Loose Rings

Loose rings allow the horse to move the bit with its tongue, which relieves pressure on the tongue and bars. The mouthpiece is immediately brought into a neutral position by the horse, so the bit only acts in response to direct rein pressure.

This cheekpiece does not provide lateral guidance and should be positioned about 0.5 cm away from the corners of the mouth on both sides, to avoid pinching the sensitive skin with the ring.

This cheekpiece is well-suited for young horses that are still getting used to the feel of a bit.

Bits with this type of cheekpiece are known as loose-ring snaffles.

Eggbutt Bit

The eggbutt bit prevents pinching of the mouth corners and provides light lateral stability. Due to the fixed position and shape of the ring, this bit sits more steadily in the horse’s mouth.

Eggbutt bits have a similar effect to loose-ring snaffles, but the rein action is somewhat more direct. Therefore, eggbutt bits are not recommended for riders who do not have an independent seat.

The size should be chosen so that the bit rests laterally against the corners of the mouth.

D-Ring

The D-Ring bit has a similar effect to an eggbutt bit; it prevents pinching of the mouth corners and provides more lateral stabilization and guidance. The cheekpiece offers stability and steadiness in the horse’s mouth.

The slightly larger ring reduces the impact of the rider’s hand somewhat.

The size should be chosen so that the bit rests laterally against the corners of the mouth.

Full Cheek Snaffle

The full cheek snaffle is an ideal training bit. The cheeks provide clear lateral support and guidance, aiding in turns. Due to the smaller cheek rings, the action is more direct.

This type of cheekpiece is commonly used in show jumping, as the lateral guidance can be helpful. It is also effective for lunging, as the bit's position in the mouth is not altered by unilateral pulling.

The size should be chosen so that the bit rests laterally against the corners of the mouth.

Baucher Bit

The distinctive cheekpiece of the Baucher bit features two rings: the upper ring is where the cheek pieces are attached, and the lower ring is where the reins are attached.

Due to this fixed attachment with the bridle, the Baucher bit sits very steadily in the horse’s mouth and does not hang down. The fixed cheekpieces provide light lateral stabilization.

The effect when the reins are taken up primarily impacts the corners of the mouth, which encourages the horse to lift its head more.

Although it might seem otherwise, this bit does not have a lever action. When pressure is applied via the reins, the cheekpieces move outward.

This cheekpiece should rest lightly against the corners of the mouth.

4-in-1

This cheekpiece can be used in four different fastening options, allowing for customizable pressure distribution and varying effects.

Option 1: Attach the bridle to the upper small ring and the reins to the large ring—effect similar to a loose-ring snaffle.

Option 2: Attach the bridle to the upper small ring and the reins to the small lower ring—effect with a slight lever action on the mouth and poll.

Option 3: Attach the bridle to the large ring and the reins to the small lower ring—greater effect on the mouth, as the bit rings only slide partially.

Option 4: Attach the bridle to the small rings and use two pairs of reins, one on the bridle ring and one on the large ring—significant lever action on the poll and lifting effect on the mouth. WARNING: This fastening option should only be used temporarily and by experienced riders.

The basic structure is a loose ring, supplemented by two internal rings. Therefore, this bit should be chosen with 0.5 cm of space on both sides.

3-Ring or 2.5-Ring

These cheekpieces feature continuous rings with two additional smaller rings. The cheek pieces are attached to the upper ring, while the reins are attached to the middle or lower ring. Fastening the reins to the lower ring creates both pressure on the poll and a leverage effect on the mouthpiece. The 2.5-ring is a slightly gentler option, as the half ring reduces the leverage effect on the mouthpiece and poll.

This bit is already relatively sharp, as it has more pressure points.

Some space is needed between the bit and the corners of the mouth.

Pelham