Does your horse constantly stick its tongue out while you ride? You see it happen, and you wonder why. This common behavior can make riding difficult. It often signals that your horse is uncomfortable or resisting your aids. Finding the right bit to solve this problem feels like a puzzle with too many pieces.
Choosing the wrong bit can lead to more frustration for both you and your horse. You might try several bits that just don’t work. This wastes time and money. Understanding why a horse sticks its tongue out is the first step toward fixing it. We need a solution that promotes comfort and clear communication.
This post will break down the best types of bits designed for horses that exhibit this habit. You will learn what features to look for and how different materials affect your horse’s mouth. By the end, you will feel confident picking a bit that encourages your horse to keep its tongue where it belongs.
Top Bit For Horse That Sticks Tongue Out Recommendations
- SWEET IRON MOUTHPIECE: Naturally oxidizes to encourage salivation and softness, increasing bit acceptance and promoting a more responsive, willing horse in training and everyday riding.
- DOG BONE ROLLER DESIGN: Independent tongue and bar pressure with center roller provides relief and play, reducing boredom while keeping your horse engaged and focused on your cues.
- STAINLESS STEEL CONSTRUCTION: Durable ring bit resists rust and corrosion through intense training sessions and daily use, built to last through years of horsemanship.
- SIZED FOR AVERAGE HORSES: 5 inch mouthpiece with 2-5/8 inch rings fits most adult horses, offering balanced control and comfort for western riding disciplines.
- TRAINING AND EVERYDAY USE: Ideal snaffle bit for developing responsiveness and softness across ranch work, trail riding, and general horsemanship without premium pricing.
- 🐎 AK Solid Ported Sweet Iron Mouthpiece – Curved and ported solid mouthpiece provides tongue relief, ideal for horses that struggle with pressure or tongue sensitivity.
- 🛡️ Eggbutt Cheekpiece for Stability – Prevents lip pinching and keeps the bit steady, offering a secure feel against the sides of the face while preventing the bit from being pulled through the mouth.
- 🎯 Helps Horses With Contact Issues – Designed for horses that shake their head, stick out or suck back their tongue, try to get their tongue over the bit, cough intermittently, or duck behind the contact.
- 🔄 Gentle, Slow Release Action – Slower release than loose-ring bits with added light poll pressure for clearer communication and improved responsiveness.
- 🍬 Sweet Iron Mouthpiece – Provides a warm, sweet taste that encourages salivation, promotes relaxation, and improves bit acceptance.
- Stainless Steel Curb Bit
- 5-1/2" Medium Port Copper Mouth
- 6" Cheek pieces
- Country of Origin:China
- TONGUE RELIEF DESIGN: Shaped low port mouthpiece specifically engineered to relieve pressure on horses with large tongues or tongue evasion, encouraging a softer mouth and more responsive communication.
- COPPER ROLLER FEATURE: Copper roller adds natural movement and stimulates salivation for a wetter, more receptive mouth during training and daily riding.
- DURABLE STAINLESS STEEL: High-quality stainless steel construction resists rust and corrosion, maintaining peak condition ride after ride with minimal maintenance.
- VERSATILE TRAINING BIT: Ideal for flat work, hacking, jumping, faster work, and all-around everyday riding across disciplines from training to competitive use.
- EGGBUTT D RING DESIGN: Stable, consistent control with 5 inch mouthpiece; pressure evenly distributed across nose, bars, mouth corners, curb, and poll for balanced communication.
- Stainless Steel
- 5" Copper Mouth
- 3 inch Rings
- Item Package Weight - 0.6 Pounds
- Item Package Quantity - 1
- TONGUE RELIEF DESIGN: Small port with copper roller promotes relaxation and natural tongue movement, encouraging salivation for a more responsive and accepting horse during trail riding and ranch work.
- STAINLESS STEEL CONSTRUCTION: Durable D ring configuration with 75mm stainless steel rings provides lateral control, rust resistance, and reliable performance in all weather conditions.
- COMFORTABLE MOUTHPIECE: 125mm smooth mouthpiece size fits most horses, reducing discomfort and enabling clear, gentle communication between rider and horse.
- RESPONSIVE COMMUNICATION: Copper roller and small port design work together to enhance cue precision and horse responsiveness during western trail riding and ranch applications.
- TRUSTED QUALITY: Bar H Equine crafts reliable snaffle bits for everyday riders and trainers who demand durability and comfort without premium markup.
- Nickel Plated
- 5" Low Port Mouth
- 7" Cheek pieces
- Country of Origin:China
- Black Steel Three-Piece Snaffle Bit
- 5" Mouth with Copper Inlay
- Copper Wire Center
- 6" Loose Cheeks
Choosing the Right Bit for a Horse That Sticks Its Tongue Out: A Buyer’s Guide
Horses sticking their tongues out while being ridden can be a sign of discomfort or resistance. A specialized bit can often help correct this habit. Finding the right one requires understanding what makes a good “tongue out” bit. This guide helps you navigate your options.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a bit designed to discourage tongue evasion, you need specific features.
- Tongue Groove/Relief: Some bits have channels or grooves. These allow the horse’s tongue to sit comfortably, discouraging them from lifting it over the mouthpiece.
- Mouthpiece Design: Look at how thick or thin the bit is. A thinner bit often applies more pressure, which might not be what you want. A thicker, sometimes slightly curved, mouthpiece can distribute pressure better.
- Action and Leverage: Consider if you need a leverage bit (like a curb) or a direct pressure bit (like a snaffle). Bits with shanks can provide more control, but they require a very light hand.
- Cheekpiece Style: The rings or cheeks of the bit affect how the bit works. Loose rings offer more direct feel. D-rings or full cheeks keep the bit steady in the horse’s mouth.
Important Materials
The material of the bit greatly influences how the horse accepts it and how long the bit lasts.
Stainless steel is the most common material. It is strong and easy to clean. Many riders prefer stainless steel because it does not rust easily. Sweet iron bits are another option. These bits have a dark color that naturally rusts a little. This slight rust creates a sweet taste that some horses enjoy, making them more willing to accept the bit.
Rubber or synthetic bits are softer. They are good for sensitive horses. However, these materials wear out faster than metal. Always check the material for sharp edges or cracks before use.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of a bit affects its performance and safety.
Improving Quality
- Smooth Finish: High-quality bits have a very smooth finish. There should be no rough spots or seams where the metal joins. Rough spots cause pain and encourage bad habits.
- Proper Fit: A bit that fits correctly always performs better. Measure your horse’s mouth width accurately. A bit that is too wide or too narrow will cause discomfort, regardless of its design.
- Durability: Check the thickness of the metal, especially around the joints. Thicker metal lasts longer under regular use.
Reducing Quality
Poorly made bits often feature uneven welding or casting flaws. These imperfections create pressure points. Also, bits made from very cheap alloys might break under strain. Never use a bit showing signs of significant wear or damage.
User Experience and Use Cases
How riders use the bit matters greatly.
A bit designed for tongue evasion works best when paired with consistent riding. If you use a specialized bit but ignore light contact, the horse might find another way to evade pressure. These bits are often tools to aid training, not magic fixes. Start slow when introducing any new bit.
Use cases vary by discipline. For general pleasure riding, a simple, comfortable snaffle with tongue relief might work well. For high-level dressage or jumping, you might need a bit with more specific leverage to maintain collection while preventing the tongue from popping out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Tongue-Out Bits
Q: Will any bit stop my horse from sticking its tongue out?
A: No. While specialized bits help relieve discomfort that causes the action, training and consistent riding are necessary to fully correct the habit.
Q: How do I know if the bit fits correctly?
A: A bit should sit comfortably in the mouth, usually showing one or two very slight wrinkles at the corners when the reins are held lightly. It should not pinch the lips or hit the back teeth.
Q: Is a thick or thin mouthpiece better for this issue?
A: This depends on your horse. A thicker mouthpiece spreads pressure over a larger surface area, which some horses find more comfortable. A thinner mouthpiece provides sharper, more direct communication.
Q: Should I use a curb bit or a snaffle?
A: Start with a snaffle if possible. Snaffles act directly on the bars of the mouth. Only move to a curb bit if a snaffle is ineffective and you have professional guidance, as curbs involve leverage.
Q: How often should I clean my horse’s bit?
A: Clean the bit after every ride with plain water. Rinse off all saliva and debris to prevent residue buildup that could cause irritation.
Q: Can a tongue-tie work better than a new bit?
A: A tongue-tie is an alternative tool. Some riders find success with it, but you must consult your veterinarian or trainer. A bit change addresses the pressure point directly, while a tie restrains the tongue.
Q: What if my horse ignores the new bit?
A: If the horse ignores a properly fitted bit, the issue might be pain elsewhere (like the back or teeth) or a training problem. See your dentist or chiropractor.
Q: Are stainless steel bits always the best choice?
A: Stainless steel is durable and standard. If your horse seems hesitant, try a sweet iron or a bit with a synthetic covering for a different taste/feel.
Q: How much should I spend on a bit?
A: Quality matters more than price. You do not need the most expensive brand, but avoid very cheap bits that might have poor welds or edges.
Q: Can a bit cause tongue evasion if it is too loose?
A: Yes. If the bit is too loose, the horse can move it around too much, leading to discomfort or giving the horse room to maneuver its tongue over the top.