Understanding and Addressing Bit Evasions: The Key to a Happier Horse

At Equine Bitting Solutions, we believe that every horse deserves to be comfortable and confident while performing at their best. One of the critical aspects of achieving this is selecting the right bit. Today, we’re diving into the world of bit evasions, helping you recognise them, understand their causes, and explaining why the correct bit is vital for your horse’s well-being.

What Are Bit Evasions?

Bit evasions occur when a horse tries to avoid the pressure or discomfort caused by the bit. This behaviour can manifest in various ways, each indicating a different underlying issue. Recognising these evasions is the first step toward addressing them effectively.

Mouth Open
What it is: When a horse frequently opens its mouth while being ridden, it’s often an attempt to avoid the pressure of the bit.

    Possible Causes:

    • Discomfort from the bit: The bit might be too thick, too thin, or improperly fitted.
    • Dental Issues: Sharp edges or dental pain can cause a horse to react by opening its mouth.
    • Noseband issues: A too-tight or poorly adjusted noseband can exacerbate discomfort.

    Excessive Chewing and Chomping
    What it is: Constant chewing or chomping on the bit can indicate discomfort or anxiety.

      Possible Causes:

      • Bit Material, Fit or Size: The horse might dislike the taste or feel of the bit.
      • Nervousness: Some horses chew when they are anxious or stressed.
      • Training Issues: Lack of proper acceptance and understanding of bit pressure.
      • Hind end unsoundness can manifest in the mouth.

      Tongue Over the Bit
      What it is: When a horse gets its tongue over the bit, it can no longer respond to rein aids properly. This evasion often follows excessive chomping and chewing.

        Possible Causes:

        • Bit Placement: The bit might be sitting too low in the mouth.
        • Tongue Pressure: Some horses find the pressure on their tongue intolerable and react by putting their tongue over the bit.
        • Bit Size and Type: The bit could be too large or thick, causing discomfort.
        • Dental issues.
        • Possible Lameness issues or soreness through the body.

        Head Tilting
        What it is: A horse that tilts its head to one side while being ridden is trying to escape bit pressure or discomfort.

          Possible Causes:

          • Bit Asymmetry: The bit might be unevenly balanced.
          • Mouth Pain: Uneven pressure distribution causing discomfort.
          • Rider Influence: Uneven rein pressure or rider imbalance can cause head tilting.

          Lack of Performance
          What it is: This broad category includes resistance to moving forward, reluctance to perform specific movements, or general issues with training and communication.

            Possible Causes:

            • Discomfort or Pain: A poorly fitting bit can cause significant discomfort, leading to poor performance.
            • Bit Type: The bit might not be suitable for the horse’s mouth conformation or the discipline.
            • Training Issues: Inadequate training or misunderstanding of aids.

            Not Accepting the Contact
            What it is: Horses that avoid steady contact with the bit often drop the contact, resulting in inconsistent communication.

              Possible Causes:

              • Bit Fit and Comfort: Discomfort can cause the horse to avoid contact.
              • Rider Hands: Inconsistent, harsh, or unsteady hands can make a horse reluctant to accept contact.
              • Lack of Training:The horse might not understand the concept of maintaining contact.

              Ignoring Rein Aids
              What it is: When a horse seems unresponsive to rein aids, it might be deliberately avoiding or not feeling the pressure correctly.

                Possible Causes:

                • Desensitisation: If the horse has learned to ignore the bit due to constant pressure, or perhaps far too much movement so the horse becomes confused.
                • Pain or Discomfort: The bit might cause pain, leading to avoidance of rein aids.
                • Improper Bit Type: The bit might not be appropriate for the horse or the discipline.

                Head Above the Bit
                What it is: Raising the head above the bit line to escape bit pressure.

                  Possible Causes:

                  • Bit Discomfort: The horse might find the bit uncomfortable or painful.
                  • Inconsistent Contact: Erratic rein pressure can cause the horse to evade by raising its head.
                  • Physical Issues: Neck or back pain can also cause this behavior.

                  Tucking Behind the Bit
                  What it is: The horse tucks its head behind the vertical to avoid contact with the bit.

                    Possible Causes:

                    • Harsh Bit or Hands: The horse might be avoiding harsh rein pressure.
                    • Training Issues: Incorrect training techniques leading to fear of the bit.
                    • Sensitive Mouth: Some horses have very sensitive mouths and react strongly to bit pressure.

                    Fear of Being Bridled
                    What it is: Resistance or fear shown when being bridled, such as raising the head, moving away, or showing signs of distress.

                      Possible Causes:

                      • Previous Trauma: Negative past experiences with bitting or bridling.
                      • Bit Pain: The horse associates the bit with discomfort or pain.
                      • Bridle Fit: Poorly fitting bridle causing discomfort.

                      Causes of Bit Evasions

                      Understanding why bit evasions occur is crucial for addressing them. Here are some common causes:

                      1. Ill-Fitting Bits: Bits that are too large, too small, or otherwise ill-fitting can cause discomfort and lead to evasions.
                      2. Harsh Bits: Bits that apply too much pressure can be painful and cause a horse to react negatively.
                      3. Dental Issues: Problems with a horse’s teeth can make any bit uncomfortable, leading to evasions.
                      4. Rider Hands: Inconsistent or heavy hands can cause a horse to become resistant to the bit.
                      5. Lack of Training: Sometimes, bit evasions stem from a lack of proper training and understanding of bit pressure.

                      The Importance of Selecting the Correct Bit

                      Choosing the right bit is essential for the comfort and performance of your horse. Here’s why:

                      1. Comfort and Welfare: A well-fitting, appropriate bit ensures that your horse is comfortable and willing to work, reducing the likelihood of evasions.
                      2. Effective Communication: The right bit facilitates clear and effective communication between horse and rider.
                      3. Performance: A comfortable horse performs better, making the correct bit crucial for any discipline.
                      4. Health: Avoiding discomfort prevents long-term issues such as mouth sores, stress, and behavioral problems.
                      5. Preventing Long-Term Issues: Addressing bit discomfort early prevents the development of long-term behavioral and physical issues.

                      How We Can Help

                      At Equine Bitting Solutions, we specialise in finding the perfect bit for your horse. Our bitting consultations involve:

                      1. Detailed Assessment: We assess your horse’s mouth conformation, dental health, and current bitting issues.
                      2. Tailored Recommendations: Based on our assessment, we provide recommendations tailored to your horse’s needs and your riding style.
                      3. Follow-Up Support: We offer ongoing support to ensure that the selected bit continues to work well for your horse.

                      Don’t let bit evasions hinder your horse’s performance and well-being. Contact us today for a professional bitting consultation and discover the difference the right bit can make. Please send us a message to find out more about the services we offer and to book your appointment.

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