How does the American bit act on the horse's mouth?
The American bit is characterised by its side shanks, which create leverage when you take up contact on the reins. The action is spread across the bars, the tongue and the poll, and is regulated by a curb chain. This bit is generally used to get a quicker give at the poll or to gain more control over strong horses.
To use it well, the rider needs to keep steady, gentle hands. Too much tension can cause resistance or make the horse feel shut in, whereas a measured action helps channel energy calmly.
What should you look for when choosing an American bit?
The right bit depends on each horse's sensitivity, the shape of its mouth and the work you want to do in the arena or outdoors:
- The mouthpiece: a straight or jointed mouthpiece feels different against your horse's tongue and palate.
- The materials: standard metal alloys or copper encourage relaxation and salivation.
- Moving parts: rollers or spirals invite the horse to play with the bit and relax its jaw.
- Flexibility: flexible materials give a soft contact surface that sensitive horses tolerate particularly well.
Which FEELING models are in our selection?
Our catalogue includes bits designed by the brand FEELING to meet riders' varied needs:
- Training bits: you will find the Feeling Training Bit, the Feeling Copper Training Bit, the Feeling Training Bit with Rollers and the Feeling Training Bit with Spirals.
- The work bit: discover the Feeling Schooling Bit, designed for regular sessions on the flat or outdoors.
- Specific American bits: choose from the Feeling American Gag Bit, the Feeling Jointed American Gag Bit, the Feeling Comfort American Gag Bit or the Feeling Flexi American Gag Bit.
Each model has its own product page with the dimensions and finishes available.