What to do if your horse’s bit is rubbing

Bit rubbing is a common issue many horse owners face, and it can quickly lead to discomfort, sores, or resistance when riding. The good news is that with the right checks and adjustments, it’s usually easy to fix. If you’ve noticed signs of irritation, here’s what to look for and how to stop bit rubbing in horses.

Before fixing the issue, it’s important to spot the signs early:

• Redness or sores at the corners of the mouth

• Hair loss or rubbed patches

• Head tossing or resistance to the contact

• Reluctance to accept the bit

These are all indicators that your horse may be experiencing discomfort from the bit.

One of the most common causes of bit rubs in horses is incorrect sizing.

Does your bit fit your horse correctly?

-> Too Small

• Pinches the corners of the mouth

• Causes friction and pressure

-> Too Big

• Moves excessively

• Creates rubbing from constant motion

-> Correct Fit

• The bit should sit comfortably with 1–2 small wrinkles at the corners of the mouth

• It should not slide side-to-side excessively

 A well-fitted bridle is just as important as the bit itself.

For better comfort and fit, we recommend using a properly designed bridle such as the Lumiere Anatomical Leather Bridle, which is shaped to reduce pressure points and improve stability of the bit.

 

Using bit butter or balm

Applying bit butter for horses is a simple and effective way to reduce friction.

Benefits:

• Moisturises sensitive areas

• Reduces rubbing and chafing

• Encourages acceptance of the bit

Apply to the corners of the mouth before riding for best results

You can pair this with an anatomic bridle such as the Dallas bridle from Lumiere Equestrian  designed with supple leather and anatomical features to reduce irritation around sensitive areas.

Try bit guards

Bit guards for horses are small rubber discs that sit on either side of the bit.

They help by:

• Preventing pinching

• Reducing friction

• Protecting sensitive skin

Especially useful for young horses or sensitive mouths.

 

Check the bit type

Not all bits suit every horse.

Some horses are sensitive to:

• Thicker bits

• Thin or harsh bits

• Certain metals or materials

• Loose ring snaffles

 Some horses have reactions to some metals and a loose ring snaffle can cause more pinching than e.g. an eggbutt or a D-Ring snaffle.

Keeping things clean

A simple but often overlooked cause of bit irritation in horses is dirt buildup.

• Always clean your bit after use

• Remove saliva and debris

• Check for wear or rough edges

If your horse already has rubs or sores avoid using the bit until healed, consider groundwork or bitless work temporarily and use a soothing balm if needed.

Bit rubbing is usually caused by a combination of fit, friction, and sensitivity. By making small adjustments like checking size, using bit butter, or adding guards you can significantly improve your horse’s comfort.

Choosing well-designed tack can also make a long-term difference in preventing rubs and improving overall ride quality.