How do you choose a driving bit for your horse?
Driving requires fine, constant communication between the driver's hand and the horse's mouth. Without the aid of body weight, the driver relies entirely on voice, whip and rein tension. The driving bit therefore plays a key role in steering and regulating the pace safely. Three main factors guide your choice:
- Mouth conformation: a straight mouthpiece spreads the pressure over the tongue, while a jointed mouthpiece acts more on the bars.
- Leverage: the height at which the reins are attached adjusts how firm the action is, according to the horse's sensitivity.
- Bit width: a correct size protects the corners of the mouth without pinching or sliding sideways.
Watching your horse's reactions closely will help you choose the most comfortable driving bit.
What are the advantages of the butterfly bit for driving?
The butterfly bit is a driving essential thanks to its versatility. Its distinctive rings offer several rein attachment points, so you can adjust severity and leverage without changing bits:
- Adjustable rein positions: a high attachment softens the contact, while a lower one strengthens the driving action.
- Side support: the cheeks of the bit guide the horse's head and make changes of direction easier.
- Choice of mouthpieces: straight or jointed shapes suit the conformation of the palate and tongue.
This adjustability lets you fine-tune your steering, whether out on the road or in the arena.
Which driving bits does FEELING offer?
Our selection includes eight technical bits from the brand FEELING to equip your horse for the way you drive:
- The FEELING butterfly bit: a classic for adjusting the action of the reins with ease.
- The FEELING mors coup de poing: a traditional bit for a firm, direct contact.
- The FEELING "Scourier" bit: a specific model designed for driving.
- The FEELING Liverpool versions: the range includes the Feeling Flexi Liverpool Bit, the Feeling Arched Straight Bar Liverpool Bit with Bottom Bar, the Feeling Straight Half-Twisted Liverpool Bit, the Feeling Arched Half-Twisted Liverpool Bit and the Feeling Jointed Liverpool Bit.
Each product page gives the details of these driving bits to help you choose.