• Never buy a bit that is poorly welded or has any sharp, roughened metal on it. Imagine that in your mouth! It should be smooth all over.

• Cheap bits are often badly manufactured. Dimpled metal or sharp points will only serve to undo training.

• Avoid pinching by buying eggbutt designed bits.

• Bits need to fit the horse. All horse mouths are unique in terms of length of lips, size of tongue, etc. The bit should run from gum to gum with the rings sitting comfortably on the outside of his lips, neither too tight to the face nor too loose.

• If your bit has long shanks (the portions that extend past the ring along the cheek down to the lips), then your horse will not be able to graze while it is on. Keep this in mind if you intend to trail ride for long periods of time. Many trail riders remove the bridle halfway through a ride to allow the horse to drink or graze. Alternatively, trail ride with a snaffle bit. (Be mindful the noseband does not prevent drinking or eating too.)

• Some bits have a “port,” or a u-shape in the middle of the bar. If your horse has a thick tongue, this could cause unnecessary pain to the roof of the horse’s mouth and a port should not be used. In general, any bit that rubs the roof of the mouth is frowned upon as overly harsh.

• Check your horse’s mouth for signs of gum injury. If there is bruising or sores, a softer, more properly-fitting bit needs to be obtained.

• Bits should always be used lightly with instant release of pressure when the desired behavior is achieved.

• Bit pressure should never be applied constantly (i.e., by tugging on the reins at all times). That would destroy the purpose of a bit, which is pain followed by release.

If the horse is not responding right away to your reining cues, think of other reasons why, don’t run out and buy a harsher bit. Are your thighs or seat giving the horse contradicting instructions? How is your weight positioned?

A bit alone will not a well-trained horse make. All other cues, such as your weight shift, leg cues and neck reining should take precedence over tugging on the bit.