This is especially a problem if the bit mouthpiece is too small.

The bit mouthpiece acts on the bars, tongue and roof of the mouth.

Various metals are used, and mouthpieces may be made in almost any type (see bit mouthpiece).

It consists of a bit mouthpiece with a ring on either side and acts with direct pressure.

Kimblewick bits have a variety of bit mouthpieces.

If the rider gives crude aids, it is generally best to pick a bit mouthpiece that is thicker.

A snaffle is not necessarily a bit with a jointed bit mouthpiece, as is often thought.

Generally considered the mildest type of pressure, though severity can vary depending on the type of bit mouthpiece used.

The roof of the mouth is affected if the bit mouthpiece of the pelham has a high port or if it is jointed.

The degree of leverage depends on the length of the shank and the positioning of the bit mouthpiece on the shanks.

The ring will also rotate slightly before the bit mouthpiece adds pressure to the mouth, thus allowing it to give more signal than a more fixed bit.

The bit mouthpiece is usually single-jointed, and the bit ring is usually a loose-ring, less often an eggbutt, or baucher.

Bit mouthpieces may be single jointed, double-jointed, "mullen" (a straight bar), or have an arched port in the center of varying height, with or without joints.

Therefore, the design of the ring is something to consider when choosing a bit for a horse, even though the bit mouthpiece generally has a greater effect than the ring.

Sweet iron is a term for cold-rolled "mild steel" or carbon steel that has been work hardened, popular for use in bit mouthpieces used on horses in the western riding disciplines.

Bits that have shanks coming off the bit mouthpiece to create leverage that applies pressure to the poll, chin groove and mouth of the horse are in the category of curb bits.

The "D" ring is offset, so the bit mouthpiece is on the upper part of the flat side of the D, creating a small amount of leverage, supported by a curb chain.

The bit mouthpiece should be slightly wider (to accommodate the bit guard) should one be used; it is best if it is at least 1/2 inch wider than required by the horse's mouth.

Various types of metal or synthetic substances are used for bit mouthpieces, which may determine how much a horse salivates or otherwise tolerates a bit; a horse having a moist mouth is considered more relaxed and responsive.

A bit consists of two basic components, the bit mouthpiece that goes inside the horse's mouth, and the bit rings of a snaffle bit or shanks of a curb bit, to which the bridle and reins attach.

While there are literally hundreds of types of bit mouthpieces, bit rings and bit shanks, essentially there are really only two broad categories: direct pressure bits, broadly termed snaffle bits; and leverage bits, usually termed curbs.

Although the kimberwicke appears to have a bit ring like a snaffle, the bit mouthpiece is not centered on the ring, and thus can be used to create leverage; in the Uxeter kimberwicke, there are slots which the reins in a specific location.

Once it comes in contact with the curb groove of the horse it acts as a fulcrum, causing the cannons of the bit mouthpiece to push down onto the horse's bars, thus amplifing the bit's pressure on the bars of the horse's mouth.

In parts of western North America influenced by the vaquero tradition of Spain and Mexico, a spade bit called a ring bit had a metal ring that fastened at the highest point of the port or spoon of the bit mouthpiece passed through the horse's mouth, and surrounded the lower jaw.

Shanked curb bits are used in western riding for nearly all adult horses, and are seen in English riding disciplines primarily as part of the double bridle used by advanced Dressage riders, and on the hybrid Pelham bit that includes a ring for a second rein attached at the bit mouthpiece.