with a french link full cheek, he was super strong but he couldn't bite the bit. The best option we've found is a mullen ported kimberwick, but he still pulls like a train when jumping. It doesn't help that the majority of the bits that I have to try are too narrow because I've got a warmbloodxtb at a primarily quarter horse barn. lol
Just for a little information - the reason people(including myself) don't like a hack-bit, is because it's a gag. The gag sends a lot of different cues to different places, and it also rises in the mouth - and considering a bit is typically placed about 1-1.5" from the molars, most gags have enough slide to hit the molar. I personally find it rather appalling that a bit would ever go up that high, not to mention that most people do not put a curb strap on any type of gag, allowing it to over-rotate and really squeeze the horse's mouth between the hack leverage, and the curb, bit, and poll interaction.
Personally, I'd prefer to just use a hack over a snaffle than a hack-bit. I think if the hack-bit had a fixed cheek, there would be too much leverage most of the time due to the length of the hack shanks and it could be very damaging to the horse's mouth, but I dislike the gag as well - so a hack over a snaffle would be my pick. Then, I can use the snaffle when needed but still have the hack for a little poll pressure added if I need it.
Thanks for all the explanations. It was thorough and helpful. However, oddly, you never showed the kinds of bits that I have :(. Still looking for a video about those. I think one of the bits is called a correction bit. Not sure.
I could watch this girl all day, she's very informative!!
Ashley Motto Thank you Ashley!
@@ZLEquestrian YW😊
What size bits do your horses usually go in?
I've seen two horses of the exact same breed and height need two pretty differently sized bits. I'd imagine each and every one of her horses would need a different size!
This was a really helpful video! Thanks so much for making it
So my trainer had my horse in a full cheek snaffle and said she could ONLY be in a full cheek because she was an OTTB. It was only until after I bought her and tried a few bits to find that she did wayyyyyyyy better in a D ring snaffle. I honestly felt like I had less control with the full cheek and she would constantly fight the bit. She had no problems with the D ring and I didn't even need to use much pressure. Why do you think this is??
Great video. It’s interesting to learn the different names for bits in America compared to England haha. Also the D ring snaffle seems to me quite common in America yet you hardly ever see any in the UK.
Great video! Very professional, insightful and educational!!!
I would love to know where you got the hackamore bit combo! All I can find have the two part bit!
I am truly loving your channel! Wish you could post everyday lol
Brentlee Ingle Haha, I’m trying to get to the point of twice per week. I’m sooo busy 😔
I can only imagine how busy you are. I’m proud of how many videos you have up so far😂. But I really love your content!
It is so bizarre to see double twisted wire bits in the hunter ring, but I see so many 😵
I saw a guy let an extremely heavy-handed beginner ride his horse in one of those bits. I had to walk away before I cried.
Really helpful, thank you!!
can you also do a video on hackamores and bit less bridles? i used to ride a big draft mare in a hackamore and i think she was genuinely uncomfortable in it i just wasn’t allowed to change it bc she wasn’t my horse
i Watch your channel all the time i love it!
Hi…I love this video….not sure if you’ll see this but I have a mare that’s very forward. She likes to throw her head up and rush. I currently ride her in twisted wire bits but hate them 😞 I was taught to have your horse in the lightest bit possible when riding and to work on softness and suppleness with leg and seat cues. My mare is in training to be “all around” jumping trail riding and barrel racing. What but would you recommend off this information? I’d like to have her in the softest bit possible without her running off with me 🙃
Thank you for this video! I've been toying around with different things to try on my appendix boy. They previously had him in a three piece twisted mouth with a dog bone and I really don't like it and feel he could go much better in something different. I'm just clueless on where to begin. I've tried him in different hacks and he does not like any of them. He can be heavy on the forehand and very forward most of the time and does play with the bit quite a "bit" 😂. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated in my search for the perfect setup! I'm enjoying your videos and how knowledgeable you are! Keep up the great work!
Crysta Sellgren Try a waterford or a d ring French link! The Waterford does great for Troy!
@@ZLEquestrian Thank you so much! I'll try them out and see how he likes it.
Thanks for all the info!
This is very helful for my horses thanks Zoey!
I learned so much from this video. Thank you!
What do you think of rubber D ring bits? I saw you playing around with one when you were talking and I was secretly hoping you would talk about it! Haha. I just got my 7yr old ottb project (he raced late) and I’m trying to see what he might like best.. I’ve been an English rider for 7 years and I have a soft hand.
I’m getting my guy a new bit. He has a simple Verdun Snaffle, and he hates the pinching. I’m going to try to get a sweet iron French link if I can, but i hate to see his mouth gaping open even with little pressure.
i actually learned a lot after watching this. thank you!
Thanks for watching!
My mare is in the mullen pelham and I love it. Wish I would have made the move sooner.
I adopted a green qh mare age 15 and she came with a Tom thumb and she is very heavy on the bit. Loose ring snaffle she was not a fan. Any recommendations for my next bit option?
My mare was mistreated with a single jointed curved metal dee ring bit. I then started riding her bitless after she started refusing the bit. She has been bitless for a while and is doing perfect in it but I am going to start showing soon and most shows require a bit. My goal is to start introducing her into a bit again so my question is what is the softest, most forgiving bit that I can try on her. I was thinking plastic or rubber mouthpieces. Thanks!
Paxton Bourgeois get yourself one of the Myler bits she showed in the video, they’re super great bits.
Hi ! what would be softer between a flexible mullen mouth pelham and a double jointed with copper roller pelham ? thanks :)
this was informative and educational on the different types of bits out there.