The pelham cheekpiece combines the effect of a snaffle and a double bridle. The bit has one cheekpiece but can be ridden with one or two reins. If you choose to ride with one rein, a pelham strap is needed to connect the bit rings to the rings of the shanks. The pelham is a mouthpiece with lever action. The longer the shanks, the sharper the effect. The pelham has long shanks and therefore is a stronger bit than the baby pelham. A pelham bit is mainly used with strong horses, horses with too little space in the mouth for two mouthpieces or horses that have to get used to a double bridle. This bit is not suitable for the inexperienced rider.
The mouthpiece thickness is 16 mm.
An eliptical (double-jointed) mouthpiece is a standard mouthpiece.This mouthpiece has two hinges, is shaped more towards the mouth and lies somewhat looser in the mouth. This bit exerts pressure on the tongue, the layers and the corners of the mouth. Be careful with narrow lower jaws, the hinge points can press on the layers which can cause wounds. Compared to a single jointed bit, this bit exerts more pressure on the tongue.
A jointed bit has one hinge point, which means less pressure on the tongue than with a eliptical mouthpiece. A jointed mouthpiece exerts pressure mainly on the layers, the side of the tongue and can also have an effect on the palate. A jointed mouthpiece is seen as a standard mouthpiece.
The locked mouthpiece resembles a jointed mouthpiece but cannot fold as much as a jointed bit. When pressure is applied on the reins, the bit locks, transforming it into a straight bar and making it a sharper bit. With less pressure on the reins, the bit changes back into a jointed bit. This makes it an ideal bit for horses that are against the hand.
The Dr. Bristol mouthpiece is a double-jointed mouthpiece with a flat centre piece. The centre plate in a Dr bristol eggbutt is angled and flat edged. Working primarily on the tongue with a sharp action due to the staight edged angled plate, and to a lesser degnee on the bars. It can be useful for strong horses or those that pull.
The mouthpiece with brass rings is a variant of the double-jointed bit. The rings in the middle stimulate the horse to play with the bit. This increases the tongue activity so that the horse will produce more saliva and the jaws can relax more.
The medium or low port mouthpiece allows freedom of the tongue. The port creates space for the tongue and decreases the pressure on the centre of the horse’s tongue. More tongue freedom is ideal for horses that have a sensitive tongue or horses that stick out the tongue. This bit is not suitable for the inexperienced rider.
The cherry roller mouthpiece consists of loose rolls. These rolls prevent the horse from taking hold of the bit. In addition, it can stimulate the tongue activity which produces more saliva and relaxes the jaws. This bit is ideal for horses that holding the bit or have difficulty concentrating.
The french link mouthpiece is a double-jointed mouthpiece with a figure-eight-shaped plate in the middle that exerts equal pressure on the tongue. This mouthpiece has two hinge points, is shaped more towards the mouth and lies somewhat looser in the mouth.
A waterford mouthpiece consists of a series of rounded links. It is a flexible bit that forms towards the horse’s mouth and creates an even pressure. It can move in all directions making it difficult for the horse to lean on the bit so that the rider retains proper control. This bit is not suitable for inexperienced riders. In soft hands this mouthpiece is friendly but with a strong hand the bit can be sharp.
The wideport segundo is a double-jointed mouthpiece with a port. In contrast to the other ported bits, this mouthpiece can move loosely, which creates some lateral flexibility. Because of the port there is less pressure on the tongue but it is spread over the layers. Because the port can move, horses generally find it difficult to lean on this mouthpiece.
The Sweet Iron bits are made of steel and have a recognizable blue color. Sweet Iron will rust when it comes into contact with (air) humidity, the surface rust tastes sweet and naturally stimulates the saliva production. This will cause the horse to salivate more, which in turn will encourage a better acceptance of the bit.