Best Bits for Thoroughbreds and OTTBs - Expert Bit Guide

March 31, 2026

Thoroughbreds often present specific bitting challenges due to their fine oral structure and sensitivity.

Most Thoroughbreds have:

• Narrow jaws
• Lower or average palates
• Limited space within the mouth
• Show signs of tongue sensitivity; chewing on the bit or fussing
• Show signs of jaw or bar reactivity; flicking the head and travelling head high

This means bulkier or unstable bits are often not well tolerated.

Off-the-track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs) in particular can vary significantly:

• Some are reactive, sensitive, and defensive
• Others can feel heavy in the contact and pull through the hand

 

Many will also:

• Travel head high
• Chew on the bit
• Lean into the contact
• Or alternatively, avoid the contact altogether

 

The key to selecting the right bit is understanding:

👉 whether your horse needs stability, tongue relief, or clearer pressure distribution

Below are my recommended bit styles for Thoroughbreds, based on how they typically present in retraining and flatwork.

 

1. Bombers Ultra Comfy Lock Up

Best for: Horses transitioning from inconsistent contact to a more stable connection

This is a go-to starting point for Thoroughbreds that are:

• inconsistent into the contact
• unsure of the hand
• or learning to take a more even connection
• not straight

 

The lock-up design prevents the bit from collapsing onto the bars, which helps:

• reduce sharp pressure
• create a more stable feel through the mouth
• the horse will tend to follow the shape of the mouthpiece and learn to become straighter in its frame

It offers a balance of tongue and jaw relief, making it suitable for many OTTBs early in their retraining. We like to refer to this bit as offering 50% jaw relief and 50% tongue relief.

Link to Product: Bombers Eggbutt Ultra Comfy Lock Up

Dressage legal.

 

2. Fager Andrea Hard Fixed Cheek

 

Link to Product: Fager Andrea Hard Fixed Cheek

Material: Synthetic Rubber

Best for: Soft, reactive horses that cannot tolerate movement or chewing in the bit

The Fager Andrea suits a very specific type of Thoroughbred:

• naturally light in the mouth
• sensitive to pressure
• but becomes unsettled if the bit moves or rotates excessively

This is not a bit for horses that like to chew or play with the contact. In this scenario we have referred to the 'hard" mouthpiece in comparison to the "soft". The soft can be too soft for thoroughreds, whilst the hard there is some brace to the mouthpiece for a half halt aid.

Fager Andrea Hard provides:

• a very quiet, stable feel
• minimal movement
• consistent pressure

Ideal for horses that need calmness and stillness in the contact, rather than stimulation.

Dressage legal for FEI and EA

 

3. Caelo Rose Mullen

Material: Synthetic rubber

Best for: OTTBs that are reactive to metal but not overly strong

This is a great option for Thoroughbreds that:

• resist metal mouthpieces
• feel sharp or defensive in traditional bits
• but are not heavy or pulling

 

The straight bar design:

• offers consistent pressure
• encourages the horse to take a feel into the contact

 

The synthetic coating softens the overall experience, making it particularly useful for:

• sensitive mouths
• horses with previous bit trauma
• early retraining phases

 

Best suited to horses that need confidence in the contact, not restriction.

Link to Product: Caelo Rose Mullen

Dressage legal EA & FEI

 

4. Caelo Rose Elliptic

Material: Synthetic rubber with seamless links

Best for: Most Thoroughbreds as a starting point

This is one of the most versatile options for Thoroughbreds.

It combines:

• the softness of a synthetic coating
• with a traditional three-piece design

 

The seamless links are particularly important for:

• horses with tongue sensitivity
• horses prone to rubbing or splitting
• showing light tongue sensitivity. Ie. Mouthiness, but not exactly chewing on the bit nor coming behind the contact in a standard 3-piece snaffle.
• Can throw their head in single jointed bits
• Can ignore aids or hang downards in a rubber styled mullen

 

This bit allows:

• more even pressure across the tongue
• without removing tongue contact entirely

 

If you’re unsure where to start with a Thoroughbred, this is often the most balanced option to provide relief from metal bits, small tongue relief from big linked bits. A combination of light tongue relief and light bar relief.

Link to Product: Caelo Rose Elliptic

Dressage legal.

 

5. Bombers Ported Barrel

Best for: Horses requiring tongue relief and stability

The Bombers Ported Barrel is designed to:

• reduce tongue pressure
• provide a stable, non-collapsing feel

 

This can suit Thoroughbreds that:

• react to tongue pressure; chewing on the bit and coming behind the vertical
• become tense or resistant in traditional jointed bits

 

However, it’s important to understand:

👉 removing tongue pressure redistributes it to the bars and lips

This bit should only be used where true tongue sensitivity exists, rather than as a default option.

Link to Product: Bombers Eggbutt Ported Barrel

 

6. Caelo Balanced Contact Sweet Iron Loose Ring

 

Link to Product: Caelo Balanced Contact

Material: Sweet iron

Best for: Horses that travel head high or avoid contact

This design is particularly useful for Thoroughbreds that:

• carry their head high
• avoid taking a consistent contact
• or feel disconnected through the rein

 

The mouthpiece is designed so it:

• does not fold down onto the bars
• maintains a consistent feel

 

At the same time, it allows for:

• independent rein action
• appropriate training aids without over-restriction

A perfect option for developing correct connection and posture.

Dressage legal.

 

7. Fager Martin

 

Best for: OTTBs that pull through the hand or ignoring the aids. Often purchased by retrainers for the first 6-9 months of an OTTB coming off the track. We find that ex-race horses often have not a clear understanding of coming back to the rider through aids. The horse has been taught how to "go". This bit is used as an early starting point before moving to one of the styles earlier mentioned.

The Fager Martin is suited to Thoroughbreds that:

• lean heavily into the contact
• pull or run through the hand
• lack responsiveness to rein aids

 

It works by:

• refining pressure; locks up to a mullen mouthpiece when the horse ignores the aid and pulls through the hand. Returns to free moving bit once the horse responds to the bit and pressure from the rein is lessened. Teaching the horse the reward of returning to the aid. 
• improving clarity of the aids
• encouraging the horse to carry themselves rather than pull

This is a more refining tool, rather than a starting point.

Dressage legal.

 

Choosing the Right Bit for Your Thoroughbred

There is no one-size-fits-all solution.

When selecting a bit, consider:

• Is your horse sensitive or heavy in the contact?
• Do they need more tongue pressure or less?
• Are they reacting to movement, material, or pressure distribution?

 

Small changes in design can create significant differences in how your horse responds.

 

Need Help Choosing?

You can contact us for more insight or guidance on your own horse,

through our Online Bit Assistance 

 

FAQ

 

What bit is best for an OTT Thoroughbred?

It depends on the horse. Most OTTBs benefit from a balance of stability and softness, rather than extreme tongue relief or strong designs.

Are synthetic bits better for Thoroughbreds?

They can be helpful for sensitive or reactive horses, particularly those that resist metal mouthpieces.

Why do Thoroughbreds struggle with some bits?

Due to their fine oral structure, they often have limited space in the mouth and can be sensitive to pressure and movement.

Updated 31st March 2026 

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