Summary Eggbut and D-Ring Bits
Side pieces: fixed side pieces (eggbut or D-shaped)
Mouthpiece: single jointed, double jointed, straight mullen mouth, mullen mouth with port
Fit: When correctly buckled, the side piece should rest against the corners of the mouth without pinching. To achieve this, choose a size smaller than the loose ring snaffle.
Our bestsellers: novocontact Eggbut Bit, Nathe Eggbut Bit
Fixed Sidepieces for a Steady Position in the Horse Mouth
In our last blog post, we introduced the loose ring snaffle as probably the most well-known bit. In the following, we will look at bits with fixed side pieces in the form of D-rings and eggbut shaped rings. The mouthpiece ends in fixed rings on both sides, through which the mouthpiece cannot move. As a result the rein aid is transmitted more directly than with loose rings. The steady position of the mouthpiece ensures that most horses accept the bit well. This is why these bit models are also very popular for training young horses. Generally, however, the bit is suitable for all training levels of horse and rider. When the reins are taken up, the resulting pressure is transferred to the horse’s lower jaw via the tongue.
Single and Double Jointed Eggbut and D-Ring Bits
Both models belong to the tried and tested classics in equestrian sports.
Singe jointed eggbut bits consist of two bit parts that are connected by a joint at the centre. When the reins are taken up, the centre of the mouthpiece is raised, so that the pressure is increasingly directed towards the edges of the tongue, while relieving the centre of the tongue.
The double jointed eggbut bit has a lozenge that connects the two bit parts in the middle. This distributes the pressure of the rein aid over a larger area of the tongue. Sensitive horses in particular react very positively to the wider distribution.
Mullen Mouth Eggbut Bits
Mullen mouths with eggbut or D-ring cheeks, such as our Duo bits, are somewhat more specialised. The fixed side piece transfers the rein aid directly to the tongue and lower jaw and distributes the pressure evenly.
As one-sided aids are not possible with mullen mouths, your horse should be easy to ride using leg and weight aids. With a straight mullen mouth, the pressure distribution of the rein aids extends evenly over the entire tongue. Mullen mouths with port offer horses with particularly thick and fleshy tongues more space and only exert pressure on the centre of the tongue when the reins are taken up stronger. In addition, the rein aid is transferred more directly and the bit lies more steadily in the horse’s mouth than a single or double jointed loose ring snaffle. With the Sprenger Duo bits you have 2 bits in one. Depending on how you turn the bar, the bit has a slight port or not.
What is the difference between D-ring and eggbutt bit?
Basically, there is hardly any difference between the eggbutt and D-ring snaffles. The side parts of the D-ring bits are slightly larger and straighter and therefore offer a bit more lateral limitation and stability in the mouth. D-ring bits are often used in show jumping or for young horses. They are also particularly popular in hunter classes.
Eggbut bits made from Sensogan
To make your horse's new eggbutt bit particularly palatable, we recommend our Sensogan eggbutt bits. The copper contained in the alloy specifically stimulates saliva production, causing the horse to chew more. The chewing movement relaxes the muscles in the jaw area and the horse concentrates on the bit. This allows the horse to react to rein aids with satisfaction and motivation.
Our SPRENGER Sensogan bits are all marked with the black ring on the side parts, so you can easily recognise them.