Information on Chifney Equine Bits
Horse bits are devices placed in a horse’s mouth to facilitate your communication efforts. Whether you are riding, racing or leading, a variety of bits can assist you. Chifney bits are specifically for leading a horse by hand. There are two types of them: straight-mouth and ported-mouth. They are made from brass or another strong metal and they can be quite severe, so they are best used by experienced trainers.
The Chifney bit was invented by an 18th century English jockey, Samuel Chifney. The device is meant for leading a horse by hand, not for riding. When placed in the horse’s mouth, it connects to a halter and rope for leading. You might hear Chifney bits referred to as a ring bit because of its circular or semi-circular shape. You may also hear it called an anti-rearing bit, as it’s often used to help train rather high-spirited young horses. Rearing is when a horse mounts on its hind legs, a dangerous habit that trainers must break with the assistance of devices such as the Chifney bit.
Chifney bits are often made of brass, stainless steel or silver. They can be purchased online and are commonly found on thoroughbred farms and auctions where young horses are shown for sale. Transporters also use them for horses that are difficult to load.
Straight-Mouth
The straight-mouth Chifney bit is round with three round clips, two on opposite sides and one on the bottom of the ring. The two side rings attach to a halter and the portion of the ring with no clip goes inside the horse’s mouth. The bottom clip attaches to the lead rope, which hangs just below the horse’s jaw.
Port-Mouth
The port-mouth Chifney bit differs only in that the portion of the ring with no clip has an indentation in it, instead of being a completely rounded curve. The bit is fairly thin and is often described as “severe” or “harsh.” That’s because should the hour try to pull away or rear the bit will dig into the horse’s tongue. Horse trainers find it an effective tool but it can cause serious injury when not used properly.
Selection Tips
Trainers like the Chifney bit and horses respect it. The bits give you a lot of leverage on the bottom jaw, so care must always be used with the Chifney bits. Improper use has resulted in serious injury and death of people and horses. Broken horse jaws are an unfortunately common result when used by inexperienced trainers. And once bitten, twice shy; a horse that’s been injured will likely show long-term resistance to the use of bits.
They come in three different sizes, depending on whether you will be working with a pony, yearling or horse. No matter the case, Chifney bits should be properly sized as you would any other bit to get the correct fit.