Which Bit for my Off The Track Thoroughbred?

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:


1. Bombers Ultra Comfy Lock-Up (any cheekpiece)

Bombers Eggbutt Ultra Comfy Lock Up - Horse Bit Emporium

  • 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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2. Trust Eggbutt Inno Sense Flexi Soft

Trust Eggbutt Inno Sense Flexi Soft - Horse Bit Emporium

  • 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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3. Fager Sara Titanium Fixed Cheek

  • 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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4. Bombers Ported Barrel 

    • 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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    5. Winning Tongue Plate (WTP) Eggbutt – Normal Plate

    Winning Tongue Plate Eggbutt - Horse Bit Emporium

    • 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

    • Use Case: Great for encouraging engagement and acceptance of the bit in early retraining phases

    • Dressage Legal: No – Recommended for pleasure or general training use

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