Sweet Iron

A jointed bit has one hinge point, which means less pressure on the tongue than with a eliptical mouthpiece. A jointed mouthpiece exerts pressure mainly on the layers, the side of the tongue and can also have an effect on the palate. A jointed mouthpiece is seen as a standard mouthpiece.

This mouthpiece has two hinges, is shaped more towards the mouth and lies looser. This bit exerts pressure on the tongue, the layers and the corners of the mouth. Be careful with narrow lower jaws, the hinge points can press on the layers which can cause wounds. Compared to a single jointed bit, this bit exerts more pressure on the tongue.

The locked mouthpiece resembles a jointed mouthpiece but cannot fold as much as a jointed bit. When pressure is applied on the reins, the bit locks, transforming it into a straight bar and making it a sharper bit. With less pressure on the reins, the bit changes back into a jointed bit. This makes it an ideal bit for horses that are against the hand.

The cherry roller mouthpiece consists of loose rolls. These rolls prevent the horse from taking hold of the bit. In addition, it can stimulate the tongue activity which produces more saliva and relaxes the jaws. This bit is ideal for horses that holding the bit or have difficulty concentrating.

The mouthpiece with brass rings is a variant of the double-jointed bit. The rings in the middle stimulate the horse to play with the bit. This increases the tongue activity so that the horse will produce more saliva and the jaws can relax more.

The french link mouthpiece is a double-jointed mouthpiece with a figure-eight-shaped plate in the middle that exerts equal pressure on the tongue. This mouthpiece has two hinge points, is shaped more towards the mouth and lies somewhat looser in the mouth.

The Dr. Bristol mouthpiece is a double-jointed mouthpiece with a flat centre piece. The centre plate in a Dr bristol is angled and flat edged. Working primarily on the tongue with a sharp action due to the straight edged angled plate, and to a lesser degree on the bars. It can be useful for strong horses or those that pull.

A waterford mouthpiece consists of a series of rounded links. It is a flexible bit that forms towards the horse’s mouth and creates an even pressure. It can move in all directions making it difficult for the horse to lean on the bit so that the rider retains proper control. This bit is not suitable for inexperienced riders. In soft hands this mouthpiece is friendly but with a strong hand the bit can be sharp.

The wideport segundo is a double-jointed mouthpiece with a port. In contrast to the other ported bits, this mouthpiece can move loosely, which creates some lateral flexibility. Because of the port there is less pressure on the tongue but it is spread over the layers. Although there are sharper edges at the port which causes extra pressure points on the tongue. Because the port can move, horses generally find it difficult to lean on this mouthpiece.

An arched mouthpiece is a straight mouthpiece that is slightly bent. Because of the forward bend in the bit there is room for the tongue. This mouthpiece exert even pressure on the complete tongue. An arched mouthpiece has a sharper effect than a jointed or an eliptical mouthpiece.

This is a straight mouthpiece with a low port. The port allows freedom of the tongue. The port creates space for the tongue and decreases the pressure on the centre of the horse’s tongue. More tongue freedom is ideal for horses that have a sensitive tongue or horses who stick their tongue out.

This is a straight mouthpiece with a medium port. The port allows freedom of the tongue. The port creates space for the tongue and decreases the pressure on the centre of the horse’s tongue. More tongue freedom is ideal for horses that have a sensitive tongue or horses that stick out the tongue.