Diddy Bits

24/06/2026

Do you find it hard to find reins that are small enough for your pony? We have a leather wear section on our website, which includes plaited, plain and rubber grip reins in small pony and pony size.

https://diddybits.co.uk/leather-wear-4-c.asp

19/06/2026

Highlighting the effects of ill fitting nosebands!

19/06/2026

The importance of noseband placement! Many people don’t know this, but horses can only breathe through their nose!
Also as you can see from these pictures, horses also have a very thin soft nasal bone which can be damaged by nosebands, some bit-less bridles if enough force is used can fracture this bone.
Flash straps/drop nosebands can and do restrict breathing. If a horse/pony is comfortable in their bit then there should be no need to strap their mouth shut. Grackle nosebands have been scientifically proven to be the best noseband to use if extra control is needed, but must be fitted correctly to avoid the nasal cavity and soft nasal bone!



https://diddybits.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOoqgxS1s2iQOSjqRv0gZc5UJHAo-xeb5190SOBETw6rta7Hrf-ro

16/06/2026

12/06/2026

Bit links! Many people use lozenge bits to eliminate the nutcracker action on the tongue. Which way are the links on your lozenge bits sitting? Our lozenge bits are made with the links sitting flat against the tongue. The top bit pictured is a Diddy Bit. The bit below is another brand with links sitting upright. Upright links can irritate the palate and dig into the tongue which can cause bitting issues in some horses. The links on our bits are also made much smaller than other brands. These small adjustments can make a big difference.

https://diddybits.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOop0D2nQCXEcwB_jX6WrfMMPfMC-Qt9X3ASo8r99GKGmjy_eXAEz

11/06/2026

The hanging cheek does not apply poll pressure!

11/06/2026

The grass muscle is an important factor to consider when bitting your horse

10/06/2026

“Fight or flight”
Ensuring your mouthpiece is comfortable for your horse or pony is very important. A horse that is comfortable is more accepting of the aids, relaxed and willing. If the bit you are using is painful or uncomfortable, their body goes into fight or flight mode! This is where you will find horses evading the contact either by running or other unwanted behaviour such as bucking, rearing, unwilling to go forward and general poor performance. Many traditional bits that are still widely used today due to the longevity of the material used are unsuitable and cause pain and discomfort, this in turn causes unwanted behaviour and affects performance!

03/06/2026

The fleshy tongue! This horse has a particularly large tongue. I find the fleshier the mouth the stronger the horse will feel as the bars of the mouth are less exposed to the bit. Horses with a large tongue will experience greater tongue pressure, especially when coupled with a low palate as there is less room for the bit to sit above the tongue. Less room for the bit creates more tongue pressure. A thinner bit is better with no links to pinch fleshy lips. Comfort barrel bits are a good option for this type of mouth conformation or ported barrel bits are also a good option if tongue relief is needed!