Resistance to the bit

The most common signs of the wrong bit
Horses are always honest and will tell us if they are uncomfortable with something; this also applies to the bit. We just need to recognize the signs they show us. We have compiled the four most common signs of bit resistance to help you learn more – maybe your horse needs a different bit?

The horse goes "above the bit"
The horse raises its head and may toss it to relieve pressure on the tongue or the entire mouth. This causes the bit to slide back in the mouth, relieving pressure on the tongue in particular. The horse might either stay in this position constantly or alternate between going above the bit and working in a correct frame.

The horse goes "behind the bit"
The horse tucks its nose towards its chest to remove the pressure the bit places on the tongue. As a result, the bit puts pressure on the lips and the bars of the mouth. Just like going "above the bit", the horse can go "behind the bit" for shorter or longer periods of time.

The horse roots or bears down on the bit
There are different degrees of this. Some horses root their head down so forcefully that the rider is almost pulled out of the saddle, while others "simply" become heavy in the hands. When the horse roots its head down, the pressure from the bit shifts to the lips and the bars of the mouth, thereby relieving the tongue. This kind of resistance to the bit can also be a reminder to the rider not to apply too much pressure on the reins.

The horse has an overactive mouth
This varies widely and is typically the very first sign that the horse is uncomfortable with something. The horse might put its tongue over the bit, draw it back, stick it out of its mouth, or constantly chew and chomp. There can be many degrees of an overactive mouth, and it is important to question why you see this behavior instead of trying to "fix" the problem by strapping the horse's mouth shut with a tight noseband.

Choose the right bit for your horse
A common factor in these signs of bit discomfort is that the horse is trying to relieve its mouth, and especially its tongue. By choosing a bit with tongue relief (a ported bit), you can alleviate many of the discomforts the horse experiences with the bit. There are several reasons why it is a good idea to choose a bit with tongue relief – you can read more about ported bits in this post.

If you are unsure whether your horse needs a different bit, you should seek advice from a professional – either an equine dental specialist, an authorized Myler dealer, or another professional with the correct background. You are, of course, always welcome to contact Riding Equipment's customer service; we are happy to help you find a new bit or connect you with someone in your area who has the skills and knowledge to assist you. Remember that not all trainers are educated in equine anatomy, bits, and other equipment, even if they are highly skilled at riding and teaching. You should always consult someone who is specifically educated in the area you want to know more about.