Tongue Relief Bits: Relieving Tongue Pressure for Greater Comfort

Tongue relief bits are designed with a central port to reduce pressure on the horse's tongue. Unlike a conventional straight bar bit, the mouthpiece features a raised or shaped central section, providing more room for the tongue.

These bits are particularly suitable for horses that:

• have a thick tongue,
• are sensitive to pressure on the tongue,
• put their tongue over the bit,
• draw their tongue to the side,
• show signs of discomfort with conventional mouthpieces.

Tongue relief bits are used across a wide range of disciplines and are available in different designs to suit the individual needs of each horse.

Why choose a tongue relief bit?

Reduce pressure on the tongue

In some horses, the tongue takes up a significant amount of space within the mouth. When a bit places excessive pressure on this area, the horse may show signs of discomfort by:

• opening its mouth,
• putting its tongue out,
• shaking its head,
• leaning heavily on the contact,
• resisting the contact.

The tongue relief design provides additional space in this area and can help improve overall comfort.

Encourage relaxation

When a horse is more comfortable in its mouth, it is often more relaxed and receptive during work.

A tongue relief bit can encourage:

• better acceptance of the bit,
• more regular chewing,
• more consistent contact,
• greater relaxation.

A solution for some sensitive horses

Not all horses respond to mouthpieces in the same way. Some prefer more contact on the tongue, while others are considerably more comfortable with additional tongue relief.

The choice should always be based on the horse's anatomy and individual response.

Different types of tongue relief bits

Straight bar tongue relief bit

The most common design. The mouthpiece is unjointed and features a central port designed to provide additional room for the tongue.

Benefits:

• excellent stability,
• even pressure distribution,
• consistent contact.

Eggbutt tongue relief bit

The fixed rings limit movement of the bit in the mouth.

Particularly suitable for:

• sensitive horses,
• horses requiring greater stability,
• everyday training.

D-ring tongue relief bit

The D-shaped cheeks provide additional lateral guidance.

Often used for:

• young horses,
• horses requiring greater precision when steering.

Baucher tongue relief bit

Thanks to its upper cheek attachment, it provides a particularly stable mouthpiece.

Valued for:

• dressage,
• precision work,
• horses sensitive to excessive movement of the bit.

Tongue relief bits with different port heights

Not all tongue relief designs are the same.

They are available with:

• low ports,
• medium ports,
• high ports.

The higher the port, the more room it provides for the tongue. However, a port that is too high may increase pressure on the bars in some horses.

How to choose a tongue relief bit

According to the horse's anatomy

A tongue relief bit may be particularly suitable for horses that:

• have a thick tongue,
• have limited space in the mouth,
• show discomfort with conventional bits.

Every horse responds differently, so it is important to observe its behaviour and individual preferences.

According to the horse's response

This type of mouthpiece may be considered for horses that:

• put their tongue over the bit,
• draw their tongue to the side,
• open their mouth excessively,
• show recurring signs of discomfort.

However, these behaviours can also have other causes, including dental issues, incorrect bit adjustment, bridle fit or pain.

Available materials

Tongue relief bits are available in a range of materials:

• stainless steel bits,
• sweet iron bits,
• copper bits,
• bits made from alloys designed to encourage salivation,
• resin bits,
• bits made from synthetic materials.

The choice of material can influence comfort, salivation and acceptance of the bit.

Important points to consider

A tongue relief bit is not necessarily milder than a conventional bit.

The central port:

• reduces pressure on the tongue,
• but may transfer more pressure to other areas of the mouth, particularly the bars.

For this reason, this type of mouthpiece should always be selected according to the horse's anatomy and individual response.