Selecting the right bit for your horse goes hand in hand with choosing the right tool for a specific job. There is a multitude of bit options out there, and it can be overwhelming to pinpoint the ideal bit that suits your horse's needs. Here at NRS, we carry a wide range of horse bits, whether you're a seasoned rider seeking to fine-tune your horse’s performance or a novice navigating what your horse needs, understanding these essential tools is of great importance to achieving precision in horsemanship. Let’s take a look at the top ten horse bits sold here at NRS and go over their designs, unique functions, and the purpose of those functions that achieve better communication between horse and rider. 

Top Ten Bits

#1 Blessing Bits - Large Port 8in Chain Bit | #NRSTB06 

If you’re a team roper we guarantee that you’ve seen this bit at the local jackpots or the World Series Finale in Vegas! 8” cheeks with that perfect “S” curve helps give your horse a little “warning” before further action needs to be taken to obtain more control. ‘This bit has a longer purchase than the typical s-shank bit which gives a different balance point. The feel and control for the rider that is achieved, along with the comfort for the horse, all combine to make a very effective bit.’ Tommy Blessing outdid himself on this one!

1. Silver Trim
2. Antique Finish
3. Engraved Silver Cheeks and Shanks
4. Silver Concho
5. S-Shank, 6.5"
6. 8" Cheek
7. Curb Chain
8. Rubber Washer
9. Stainless Chain Bit

#2 Jeremiah Watt Products - Blued Soft Signal Snaffle Bit | #JW-SSB

Sweet iron is cold-rolled, meaning the carbon steel has been hardened. Sweet iron is very popular in the western industry but can be found in both western and english bits. An eggbutt bit can offer direct contact and puts pressure on the cheek of your horse without pinching the mouth! “My 5yo draft-cross fiddles with everything in, near, or that could possibly fit into his mouth. But this bit seems to have a calming effect on him and he reacts well to the slightest touch of the reins.” (Verified Buyer Michelle K.)

1. 5" Mouthpiece
2. Blued Soft Signal Snaffle Horse Bit
3. Sweet Iron
4. Egg Butt Snaffle
5. Copper Inlay

#3 Blessing Bits - NEW Smooth Medium Port 8in Bit | #NRSTB18

NRS and Tommy Blessing teamed up again to bring customers TWO brand-new bits! The Smooth Medium Port is smaller than our best-selling large port, the NRSTB06. Being under 2" in height means the port will not work as much off of palate pressure but mostly outer tongue and bar pressure. This bit is great in aiding for additional bar pressure with an 8” cheek that provides increased leverage and vertical flexion for the horse. And the shank design and scroll work are not like any other Blessing Bit you've seen yet!

1. Same Great Antique Finish with A Brand New Shank Design with Silver Bars and Floral Overlay Combo
2. S-Shank, 6.5"
3. 8" Cheek
4. 5 1/4" Mouthpiece
5. Curb Chain Included
6. New for Fall 2020

#4 Blessing Bits - Chain 8” Cheek Bit | #NRSTB04

The Chain 8” Cheek Bit has “engraved silver bars along the cheek with a silver concho at the mouthpiece. This bit has a longer purchase than the typical s-shank bit giving a different balance point. The feel and control for the rider that is achieved, along with the comfort for the horse, all combine to make a very effective bit.”

1. Chain/ Mouth
2. Antique and Stainless Steel
3. 8” Cheek
4. Curb Chain Included
5. Rubber Washers

#5 Reinsman - Jim Warner Hackamore Rope Nose Bit | #BIT935

Reinsman’s Jim Warner Rope Nose Hackamore is well-designed with medium leverage to maintain control. The rope has no knots at the attachment, reducing the risk of rubbing the horse's face. The nose will float when you pull the shanks but will not drop down due to the mechanical rotating feature. This rope nose hackamore’s shanks swivel for better flex and control and is suitable for horses that do not need a lot of whoa, slow work, or the perfect bitless alternative.

1. 7” Cheeks 
2. Rope Noseband 
3. Lifetime Guarantee

#6 NRS - Hinged Port Correction Bit w/ Copper Bars and Roller | #175309

“This NRS Hinged Port Correction Bit features copper bars and a copper roller for increased salivation and taste appeal. The hinged port provides a great deal of flexibility in the mouth and allows you to pick up one rein and work with just that side of the horse's mouth. Subtle rein cues with a hinged port can help a horse collect, balance, and lift its shoulder at speed.”

1. Hinged Port Correction Bit
2. Copper Roller
3. Copper Bars
4. 6" Cheek
5. 5" Mouthpiece

#7 Blessing Bits - NEW Dogbone w/ Copper Roller 8” Bit | #NRSTB20

The copper roller mouthpiece allows the bit to move in your horse’s mouth which prevents them from grabbing and leaning on the bit. The dogbone mouthpiece applies pressure to the tongue in three places making it more comfortable for your horse. The dogbone being broken in three places causes a slower reaction and is softer on the mouth. 

1. Dogbone with Copper Roller
2. Silver Bars and Floral Overlay Design
3. 8" Cheek
4. S-Shank, 6.5"
5. 5 1/4" Mouthpiece
6. Curb Chain Included

#8 Professional’s Choice - Small Flower Correction Bit | PCB-1020

The port correction mouthpiece features 4 moving parts! These parts allow the horse to respond to subtle rein pressure, reducing heavy rein handling while the copper bars keep the horse's mouth moist. Correction bits are typically used to finish and fine-tune horses and are great training tools that teach horses to carry themselves. We recommend correction bits be used with care and by those who have experience with training horses. 

1. Port Correction Bit
2. Small Flower Shank
3. Copper Bars
4. 5-1/4in Mouth
5. 5-3/4in Cheek

#9 Reinsman - Martha Joey Million Dollar Rope Nose Combo Gag Bit | #BIT0110-0000

This Million Dollar bit has a reputation for winning millions of dollars in competition!! “The Reinsman Martha Josey Million Dollar Rope Nose Combination Gag Bit is a highly respected choice for barrel racing horses at all levels of training and competition. This bit has a 7" shank and features a three-piece twisted wire dog bone snaffle mouthpiece with a rope noseband, distributing pressure evenly across the nose, bars, corners of the mouth, curb, and poll. The versatile design is suitable for a wide range of horse-rider combinations.” Stage D bit.

1. Stage D: The focus is on refinement, precise signals, and efficient communication. This phase typically involves the use of more advanced mouthpieces, increased leverage, and possibly higher ports to achieve subtler cues.
2. Twisted Wire Dogbone Snaffle
3. Rope Noseband
4. 7” Cheek
5. Lifetime Warranty

#10 NRS - Dogbone Bit w/ Copper Rings | #175306

“This NRS bit features a three-piece dogbone mouthpiece that helps with lateral flexion. The loose rings help increase break at the poll and lift in the horse’s shoulders. Copper rings/rollers on the dogbone increase salivation and taste appeal for the horse.” Copper not only increases salivation but when internally warmed by the tongue the copper becomes pleasantly sweet, keeping the horse engaged and accepting of the bit.

1. Dogbone Bit
2. Copper Rings/Rollers
3. 5" Mouthpiece
4. 6" Cheeks

Whether it's the intricate features of the mouthpiece, the cheek length, the material used, or the specific purpose behind each design. Understanding the variations of these top ten bits can encourage riders to make choices that can elevate their horsemanship.     Shop all bits right here at NRS!