Horse Tack and Equine Supplies
IFA has a large selection of Western saddles.
Customers count on us for quality products, exceptional service and outstanding value. At IFA you’ll find even more of the products you need. From classic favorites to exciting, new additions. IFA has great selection of equine supplies and products to fill your horse tack & farrier needs.
IFA is proud to feature the highest quality and finest crafted saddles, strap goods, farrier, bits and equine accessories available. We understand the importance of having the right fit for the horse and the rider.
The right fit for the right bit
When choosing a bit, it is very important that it fits in the horse’s mouth comfortably. A ½? width should exist between the side of the horse’s mouth and the side of the bit. The bit is positioned high enough in the mouth so that the horse doesn’t put his tongue over the bit. A common mistake is when it is postioned to high, giving the horse a big “grin”. This should be avoided. The snaffle bit is the most common type of bit. It acts on direct pressure. The curb bit works using leverage.
- The types of bits are too numerous to list, but here are some examples:
- Curb bit
- Snaffle bit
- Gag bit
- Pelham bit
- Kimberwicke bit
Bits come in several different mouthpieces and (for snaffles) rings. Some of these include:
- Mouthpieces:
- Single jointed
- Mullen mouth (straight bar)
- Dr. Bristol
- French mouth
- Corkscrew
- Single and double twisted wire
- Waterford
- Rings:
- Loose ring
- D-ring
- Eggbutt
- Full-cheek
- Baucher
- Half-cheek
Bits are designed to work by pressure, not pain. Of course, in the wrong hands even the mildest bit can hurt the horse.
This article is published under the GNU Free Documentation License. The original article appears here.
