Bit Accessories

Bit guards

Rubber or silicone rings that sit between the bit and the corner of the mouth. They stop the rings of a loose ring snaffle from pinching the skin or rubbing the hair away — particularly useful for horses with thin skin or a lot of movement in the contact. They also make the bit sit slightly more still, which some horses prefer. Watch the thickness: guards that are too bulky take up room at the corner of the mouth, so re-measure your bit size when you start using them.

Curb chains and guards

Essential with a pelham, kimblewick or Weymouth curb. The curb chain limits how far the bit can rotate and therefore shapes its action. As a guide, it should make contact at about a quarter turn of the bit: any looser and the bit over-rotates, making the action unpredictable; any tighter and there is constant pressure on the curb groove.

Always lay the links flat before hooking it up — a twisted chain concentrates pressure on a single point and can rub. A curb chain guard in leather, rubber or sheepskin spreads the pressure across a wider surface and makes a real difference for sensitive horses.

Pelham roundings and couplers

Roundings let you ride a pelham or pessoa on one rein instead of two. That is easier in the hand, but it holds the bit in a permanent light leverage position, so you give up some nuance. If you ride on two reins, a narrower curb rein is more comfortable and helps you tell the two apart by feel.

Bit bags and cleaning

A clean bit is a comfortable bit. Rinse yours after every ride in lukewarm water — no soap or washing-up liquid, as the taste lingers and can put a horse off taking the bit. On copper alloys such as Sensogan, Aurigan and Cuprigan a light tarnish is simply part of the material; there is no need to polish it away, as it produces exactly the taste the alloy was chosen for. On sweet iron, the thin layer of surface rust is likewise intended. A bit bag keeps everything clean in the trailer or grooming box.

Permitted in competition?

Not every accessory is allowed in the ring, and the rules differ by discipline. The KNHS position is unambiguous: if it does not appear in the tack guide, it is not permitted. That applies to items you might take entirely for granted. Check the current guide for your discipline and level before you compete — and ask us if you are unsure, and we will look it up for you.

Need help working out what you need?

Not sure which thickness of bit guard fits, or which curb chain length suits your Weymouth? Visit our 400 m² showroom in Lemelerveld — on the N48 between Raalte and Ommen — and we will hold it up against your own bit. Or send us a WhatsApp message for a personal reply.