Bit guards: protect the corners of the lips and stabilize the bit

Bit guards are small, flexible rubber or silicone discs that are placed on either side of the bit, against the corners of the lips. They serve to protect the horse's mouth, to prevent pinching, and to stabilize the bit, especially in sensitive horses or those with thin lip corners.

They are particularly useful for:
• young horses in training,
• sensitive horses or those prone to irritation,
• jointed bits with a risk of pinching,
• improving the lateral stability of the bit.

What are bit guards for?

1. Prevent pinching of the corners of the mouth

On some bits (especially loose ring bits), lateral movement can cause skin pinching. Bit guards create a soft barrier between the ring and the corner of the mouth. They are therefore particularly suitable for:
• horses with thin lip corners,
• clipped horses,
• young horses that move their bit a lot.

2. Protect the skin and prevent irritation

The rubbing of the bit rings, especially when sweating or with extensive movement, can cause redness, chafing, small sores, or hair loss. Bit guards cushion this rubbing and protect the skin.

3. Stabilize the bit in the mouth

Bit guards limit the lateral movement of the bit, which:
• improves the precision of the aids,
• helps some horses to better understand the hand,
• prevents the bit from slipping too much to one side or the other.

They provide clearer contact, useful in basic work.

The main types of bit guards

1. Rubber bit guards

The most common.
Advantages:
• flexible and resistant,
• good elasticity,
• durable,
• excellent value for money.

They offer effective protection for most horses.

2. Soft silicone bit guards

Thinner and very comfortable.
Advantages:
• ultra-soft,
• very gentle against the skin,
• ideal for sensitive horses,
• easy to install.

They do not harden over time.

3. Thick / shock-absorbing bit guards

Intended for very sensitive horses.
Advantages:
• maximum protection,
• absorption of ring movement,
• reinforced bit stabilization.

They are well suited for young horses and sensitive skin.

Compatibility

Bit guards are compatible with:
• loose ring bits (the most concerned),
• full cheek bits,
• Dee ring bits (optional),
• double-jointed or single-jointed bits.

They are useless — or even unsuitable — for:
• bits with wide fixed cannons,
• shank bits (Pelham, pessoa…),
• bits with an integrated wide lip passage.

How to install bit guards?

1. Lightly warm the bit guard with your hands to make it more flexible.
2. Gently stretch the bit guard and pass it around the bit ring.
3. Check that it sits well against the corner of the mouth, without wrinkles.
4. Install the second bit guard symmetrically.
A well-fitted bit guard should not hinder the movement of the bit in the mouth.

How to choose your bit guards?

• Sensitive horse → soft silicone
• Young horse / mobile bit → standard rubber
• Very reactive horse → thick bit guards
• Depending on your style → bit guards are available in many colors to match the rest of your equipment

Ensure that the bit guard is:
• flexible enough to be positioned correctly,
• of a diameter suitable for the ring diameter,
• comfortable for the horse.