How do you choose a Camargue bit for your horse?
The Camargue bit is defined by its long shanks, which create leverage on the poll and bars. Traditionally ridden one-handed, it needs careful adjustment to suit the shape of the mouth and the horse's level of schooling.
To pick the model that best suits your riding, several points matter:
- Mouthpiece width: measure the distance between the corners of the lips. Our range includes 130 mm and 140 mm models from ACAMPADO, as well as 130 mm bits from other makers.
- Level of schooling: a horse in training needs gentle, progressive actions, while a schooled horse will respond precisely to lighter aids.
- Mouth conformation: the thickness of the tongue and the height of the palate guide your choice of mouthpiece, so the horse is comfortable at work.
Straight, port or jointed: which mouthpiece to choose?
The action in the mouth depends directly on the shape of the mouthpiece you choose for your horse:
- Straight mouthpiece: found on the LOPEZ Straight Camargue Bit, it gives a steady, even contact on the tongue and bars.
- Port mouthpiece: available from ACAMPADO and on the Grenouille or Pelcam port models, the port clears the centre of the tongue and shifts the action onto the bars.
- Jointed mouthpiece: offered by LOPEZ and ACAMPADO among others, it allows a different action on each side. With jointed bits, horse and rider build a very fine communication.
- Double joint: found on our Pelcam Double-Jointed Stainless Steel-Copper model, it reduces pressure in the centre; a double-jointed copper bit helps encourage relaxation and salivation.
Why choose stainless steel, copper or rubber?
Our 16 bits online combine different materials, each known for its own qualities:
- Stainless steel: smooth, strong and neutral, it lasts well and is easily cleaned with clean water after each ride.
- Copper inserts: copper encourages salivation and a relaxed jaw, notably on the port and jointed stainless steel-copper models.
- Rubber: found on the Jointed Rubber "Pelcam" Camargue Bit, it gives a cushioned contact that some sensitive mouths appreciate.