{"id":932,"date":"2022-06-23T14:30:00","date_gmt":"2022-06-23T14:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thehorsesguide.com\/?p=932"},"modified":"2022-06-16T14:30:35","modified_gmt":"2022-06-16T14:30:35","slug":"the-best-barrel-racing-bits-5-top-sellers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thehorsesguide.com\/the-best-barrel-racing-bits-5-top-sellers\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Barrel Racing Bits (5 Top\u2013Sellers)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

What are Barrel Bits?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The best barrel racing bits are mouthpieces for horses to help them go faster during competition. They raise the horses’ shoulders and promote vertical and lateral flexion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most pleasure riders use bits to slow, stop, and guide their horses. But did you know that utilizing the right bit might help you correct your barrel horse’s action? Certain barrel racing bits are better at elevating your horse’s shoulders. <\/p>\n\n\n

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The Different Types of Barrel Bits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are a lot of different parts out there, and they all fit into one of a few different categories, except for one or two. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Snaffle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A simple snaffle bit is an excellent choice for practically any riding discipline, including barrel racing. When deciding what style of bit to use, start with a snaffle and work your way up from there. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When compared to some of the more advanced and specialized bits, a snaffle bit is relatively soft. It is unlikely to cause your horse any performance issues, and if it performs well in a basic snaffle design, it most likely has a sensitive mouth and will not benefit from a harsher bit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shanked Bits <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The majority of barrel racers use a shanked, curved bit. Depending on their design elements, the harshness of these parts can range from somewhat light to reasonably severe. The less leverage (stopping strength) you have, the shorter the bit’s shank is. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The mouthpiece on a shanked bit can be practically anything you want it to be; tack stores and manufacturers offer hundreds of variations. If you’re going to use a shanked bit, make sure the mouthpiece balances and provides enough support for your horse to bend well without falling in throughout the turns. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You don’t want a bit harsher than your horse requires since he will become accustomed to it and resistant to more delicate instructions. A curb strap is usually available with shanked bits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although some shanked bits have a gag element, running a gag bit during competition has fallen out of favor. When ridden by a hard-handed or unbalanced rider, gag bits are pretty harsh and can cause a lot of damage to the mouth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hackamores<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Hackamores are bitless bridles that allow you to ride without putting anything in your horse’s mouth. You should use them on horses that respond well to pressure on the face and poll rather than the mouth from the rider. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These are especially effective for horses that dislike bits or have a hardened mouth from previous harsh riding. It’s worth noting that most barrel racers employ a mechanical hackamore rather than a kinder bosal or side pull. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is a Mild Bit Always the Best?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While many consider a snaffle a gentle bit, repeated tugging on the reins can quickly make your horse’s mouth numb or “hard.” While a lighter bit may appear gentler on your horse in theory, a horse that pulls hard on the reins may benefit from a more challenging bit that does not encourage it to lean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Different Types of Mouthpieces<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Because it lies within your horse’s mouth, the mouthpiece is perhaps the most crucial portion of the bit, and we’ll be focusing on it the most in this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mouthpieces are a component of both a snaffle and curb bit. It can vary in material and appearance. Mouthpieces form out of a bar, a straight bar, two bars, and a chain. Some are rubber or plastic material for horses with sensitive jaws, while others have the flavor to encourage the horse to accept the bit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several different mouthpieces available. The most frequent are below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n