AA Callisters
Login | Returns | Your cart is empty | Checkout
  • Home
  • Clothing
    • Western Wear
      • Men's Apparel
        • Men's Shirts
        • Men's Jeans & Pants
        • Men's Outerwear
        • Sports Jackets
        • Old West Clothing
      • Women's Apparel
        • Women's Shirts & Tops
        • Women's Jeans & Pants
        • Women's Outerwear
      • Boy's Apparel
        • Boy's Shirts
        • Boy's Jeans & Pants
        • Boy's Outerwear
      • Girl's Apparel
        • Girl's Shirts & Tops
        • Girl's Jeans
        • Girl's Outerwear
      • Toddler & Infant Apparel
    • English Wear
      • Women's Clothing
        • Breeches
        • Women's Shirts
        • Women's Show Apparel & Accessories
        • English Outerwear
      • Children's Clothing
      • Men's Clothingl
  • Accessories
    • Pocket Knives
    • Silk Wild Rags & Neck Ties
    • Gloves
      • Work Gloves
      • Riding Gloves
    • Sunglasses
    • Garment Bags & Totes
    • Belts & Suspenders
      • Men's Belts
      • Suspenders
      • Women's Belts
      • Children's Belts
    • Buckles
    • Fragrances & Lotion
    • Jewelry
      • Mens Jewelry
      • Bracelets & Watches
      • Earrings
      • Jewelry Sets
      • Necklaces & Brooches
      • Rings & Hair Accessories
    • Wallets & Purses
      • Men's Wallets & Clips
      • Women's Wallets & Purses
  • Footwear
    • Boot Accessories & Leather Care
    • Socks
    • Western Footwear
      • Men's Footwear
        • Men's Cowboy Boots
        • Men's Workboots
        • Men's Shoes
        • Men's Rain, Snow & Muck
      • Women's Footwear
        • Women's Cowboy Boots
        • Women's Workboots
        • Women's Shoes
        • Women's Rain, Snow & Muck
      • Children's Footwear
        • Children's Cowboy Boots
        • Children's Rain, Snow & Muck
    • English Footwear
      • Women's Riding Boots
      • Children's Riding Boots
      • Men's Riding Boots
      • English Half Chaps
  • Hats
    • Hat Accessories
    • Straw Hats
    • Felt Hats
    • Australian Hats
    • Baseball Caps
    • Children's Hats
    • Winter Hats
  • Decor & Gifts
    • Gift Cards
    • Home Decor
    • Statues & Figurines
    • Kitchen Decor
    • Toys
    • Office Decor
    • Books & DVDs
  • Tack
    • Riding Helmets
    • Protective Vests
    • Leather, Silver & Waterproofing Care
    • Bits
    • Halters & Leads
    • Leg Gear & Hoof Boots
    • Horse Blankets & Sheets
      • Horse Blanket Accessories
      • Winter Blankets
      • Nylon Sheets
      • Coolers
      • Fly Sheets
    • Western Tack
      • Western Saddles
        • Barrel Racing Saddles
        • Trail & Pleasure Saddles
        • Roping Saddles
        • Ranch & Working Saddles
        • Reining, Cutting & Show Saddles
        • Youth Saddles
      • Western Saddle Pads
      • Cinches & Back Cinches
      • Breastcollars
      • Headstalls
      • Curb & Slobber Straps
      • Cavesons & Tie Downs
      • Western Reins
      • Bosals & Mecates
      • Western Stirrups
      • Training Forks & Martingales
      • Western Saddle Bags
      • Western Saddle Accessories
      • Western Spurs & Straps
      • Western Chaps
    • English Tack
      • English Saddles
      • English Saddle Pads
      • English Girths
      • Irons & Leathers
      • Martingales & Breastplates
      • Bridles & Accessories
      • English Reins
      • English Saddle Accessories
      • English Spurs & Straps
    • Miniature Tack
    • Australian Tack
    • Horse Racing
      • Race Saddles
      • Horse Racing Tack
      • Jockey Apparel
    • Hunting & Packing
      • Pack Saddles & Tack
      • Panniers & Liners
      • Scabbards & Packing Accessories
    • Harness & Accessories
  • Rodeo
    • Rough Stock Gear
      • Equipment & Gear
      • Helmets & Protective Vests
    • Barrel Racing
    • Team Roping
      • Team Ropes
      • Rope Bags
      • Team Roping Accessories
    • Calf & Breakaway Roping
      • Calf Ropes
      • Strings
      • Roping Accessories
    • Ranch Roping
    • Youth Ropes
  • Animal
    • Horse Care
      • Horse Wormers
      • Supplements
      • Hoof Care
      • First Aid
      • Therapeutic Products
    • Grooming Supplies
      • Mane & Tail Care
      • Clippers & Accessories
      • Bathing Supplies
      • Brushes & Combs
      • Show Supplies
      • Totes & Organizers
    • Stable & Trailer
      • Fly Control
      • Hay Bags & Nets
      • Horse Treats & Toys
      • Trailer Supplies
      • Stall Supplies
    • Training Equipment
      • Lunging Equipment
      • Crops, Whips & Flags
      • Cones & Jumps
      • Behavioral Training Aids
      • Horse Ear Plugs
    • Dog Supplies
      • Dog Collars & Leashes
      • Dog Care & Toys
      • Dog Coats
    • Poultry Supplies
  • Farrier
    • Farrier Tools
      • Hoof Knives
      • Nippers
      • Clinchers, Clinch Blocks & Cutters
      • Rasps
      • Hammers
      • Pritchels & Fore Punches
      • Dividers, Gauges & Eveners
    • Farrier Truck & Shop
      • Tool Boxes
      • Hoof Stands
      • Anvils & Stands
      • Forging & Accessories
    • Hoof Packing & Repair
    • Hoof Pads
    • Horseshoe Nails
    • Steel Horseshoes
    • Race Plates
    • Specialty Horseshoes
  • Shop the Brands
    • Concealed Carry
    • Ariat
    • Cinch
    • Corral Boots
    • Double J Saddlery
    • Hooey
    • Back on Track
    • Breyer Horses
    • Equibrand & Cashel
    • Garth Brooks Sevens
    • Justin Boots
    • Montana Silversmiths
    • Nocona
    • Roper
    • Stetson
    • Tony Lama
    • Weaver Leather
    • Wrangler
horse bit options selection

Horse Bit Options and Selection Tips, Part 2

In part one of this two-part blog, we went over some of the basics on the common horse bit types, snaffle and curb bits. A horse bit, or the item your horse has in its mouth to assist you with guiding it, is a vital piece for any regular rider.

At AA Callister, our selection of horse bits is massive and represents our commitment to a variety of tack shop and farrier supplies for your animal’s comfort. In today’s blog, we’ll go into some specific factors that should go into your selection process for your horse’s bit, plus some tips on how to properly break them into a new bit and forge the proper relationship using it.

Factors in Horse Bit Selection

There are several distinct factors that may play a role in the precise bit you choose for your animal:

  • Type of horse, and type of riding being performed
  • Age of horse
  • General horse temperament and behavior
  • Training level of the horse
  • Training and experience level of the rider

Choosing Your Bit

Generally speaking, the goal of choosing a horse bit is accomplishing the level of training or control you desire without making the situation painful, either for you or the horse. Here are some general tips we can offer in this area:

  • Gentle: If at all possible, you want to be gentle and light with your bit selection for your horse. The majority of riders outside competition areas begin their horse with a snaffle bit, generally considered the more gentle and forgiving type – if the animal responds well to this style, you likely don’t even have to consider anything more severe like a curb bit. If you’re a more experienced rider and the animal isn’t quite responding how you’d like, on the other hand, you can consider a more severe bit.
  • Try it out: If possible, ask if you can try the horse bit out before buying it. You may have to do a bit of a trial-and-error process to find the perfect bit.
  • Previous owner: If your horse has a previous owner you can get in touch with, ask them if there was a specific type of bit the horse responded well to. Also be sure to ask about the type of riding they were using the bit for, as it may be different than your desired riding style.

Bit and Horse Relationship

As we’ve noted several times in this series, horse bits are vital for communicating with your animal. And while they’re very important, the true crux of the relationship you build with the horse comes down to you and your own behavior. If you try several bits and none of them are accomplishing your goals, it’s possible the actual problem is you and the communication style you’re attempting with your horse. You may need to consider instruction or starting over with the horse – attempting to control them without anything besides a saddle and reins.

For more on choosing the right horse bit for your horse, or to learn about any of our cowboy hats, rodeo vests or other Western wear, speak to the staff at AA Callister today.

« Horse Bit Options and Selection Tips, Part 1
Picking the Right Women’s Cowgirl Jean Style, Part 1 »

Blog Post Category

  • Blog
  • Clothing
  • Footwear
  • Hats
  • Hoof Care
  • Tack Rodeo
  • Uncategorized
picking women’s jean style

In part one of this two-part...

AA Callisters
picking women’s jean style

Whether you’re a true cowgirl who...

AA Callisters
horse bit options selection

In part one of this two-part...

AA Callisters
horse bit options selection

For those who train and regularly...

AA Callisters

Latest Posts

  • Picking the Right Women’s Cowgirl Jean Style, Part 2
  • Picking the Right Women’s Cowgirl Jean Style, Part 1
  • Horse Bit Options and Selection Tips, Part 2
  • Horse Bit Options and Selection Tips, Part 1
  • Day-Of Tips and Considerations for Western Horse Shows

Subscribe for Newsletter

Information

  • Locations
  • Employment

Customer Service

  • Contact Us
  • Returns & Policies

ABOUT SSL CERTIFICATES
Authorize.Net Merchant - Click to Verify Accept Credit Card Payments

About A.A. Callister

In 1952, Arthur A. Callister began trading wool with his father in a little shop on Redwood Road in Salt Lake City, Utah. Noticing how many customers were in need of quality tack to outfit themselves and their horses, AA Callister's Western Wear and Tack was born! Over 50 years and many satisfied customers we are still a family owned tack shop still located on the original site. We are proud to represent the traditions and lifestyles that made the West famous. We are also proud to feature some of the finest tack, clothing, and equipment made. Come live part of the American West today!

© 2015 AA Callister. All rights reserved.