The Top Ten Most Popular English Bit Cheeks

By: Alicia N Martin For seasoned riders, understanding the subtleties of different bit cheeks can make all the difference when it comes to fine-tuning communication with your horse. The cheekpieces of a bit influence not only how the bit rests in the horse's mouth, but also how the pressure is distributed across different parts of your horse's head. In this post, we'll explore the top ten most popular English bit cheeks, as well as their characteristics and uses. 1. Loose Ring Cheek The loose ring is one of the most popular cheek designs, particularly in dressage and schooling. Its defining characteristic is that the rings are not fixed to the mouthpiece, allowing the bit to move freely within the horse’s mouth. This encourages a softer, more responsive connection, as the horse cannot easily brace or lean on the bit. It’s a highly versatile cheek and works well with most horses, especially those that still need quite a bit of training. The loose ring cheeks can amplify a riders hand movements, so quiet hands are ideal when using this type of bit. One thing to note when considering the loose ring is size. If the bit is too small, the horse’s sensitive skin can get pinched when the ring rotates, so having an appropriately sized bit is essential. Using a bit sizer will help to determine the correct bit size for your horse.

2. D-Ring Cheek The D-ring cheek, as its name suggests, has cheeks shaped like the letter "D," which provides a fixed, stable feel similar to the eggbutt but with slightly more lateral control. The flat sides of the "D" prevent the bit from sliding through the horse’s mouth, making it excellent for clear directional cues, especially during turns. The D-ring is ideal for novice riders and horses alike as the fixed rings can help stabilize a greener horse still warming up to the bridle. 3. Eggbutt Cheek The eggbutt cheek provides a more stable feel compared to the loose ring because the cheekpieces are fixed to the mouthpiece. This design prevents the bit from pinching the horse’s lips, making it a great option for horses with sensitive mouths. The fixed cheek also gives a slightly clearer, more direct signal to the horse, which can be helpful for green horses or those in the early stages of their training.

4. Full Cheek Full cheek bits are a type of snaffle that’s easily recognizable by the long vertical arms that extend above and below the mouthpiece. These arms press against the sides of the horse’s face when the rider applies rein pressure, giving more distinct lateral guidance. This is why full cheek bits are so often used in the schooling of young or inexperienced horses. Using bit keepers with your full cheek also adds some rotational stability, ensuring the bit remains in the correct position within the mouth and is a best practice safety feature.

5. Pelham Cheek The Pelham is a bit that combines the action of a snaffle and a curb, using a shank to provide leverage. The Pelham bit can be used with either one rein or two, with the latter setup offering more versatility and finesse. The snaffle rein applies direct pressure to the horse’s mouth, while the curb rein applies leverage pressure to the poll and under the chin via a curb chain. This bit is often used for willful horses or those unstable in the bridle and will be typically used by more experienced riders. One thing to note about the Pelham cheeks is often times riders will use bit converters to combine the action of the snaffle & the leverage.

6. Baucher (Hanging Cheek) The Baucher cheek, also known as a hanging cheek, has a small arm above the bit called the “purchase” that attaches to the bridle, while the reins are attached to a fixed ring on the mouthpiece. This design essentially “hangs” the bit from the bridle eliminating the need for your horse to hold the bit. Contrary to popular belief, the Baucher bit does not create a leverage effect as there is no shank below the mouthpiece. The Baucher cheek provides a stable feel for the horse, as it minimizes movement within the mouth. We like to think of the Baucher as a cross between a Full cheek & Eggbutt cheek.

7. Bevel Cheek The Bevel cheek is a bit that offers a few different options. From a basic loose ring to mild leverage, the Bevel cheek is a great tool for many riders. It has small rings attached above and below the mouthpiece, giving the rider the option to create some poll pressure when the lower ring is used for rein attachment. However, this leverage is very subtle compared to stronger bits like the Pelham, making it a good choice for horses that need just a bit more control or elevation without resorting to harsher options. Curb chains may be used with a Bevel cheek bit to encourage a more acute type of communication. 8. Sliding Gag Cheek The Sliding Gag, also called a running gag, is a bit known for providing significant elevation and increased control. This bit works by using cheekpieces with a rope or leather attachment that runs through the bit rings and connects to the bridle. When rein pressure is applied, the mouthpiece slides upwards in the horse's mouth, applying pressure to the corners of the mouth and lips. Simultaneously, the bit encourages the horse to lift its head, making it useful for horses that tend to drop their forehand or become heavy in the bridle. As the leverage can be quite strong on this type of bit, it’s usually recommended for more experienced riders.

9. 2-Ring Cheek Another gag bit meant for more experienced riders, is the 2-Ring. This type of cheek offers a medium degree of gag-action that offers more leverage than a Bevel cheek but less than a 3-Ring or a Sliding gag. This bit has two rein attachment options: one on the main ring, which acts similarly to a snaffle, and one on the lower ring, which introduces the leverage. Riders may also use a single rein attached to both rings with bit converters, or two separate reins for greater finesse. A curb chain may also be added to any 2-Ring bit for more control.

10. 3-Ring Cheek The 3-Ring is a highly versatile bit known for offering varying degrees of leverage depending on the rein placement. The bit has three rings below the main bit ring, allowing the rider to choose different levels of poll pressure and leverage. The higher the rein is placed, the more snaffle-like the action; the lower the rein placement, the more leverage is applied, making this bit excellent for horses that can be strong or over-enthusiastic, especially in jumping and fast-paced environments. Understanding the wide variety of bit cheeks available allows you to select the ideal bit to fine-tune communication with your horse. Choosing the right bit cheek for your horse can depend on a variety of factors, including the horse’s level of training, sensitivity, and the discipline in which you’re competing. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to bits, the wide variety of cheekpieces available does mean that a perfect (or near perfect) match exists for every horse, no matter the temperament! Email us at Admin@equineoutfitters.biz with your bitting questions.