Bombers Bit Range

Core Cheekpiece Designs

Function meets versatility

The cheekpiece design of a bit is far more than an aesthetic choice—it fundamentally affects how the bit functions in your horse's mouth, how aids are communicated, and how the horse experiences contact.

Bombers Bits recognizes this by offering their key mouthpiece designs across a comprehensive range of cheekpiece styles, each engineered to provide specific functional benefits.

From the maximum movement and softness-encouraging properties of loose rings, through the stable gentleness of eggbutts, to the lateral guidance of D-rings and full cheeks, and the poll pressure mechanisms of Baucher and hanging cheek designs—Bombers ensures you're never forced to choose between the mouthpiece your horse needs and the cheek function your riding requires.

This systematic approach to cheekpiece options means professional fitters can precisely match not just mouth anatomy but also training stage, discipline demands, and individual horse responses, creating combinations that address every aspect of comfortable, effective communication.

Dee

What it is: A cheek design featuring D-shaped rings that provide more stability than loose rings while offering gentle lateral guidance through the flat sides of the D-shape

Best for:

Young horses learning steering and directional aids
Horses who need gentle lateral guidance without severity
Horses who drift or become crooked
Horses who need more stability than loose rings but less restriction than full cheeks
Sensitive horses who benefit from quiet, stable cheek design
General riding where balanced stability and communication are priorities

Problems it solves:

Difficulty with steering and directional control
Horses who drift through turns or fall through one shoulder
Instability from excessive bit movement in loose rings
Need for lateral guidance without the strong action of full cheeks
Pinching issues that can occur with loose ring designs
Horses who become anxious with too much bit movement

How it works: The flat D-shape provides a larger bearing surface against the side of the horse's face, creating gentle lateral pressure that helps communicate directional aids more clearly than round loose rings. The fixed position of the mouthpiece within the D prevents the bit from being pulled through the mouth to one side, encouraging straighter work and more even contact. The D-ring design is more stable in the mouth than loose rings (reducing movement that can unsettle sensitive horses) while still allowing the mouthpiece to move independently for clear communication. The solid construction eliminates any risk of lip pinching that can occur with loose rings.

Important note: D-ring cheekpieces provide a middle ground between the maximum movement of loose rings and the significant lateral guidance of full cheeks. They're an excellent choice for many horses, particularly during training and development, but the increased stability means slightly less encouragement to mouth and soften than loose rings provide. Professional fitting ensures the D-ring design suits your horse's stage of training and individual needs.

Drop Cheek

What it is: A cheek design where the mouthpiece attaches higher on the cheekpiece with the rein ring positioned lower, creating a lever action that applies gentle poll pressure and encourages lowering

Best for:

Horses who carry themselves high or above the bit
Horses who need encouragement to lower and soften through the poll
Horses who brace or resist achieving a rounder outline
Horses who benefit from gentle poll pressure without severity
Horses transitioning from strong pulling to softer contact
Horses requiring help achieving self-carriage and throughness

Problems it solves:

High, hollow head carriage
Resistance to lowering the head and neck
Bracing or tension through the poll and topline
Difficulty achieving roundness and engagement
Horses who invert or go above the bit
Need for poll pressure encouragement within a snaffle framework

How it works: The drop cheek creates a small lever action through the positioning of the mouthpiece attachment above the rein ring. When rein contact is taken, this configuration applies gentle downward pressure on the poll, encouraging the horse to lower their head, soften through the poll, and round through the topline. The lever action is much milder than gag bits or traditional leverage bits, providing just enough poll pressure to communicate the lowering aid without harsh action. The design maintains the snaffle classification while adding this additional dimension of communication, making it effective for horses who need encouragement to work in a rounder frame without resorting to stronger leverage bits.

Important note: While classified as a snaffle, the drop cheek provides poll pressure through leverage and is therefore stronger than standard loose ring or eggbutt snaffles. It requires steady, educated hands and should not be used with harsh or inconsistent contact. Not suitable for horses who are already behind the vertical, over-bent, or excessively soft. This is a training tool for specific issues, not an everyday bit for all horses. Professional fitting ensures the drop cheek is appropriate for your horse's current way of going and that it addresses genuine carriage issues rather than masking training or physical problems.

Drop Cheek Lite

What it is: A lighter, more subtle version of the drop cheek design, providing gentle poll pressure encouragement with less leverage action than the standard drop cheek

Best for:

Horses who need mild poll pressure encouragement without strong leverage
Sensitive horses who would over-react to standard drop cheek action
Horses beginning to learn lowering and self-carriage
Horses who need subtle reminders to soften through the poll
Transitioning from basic snaffles to bits with poll pressure elements
Horses requiring gentle support rather than strong correction

Problems it solves:

Mild tendency to carry head high or hollow
Slight resistance to lowering and softening
Need for poll pressure encouragement in sensitive horses
Horses who need gentler communication than standard drop cheek provides
Building understanding of poll pressure aids without overwhelming the horse
Maintaining softness while introducing new communication elements

How it works: The Drop Cheek Lite features reduced leverage compared to the standard drop cheek, creating a more subtle lever action that applies gentler poll pressure. The milder action makes it suitable for sensitive horses or those just learning to respond to poll pressure aids, providing enough signal to encourage lowering and softening without the stronger action that some horses find overwhelming. This graduated approach allows horses to understand the concept of poll pressure in a supportive, non-confrontational way, building confidence and correct responses before progressing to stronger designs if needed. The lighter leverage maintains clear communication while prioritizing gentleness and acceptance.

Important note: The Drop Cheek Lite is designed as a gentler introduction to poll pressure mechanisms, not as a weak alternative to proper training. While milder than the standard drop cheek, it still provides leverage action and requires educated, consistent hands. Not suitable for horses who are already behind the vertical or who don't genuinely need poll pressure encouragement. This is a stepping stone in training progression—professional assessment ensures it's introduced at the appropriate time and used correctly to build understanding rather than create confusion or resistance.

2 1/2 Ring

What it is: A cheekpiece design featuring a main snaffle ring with an additional half-ring below and a small ring above, providing multiple rein attachment options for adjustable poll pressure and control

Best for:

Horses who need variable control depending on the situation
Horses requiring subtle adjustable poll pressure without severe leverage
Strong horses who need additional support without fixed harsh bits
Horses transitioning between different levels of work
Riders needing flexibility to adjust bit action for different activities
Horses who respond well to mild poll pressure encouragement

Problems it solves:

Need for slightly different bit action in different situations
Horses who are occasionally strong but generally soft
Resistance to lowering that requires gentle poll pressure reminder
Avoiding multiple bits by having subtle adjustment in one design
Horses who need occasional extra support without permanent severity
Balancing everyday softness with occasional need for more control

How it works: The 2.5 Ring provides subtle adjustment options through its ring configuration. Using the main snaffle ring creates standard snaffle action with no poll pressure. Attaching reins to the half-ring below introduces mild poll pressure through gentle leverage, encouraging lowering and softening without strong action. The small ring above allows for alternative attachment creating different pressure dynamics. This design offers more versatility than a fixed snaffle while maintaining relatively mild action compared to full leverage bits. The "2.5" designation reflects having more than a standard single ring but less than the multiple options of a full 3-ring gag or Pessoa-style bit.

Important note: While milder than full leverage bits, the 2.5 Ring still creates poll pressure when used on the lower attachment and is stronger than a standard snaffle. It requires understanding of when each ring position is appropriate and educated hands to use correctly. Not suitable for novice riders or as a substitute for proper training. The adjustability is valuable for horses who genuinely need occasional additional support, but professional guidance ensures correct usage and that the design addresses actual needs rather than masking training gaps or rider position issues.

3 Ring

What it is: A cheekpiece design featuring a main snaffle ring with an additional small ring above and a small ring below, providing three rein attachment options for adjustable poll pressure and control

Best for:

Horses who need adjustable levels of poll pressure and control
Horses requiring variable bit action depending on work type
Strong horses who need additional support in specific situations
Horses who benefit from mild to moderate poll pressure encouragement
Riders needing flexibility without carrying multiple bits
Horses transitioning through different training stages requiring different support levels

Problems it solves:

Need for different bit strength in different situations (schooling vs. competition, collection vs. forward work)
Horses who are strong sometimes but soft at other times
Resistance to lowering or softening that varies with circumstances
Avoiding multiple bits by having progressive adjustment in one design
Horses who need occasional additional control without permanent severity
Balancing everyday responsiveness with occasional need for stronger aids

How it works: The 3 Ring provides three distinct rein attachment positions, each creating different amounts of poll pressure and leverage. Using the top small ring creates minimal poll pressure with gentle encouragement to lower. Using the main (middle) snaffle ring provides standard snaffle action with no leverage or poll pressure. Using the bottom small ring introduces moderate poll pressure through leverage action, encouraging lowering and providing additional control. This progressive system allows riders to select the appropriate level of action for different work—lighter for general schooling, stronger for moments requiring more support. The small ring size keeps the leverage relatively moderate compared to larger-ring gag or Pessoa designs.

Important note: The 3 Ring is a leverage bit when used on the top or bottom rings and is stronger than standard snaffles in those configurations. It requires educated hands and clear understanding of when each ring position is appropriate. Using the bottom ring creates the strongest action and should be reserved for situations genuinely requiring it, not used routinely. Not suitable for novice riders, horses who are already behind the vertical, or as a substitute for addressing training issues. Professional fitting ensures the 3 Ring is appropriate for your horse's needs and that you understand correct usage for each ring position to support training rather than create confusion or resistance.

Eggbutt

What it is: A cheekpiece design featuring oval-shaped rings that are fixed to the mouthpiece, providing stability and preventing pinching while maintaining a quiet, consistent feel in the mouth

Best for:

Sensitive horses who need stable, predictable contact
Young horses being introduced to bit work
Horses who become anxious or unsettled with excessive bit movement
Horses with thin or delicate lip tissue prone to pinching from loose rings
Horses who need consistency and reassurance from their equipment
General schooling and everyday riding where gentle stability is beneficial

Problems it solves:

Lip pinching that can occur with loose ring designs
Anxiety or over-reaction to bit movement
Inconsistent contact from excessive ring rotation
Horses who become tense or worried with mobile bit designs
Need for stable introduction to bit acceptance in young horses
Sensitivity requiring gentle, predictable communication

How it works: The eggbutt's oval rings are fixed to the mouthpiece rather than moving freely like loose rings, creating a stable, quiet feel in the mouth with minimal movement. The fixed rings eliminate the risk of lip pinching that can occur when loose rings rotate and catch the skin at the corners of the mouth. The larger bearing surface of the oval shape distributes any pressure from the rings across a wider area of the face, making lateral aids gentler than smaller rings. The stability reassures sensitive or anxious horses while still allowing the mouthpiece itself to move independently for clear communication. This creates a predictable, consistent feel that many horses find more comfortable than the constant movement of loose rings.

Important note: While the eggbutt's stability is beneficial for many horses, it provides less encouragement to mouth and soften than loose ring designs. The fixed rings mean less movement stimulating the horse to work the bit and relax the jaw. Eggbutts are excellent for horses who genuinely need stability and consistency, but horses who require encouragement to soften may respond better to loose rings. Professional fitting determines whether your horse benefits from eggbutt stability or needs the movement of alternative designs.

Full Cheek

What it is: A cheekpiece design featuring extended vertical arms (cheeks) that project above and below the mouthpiece, providing significant lateral guidance and preventing the bit from being pulled through the mouth

Best for:

Young horses learning steering and directional control
Horses who need clear, strong lateral guidance
Horses who drift, fall through one shoulder, or are crooked
Horses who over-bend or become excessively flexed to one side
Training situations requiring precise directional aids
Horses who pull the bit through their mouth to one side

Problems it solves:

Difficulty with steering and maintaining straightness
Horses who evade by over-bending or falling through the shoulder
Bit being pulled through the mouth during turning or lateral work
Lack of clarity in directional aids with standard rings
Crookedness and asymmetry through turns and movements
Young horses who don't yet understand lateral rein aids clearly

How it works: The extended vertical cheeks create a large bearing surface against the side of the horse's face, providing strong, clear lateral pressure that communicates directional aids very obviously. When the rider takes one rein, the corresponding cheek presses against that side of the face, making the turning aid unmistakable—particularly valuable for young or green horses learning steering. The cheeks also physically prevent the bit from being pulled through the mouth to one side, keeping it centred and encouraging straighter, more even contact. The upper cheek sits against the face near the cheekbone while the lower cheek extends below the mouth, creating pressure that guides the horse laterally without relying solely on mouth pressure.

Important note: Full cheeks provide the strongest lateral guidance of any snaffle cheekpiece design and must be used with keepers (small leather straps) attaching the upper cheeks to the cheekpieces of the bridle to prevent rotation and keep the cheeks in correct position. The strong lateral action makes them excellent training tools but not ideal for everyday long-term use once steering is established. Not suitable for horses who are already very light and responsive to lateral aids, as the strong guidance can become over-communication. Professional fitting ensures full cheeks are appropriate for your horse's training stage and that keepers are correctly fitted for safe, effective function.

Kimberley Dee

What it is: A specialised cheekpiece design combining elements of D-ring stability with enhanced lateral guidance, named after its distinctive shape that provides refined control and communication

Best for:

Horses requiring more lateral guidance than standard D-rings
Horses who need enhanced stability during precise work
Horses who drift or lose straightness in schooling
Horses benefiting from clearer directional aids without full cheek severity
Training situations requiring refined communication and control
Horses who need support maintaining even contact and balance

Problems it solves:

Insufficient lateral guidance from standard D-rings
Horses who drift through turns or fall through the shoulder
Need for clearer directional communication without full cheek strength
Instability affecting precision in movements
Difficulty maintaining straightness and even contact
Horses who evade by becoming crooked or one-sided

How it works: The Kimberley Dee features a distinctive shape that provides enhanced bearing surface against the side of the horse's face compared to standard D-rings, creating stronger lateral guidance while maintaining more refinement than full cheeks. The design offers clearer directional communication—when one rein is engaged, the shaped cheekpiece creates obvious lateral pressure helping the horse understand turning and bending aids. The Kimberley configuration prevents the bit from being pulled through the mouth while providing more stability than loose rings or standard D-rings. This creates a middle ground between the gentle guidance of D-rings and the strong directional aid of full cheeks, suitable for horses who need more than basic lateral support but don't require full cheek intervention.

Important note: The Kimberley Dee provides stronger lateral action than standard D-rings and is more directive in its communication. While less strong than full cheeks, it still creates significant lateral guidance and requires appropriate use—not suitable as a substitute for training straightness or as correction for rider-induced crookedness. Professional fitting ensures the Kimberley Dee is appropriate for your horse's genuine needs and training stage, and that enhanced lateral guidance supports development rather than creating dependency on strong equipment.

Kimblewick

What it is: A curb bit featuring a D-shaped ring with slots for multiple rein positions, providing poll pressure and curb chain action while maintaining a relatively compact design

Best for:

Horses requiring curb action and poll pressure within a simple design
Strong horses who need more control than snaffles provide
Horses used in hunting, hacking, or faster work requiring additional brakes
Riders needing leverage assistance without complex double bridle systems
Horses who respond well to poll pressure and curb chain engagement
Situations requiring more stopping power while maintaining single-rein simplicity

Problems it solves:

Excessive pulling or running through snaffle bits
Need for additional control in exciting or fast-paced situations
Horses who require leverage and poll pressure for responsiveness
Situations where double bridles are impractical but snaffle insufficient
Strong horses who need curb action to understand half-halts and downward transitions
Balancing control requirements with rider ability to manage single reins

How it works: The Kimblewick operates through leverage mechanics—when rein pressure is applied, the bit creates a lever action applying pressure to the poll (via the headpiece) and to the chin/curb groove (via the curb chain), while the mouthpiece creates pressure in the mouth. The D-shaped rings typically feature slots allowing reins to attach at different positions, adjusting the amount of leverage created. Attaching reins to the upper slot creates less leverage (milder action), while lower attachment increases leverage (stronger action). The curb chain engages when the shanks rotate back, creating the characteristic curb pressure that encourages flexion and lowering. This combination of poll pressure, curb action, and mouth pressure provides significantly more control than snaffle bits.

Important note: The Kimblewick is a CURB BIT with leverage action, NOT a snaffle, and is significantly stronger than any snaffle design. It requires a properly fitted curb chain, educated hands with independent seat (not relying on reins for balance), and understanding of leverage mechanics. Harsh or constant contact causes pain, resistance, and can create dangerous over-flexion. Not suitable for novice riders, young horses, or horses not already educated to understand curb pressure. Not legal in most dressage competitions. Professional fitting and instruction on correct usage are essential—this is a specialized tool for specific situations, not an everyday bit for general riding or a solution to training problems.

Pelham

What it is: A curb bit featuring upper rings for snaffle rein attachment and lower shanks for curb rein attachment, designed to provide both direct snaffle action and leverage curb action in a single bit

Best for:

Horses requiring both snaffle and curb action without a full double bridle
Show horses in disciplines where pelhams are traditional (showing, hack classes)
Strong horses needing significant control with refined communication
Experienced riders capable of managing two sets of reins independently
Horses educated to understand curb pressure and leverage aids
Situations requiring the sophistication of double bridle communication in simpler form

Problems it solves:

Need for both direct snaffle contact and curb leverage without double bridle complexity
Horses requiring significant control while maintaining refinement
Show ring requirements for curb bits in specific classes
Strong horses who need leverage and poll pressure for responsiveness
Balancing collection aids (curb action) with forward communication (snaffle action)
Riders needing double bridle-style control who cannot manage full weymouth and bradoon

How it works: The pelham combines two actions in one mouthpiece. The upper (snaffle) rings allow direct rein contact similar to a snaffle bit, providing straightforward communication for forward riding and lateral work. The lower shanks create leverage when curb reins are engaged—applying poll pressure (via headpiece), curb pressure (via curb chain), and increased mouth pressure through the lever action. Riders can use either rein independently or both together, adjusting the balance between direct snaffle communication and leverage curb control. When both reins are engaged simultaneously, the bit provides sophisticated, nuanced aids similar to a double bridle. Some riders use pelham roundings (single leather connectors) to operate the bit with one rein, though this eliminates the independent control that is the pelham's primary advantage.

Important note: The pelham is a LEVERAGE CURB BIT and significantly stronger than any snaffle. It requires a properly fitted curb chain, highly educated hands capable of managing two reins independently, and a horse educated to understand curb pressure without fear or resistance. Misuse causes severe discomfort, over-flexion, and can create dangerous evasions. Not suitable for novice riders, young or green horses, or horses not already working correctly in snaffles and understanding basic curb principles. Using pelham roundings (single rein) is common but eliminates the independent action that justifies using a pelham—if you need single rein operation, other bits may be more appropriate. Not legal in dressage. Professional fitting, instruction on correct usage, and honest assessment of whether your horse genuinely needs this level of equipment are essential.

Loose Ring

What it is: A cheekpiece design featuring rings that move freely and independently through holes in the mouthpiece, creating maximum mobility and encouraging the horse to mouth and soften

Best for:

Horses who need encouragement to relax the jaw and soften
Horses who become rigid or fixed against the bit
Horses who benefit from mobile, "live" feel in the mouth
General schooling and training where suppleness is a priority
Horses who need stimulation to maintain light, responsive contact
Situations requiring maximum independent rein action

Problems it solves:

Stiffness and rigidity through the jaw
Horses who lock or fix against the bit
Resistance to softening and accepting contact
Need for encouragement to mouth and salivate
Horses who become dull or unresponsive to static bits
Difficulty achieving suppleness and relaxation through the poll

How it works: The freely rotating rings create constant subtle movement in the mouth, encouraging the horse to play with the bit, mouth it actively, and maintain a soft, mobile jaw. This movement stimulates salivation and prevents the horse from fixing or leaning against a static surface. The independent ring rotation allows very clear, direct communication of rein aids—each side operates completely independently, making lateral aids precise and unambiguous. The mobility of loose rings also means the bit adjusts and settles naturally in the mouth as the horse works, following movement rather than resisting it. This "live" quality keeps horses attentive and responsive without needing strong pressure.

Important note: While loose rings provide excellent encouragement to soften, the constant movement can pinch delicate lip tissue at the corners of the mouth where the rings rotate through the mouthpiece holes. Bit guards (rubber or leather discs) should be used if pinching occurs. The mobile nature that benefits most horses can be unsettling for very sensitive or anxious horses who prefer the stability of eggbutt or D-ring designs. Professional fitting determines whether your horse benefits from loose ring mobility or requires the quieter feel of fixed cheekpieces.

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