A practical, horse-first framework to support bit selection based on how the horse is going. This guide is designed to assist decision-making alongside correct fit, rider input, and training.
| Behaviour | Bit Direction | Key Focus | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stiff | Increase movement | Encourage relaxation through the jaw to help unlock the body | Bombers McHardy, Fager Julia, Fager Jack, Bombers Elliptical Bomber Blue |
| Cannot come into frame | Increase stability | Create clearer, more consistent contact the horse can step into | Fager Amanda, Fager Nils, Sprenger Novocontact Double Joint, Fager Tim, Fager John Baucher |
| Sensitive / overreactive | Reduce movement | Soften feel and minimise pressure changes | Fager Mattias, Fager Andrea, Neue Schule Turtle Top, Caelo Leather Eggbutt |
| Inconsistent contact | Stabilise pressure | Build confidence in the connection and consistency in the contact | Bombers Ultra Comfy Lock Up, Fager Sara, Bombers Moulded Mullen, Caelo Rose Elliptic, Caelo Balanced Contact, Fager Matilda, Fager Michael |
| Snatching / reefing | Soften contact | Reduce restriction and defensiveness in the contact | Caelo Rose Mullen, Fager Andrea, Bombers Ported Barrel |
| Head tilting | Increase mobility | Even out pressure across both sides of the mouth. Loose Rings | Fager Conny, Bombers Elliptical Dressage Control Titanium, Sprenger KK Ultra |
| Leaning / heavy | Add lift and definition | Encourage lift through the shoulders and reduce forehand reliance | Fager Linus, Bombers McHardy Dressage, Sprenger Dynamic RS Single Joint, Caelo Rose Single Joint |
| Behind the contact | Adjust pressure type | Build confidence in the contact based on current mouthpiece | Caelo Rose Elliptic, Bombers Ported Barrel, Fager Andrea, Bombers Happy Tongue, Fager Mattias |
| Tongue behaviours | Match response to cause | Balance between stability and tongue relief | Tongue out: Bombers Ported Barrel, Bombers Happy Tongue. Tongue fussy: Sprenger WH Ultra |
| Strong / takes off | Increase control | Bring the horse back to the rider with clearer aids | Fager Martin, Fager Tim, Fager Gustav, Fager Harry |
| Steering issues | Add cheek support | Improve direction and straightness through support | Baby Fulmer or Full Cheek; Fager Julia or Fager John, Sprenger Full Cheek 41414 |
| Busy / overactive mouth | Reduce movement | Simplify feel and reduce sensory input | Fager Matilda, Fager Sara, Fager Andrea, Caelo Leather Eggbutt |
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