When riding horses, the bit is one of the primary methods used to establish control and communication. The bit should only ever be utilised to provide signals from the rider, and never used to cause discomfort or pain.

To encourage the horse to work with a soft mouth, they must be taught to respond to the lightest bit pressure possible. This is achieved through repetitive and consistent training using a pressure and release technique on the reins. The horse is taught that when pressure is applied down the reins, by the rider's hands, they are required to submit to this tension. Once submission has been attained the horse will be rewarded with immediate release on the reins. Overtime this will encourage acceptance of the bit, trust in the rider, and an increased responsiveness to the aids. Excessive tension or force on the bit can prompt the horse to become strong and resistant, plus cause injuries to their mouth.

The health of the mouth is also a very important part of bitting. The teeth must be routinely rasped, every 6-12 months, to eliminate sharp edges on the molar teeth which can cause discomfort or pain. This should be done by a registered equine dentist or veterinarian.

Finding the most suitable bit for each individual equine may involve a process of trail and error. This is due to bits having variable pressure points, mouth widths, weights and materials all of which can prompt different responses from each horse. Additionally, in certain cases bitting can be a continual process due to improvements in the equine's level of training and performance. However, if the horse is comfortable and working well in their bit it should never be changed for the sake of a new fad.

The following points should be considered when choosing the correct bit for the horse:

• Age: Young horses should be introduced to wearing a bit carefully. Non-metal bits, such as naive or rubber materials are most suitable as they are milder and warmer in their mouth, plus softer if it accidentally bangs on their teeth. As the horse gains confidence in being bitted, they may advance to a gentle metal snaffle bit. From here, the horse's discipline and way of going will dictate which bit is most appropriate.
• Level of training, or type of discipline: As the horse progress through training it may be necessary to change the bit. This may be done to allow the rider to refine their aids, or when it is dictated by competition regulations.
• Structure of the horse's mouth: The shape and style of the bit must suit the conformation of their mouth (See structure of mouth).
• For extra control: A bit with more pressure points, different material or mouthpiece shape may be used if additional control or a quicker response is required. This maybe necessary for fast, or cross country riding.
• Ability of the rider: Whilst inexperienced or novice riders are learning how to balance and develop 'soft' hands, the horse should only be ridden in a mild bit with limited pressure points to prevent discomfort or mouth injuries. Stronger or more advanced bits should only be used by experienced riders who have mastered the art of the pull and release method.
• The horse's performance: Certain types of bits are designed for horses who work in a particular way, including ones who are strong, lean, evade the bit, or work in a hollow outline. Therefore it is important to watch how the horse works before determining which bit may be most suitable.
• The horse's response to the bit: If the equine is showing discomfort, under or over-responding, or simply not working well it may be necessary to try other types of bits to find the most suitable one.

Reasons when the horse's bit may need to be changed:

• The horse is uncontrollable in their bit.
• The horse responds negatively to the bit.
• The bit is causing sores or rubs on their mouth.
• The horse refuses to accept the bit.
• The bit is too severe or mild for the horse.
• The level of the horse's training has increased.
• The bit needs changing for competition use (certain bits are not permitted for competition use).
• When riding cross-country or going on faster hacks etc.
• The rider is more/less experienced.

Point to consider before changing the horse's bit:

There are many reasons when it may be necessary to change the horse's bit. However, before making this decision it is important to rule out other factors which could possibly be causing the issue. These include:

• Medical problems: teeth, musculoskeletal issues or lameness.
• Fit of the saddle: a badly fitted saddle can cause the horse extreme discomfort, and drastically alter their way of going.
• Rider's ability: stronger bits should be avoided when the rider is inexperienced.
• Education: the horse may be working poorly because of a lack of education, not necessarily due to the wrong bit.
• Age of the horse: young horses should be trained in mild bits and educated correctly to submit to pressure and release. Depending on the personality and wilfulness of the equine will determine how long this will take. Changing to a stronger bit because of a lack of patience from the rider should be avoided.