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.

Q&As:

1. What are the signs that a horse is experiencing bit rubbing?

Common signs of bit rubbing include redness or sores at the corners of the mouth, hair loss, rubbed patches, head tossing, resistance to the contact, and reluctance to accept the bit. Identifying these signs early can help prevent more serious irritation and discomfort.

2. How does bit size affect rubbing and discomfort?

An incorrectly sized bit is one of the most common causes of rubbing.

• A bit that is too small can pinch the corners of the mouth.
• A bit that is too large may move excessively and create friction.
• A correctly fitted bit should sit comfortably with one to two small wrinkles at the corners of the mouth and should not slide excessively from side to side.

3. Can bit butter and bit guards help prevent rubbing?

Yes. Bit butter or balm can moisturise sensitive areas, reduce friction, and encourage acceptance of the bit. Bit guards can also be effective by preventing pinching and protecting sensitive skin, particularly in young horses or horses with sensitive mouths.

4. Does the type of bit make a difference?

Absolutely. Not every horse is comfortable in the same bit. Some horses may be sensitive to certain metals, thicker or thinner mouthpieces, or loose ring designs that can increase pinching. Alternatives such as eggbutt or D-ring snaffles may offer greater stability and comfort for some horses.

5. What else can riders do to prevent bit rubs?

Good tack management plays a major role. Riders should:

• Ensure the bridle fits correctly.
• Clean the bit after every ride.
• Remove saliva and debris.
• Check regularly for rough edges or damage.
• Allow existing sores to heal before using a bit again, using groundwork or bitless work if necessary.

Key takeaway: Bit rubbing is usually caused by a combination of poor fit, friction, and individual sensitivity. By checking bit size, selecting an appropriate bit design, maintaining clean tack, and using products such as bit butter or bit guards, riders can significantly improve their horse's comfort and acceptance of the bit.