Nathe Bits

Nathe Horse Bits

Nathe® bits have been developed specifically for horses with sensitive mouths. All their bits incorporate a mouthpiece with a robust, yet flexible steel wire centre wrapped in softer, hypoallergenic material. Due to being so very gentle, Nathe® bits put less pressure on your horse’s tongue and encourage them to mouth the bit – in turn, helping their jaw relax, resulting in a pleasant riding experience for you both.

Should your horse be uncomfortable in a bit, it doesn’t only have a detrimental impact on their wellbeing; it also affects their performance and connection with you through the reins. That is why we must fit bits correctly and find the best type of bit to suit our horse’s specific requirements.

Nathe Sensitive Horse Bits

Following are a few common issues horse owners face when finding a bit, and a little information on how to make the best decision for your horse:

* Large Tongue

Horses with a large tongue have less space in their mouths to accommodate a bit; this can be checked by looking into your horse’s mouth when they have a bridle on. If your horse’s tongue is bulging from beneath the bit, it is likely they’ll experience some discomfort. A solution to this is to source a thinner bit that takes up less space in your horse’s mouth. Thinner bits can be more severe, so perhaps try a double-jointed or slightly ported mouthpiece.

* Low Palette

Common in Arabians and Thoroughbreds, a low palette can cause incredible difficulty in finding a bit that is comfortable for your horse. Single jointed bits can have a ‘nutcracker’ effect, so when used on horses with a low palette, they can cause enough discomfort that your horse head shakes and evades the bit. A mouthpiece with a lozenge in the centre or a mullen mouth might be best suited in such cases.

* Sore Lips   

If you notice splits or rub marks in the corners of your horse’s mouth due to the bit, this could have been for several reasons. For example, it could have been caused by a lack of salivation or positioning of the bit was too high. The positioning of the bit can be remedied by careful fitting to ensure the bit isn’t too high, too low, too small, or too big. As for sensitivity being the cause, you could avoid using a stainless steel bit, instead opting for a Nathe® bit, for instance.