Straight Bar Bit: Unjointed Mouthpieces for an Even Contact

Straight Bar Bit: quiet and even

A straight bar bit has an unjointed mouthpiece. It does not wrap around the tongue like a jointed snaffle but acts evenly on the tongue and bars. Here you will find beris bits with Comfort bar, ported bar and KONNEX ported mouthpiece in many forms: loose ring snaffle, gag snaffle, pelham, combination bit, three-ring bit, Tandem and jumping combination curb. They are joined by the flexible rubber straight bar bit from Waldhausen.

Which horses suit a bar

Horses with a low palate or a sensitive tongue sometimes struggle with a jointed snaffle, because the joint can rise up. A Comfort bar is gently curved and follows the shape of the mouth. The ported bar has an arch in the middle that gives the tongue room. That is helpful for horses with a thick tongue or for those that like to put their tongue over the bit.

Soft or firm

The rubber straight bar bit is flexible and gives way. Many people use it for young horses when backing them or for horses with a very sensitive mouth. Plastic bars are light and often have a slight taste. With versions such as the gag snaffle, three-ring bit or jumping combination curb, leverage is added to the bar. They belong in the hands of riders who have experience with them.

Frequently asked questions

Is a straight bar bit gentler than a jointed one?
For many horses it is, because there is no joint that can press against the palate. However, the horse feels every one-sided pull on the rein on both sides. Quiet hands are therefore just as important as with any snaffle.

How long does a rubber straight bar bit last?
That depends on how much your horse chews on it. Check the rubber regularly for cracks and notches. As soon as you see any damage, it is time to replace it.

My horse puts its tongue over the bit. Will a bar help?
A ported bar gives more room and can ease the problem. Often, though, dental problems, the wrong bit position or tension are behind it. Have the teeth checked first and look at how the bridle is adjusted.