Bit Recommendations for Thoroughbreds
Thoroughbreds often present unique bitting challenges due to their typically fine and narrow oral conformation. They usually have small mouths, low palates, and limited space for the bit. Many off-the-track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs) can be either overly sensitive or quite dull to rein aids. Initially, they may lean heavily into the contact and resist the hand, often carrying their heads high. However, with proper training and suitable bitting, they can become more sensitive and responsive quite quickly.
Based on these characteristics, here are some recommended bits suitable for Thoroughbreds:
Material: Sweet iron
Function: Offers approximately 50% tongue relief and 50% jaw relief
Design: The single-jointed mouthpiece features a lock mechanism that prevents collapse on the bars, reducing pressure and encouraging the horse to come into the hand
Best for: Ideal for horses transitioning from inconsistent contact to being steady
Dressage Legal: Yes
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Material: Soft synthetic polymer
Function: Gentle and flexible, promoting softness and acceptance of the bit
Design: Eggbutt cheeks for stability, prevents pinching and reduces pressure on sensitive mouths or horses with splits
Best for: Best for high-headed Thoroughbreds that are sensitive but lack consistent contact
Dressage Legal: Yes (Please check with Pony Club or local rules for confirmation)
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Material: Lightweight titanium
Function: Anatomically shaped to follow the natural contours of the horse’s mouth
Design: Fixed cheek ensures consistent rein aids and greater stability
Best For: Excellent for horses requiring even pressure distribution and comfort from a straight bar design
Dressage Legal: Yes
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Material: Sweet iron
Function: The central barrel allows for clear separation of rein aids, enhancing communication and precision
Design: Eggbutt cheeks prevent pinching and bit displacement; the port adapts to a variety of mouth conformations and allows the horse to redistribute pressure between tongue and bars
Use Case: Ideal for horses needing a tailored balance of tongue and bar relief, particularly helpful for sensitive Thoroughbreds
Dressage Legal: Yes
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Material: Stainless steel
Function: Encourages contact and rein weight through controlled tongue and bar pressure
Design: Offers a stable and forgiving feel; ideal as a transition bit for OTTBs starting flatwork or pleasure training
Best For: Great for encouraging contact and acceptance of the bit in early retraining phases
Dressage Legal: No – Recommended for pleasure or general training use
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Searching for a specific Trust bit for your horse? We offer custom ordering of any TRUST Equestrian bit—even sizes and styles we don’t keep in stock.
Single and double joint horse bits differ in how they apply pressure. Single joints create a lifting effect to the horses carriage, while double joints offer softer, more even pressure across the tongue—often making them more comfortable for sensitive horses.
Choosing the right bit depends on your horse’s workload. Horses out of work often need soft, simple bits for comfort, while those in training may require more refined options to support communication and performance. Regular reassessment is key to keeping your horse comfortable and responsive.