Diddy Bits

16/06/2026

12/06/2026

Bit links! Many people use lozenge bits to eliminate the nutcracker action on the tongue. Which way are the links on your lozenge bits sitting? Our lozenge bits are made with the links sitting flat against the tongue. The top bit pictured is a Diddy Bit. The bit below is another brand with links sitting upright. Upright links can irritate the palate and dig into the tongue which can cause bitting issues in some horses. The links on our bits are also made much smaller than other brands. These small adjustments can make a big difference.

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11/06/2026

The hanging cheek does not apply poll pressure!

11/06/2026

The grass muscle is an important factor to consider when bitting your horse

10/06/2026

“Fight or flight”
Ensuring your mouthpiece is comfortable for your horse or pony is very important. A horse that is comfortable is more accepting of the aids, relaxed and willing. If the bit you are using is painful or uncomfortable, their body goes into fight or flight mode! This is where you will find horses evading the contact either by running or other unwanted behaviour such as bucking, rearing, unwilling to go forward and general poor performance. Many traditional bits that are still widely used today due to the longevity of the material used are unsuitable and cause pain and discomfort, this in turn causes unwanted behaviour and affects performance!

03/06/2026

The fleshy tongue! This horse has a particularly large tongue. I find the fleshier the mouth the stronger the horse will feel as the bars of the mouth are less exposed to the bit. Horses with a large tongue will experience greater tongue pressure, especially when coupled with a low palate as there is less room for the bit to sit above the tongue. Less room for the bit creates more tongue pressure. A thinner bit is better with no links to pinch fleshy lips. Comfort barrel bits are a good option for this type of mouth conformation or ported barrel bits are also a good option if tongue relief is needed!

28/05/2026

Let’s talk about bits and saliva!
Many of us think of a foaming mouth as a good thing, but too much saliva can actually be a clear sign that your horse can’t swallow. If your horse has excessive saliva then your bit may be uncomfortable and blocking the natural function of the tongue and jaw. A bit that is too thick or a shape not suited to the mouth will squash the tongue and inhibit swallowing and the natural function of the jaw. A dry mouth can also be a sign of a stressed horse. A little bit of saliva is ideal. Some horses naturally produce more saliva than others but it should never be in excess!
Try putting your finger accross your tongue and then try to swallow! You will find it very difficult! A horse must be able to swallow and relax the jaw to relax and work in a correct outline!

25/05/2026