Fager Bits: Modernizing Bit Design

Josey

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Staff member
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As we ask our horses to respond quicker and be more sensitive to our aids, it becomes crucial to use equipment that enables them to perform their best. While there will always be intrinsic pressure points from the bit, it is possible to divide the pressure up so that your horse is as comfortable as possible. This is the philosophy that Fager Bits stands behind with every design they create. Developed with the help of veterinarians, this brand is dedicated to modernizing bit design through science.

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Designed and developed with help from veterinarians, Fager bits are meant to maximize horse comfort.

Details Make the Difference

You will notice that all Fager bits feature thinner bars and joints than many other options. While thinner bars are traditionally thought to be sharper than thicker bits due to pressure on a smaller surface, Fager disputes this claim. They have found that thinner bars and joints provide more freedom inside the mouth so that the horse’s tongue isn’t restricted. Thicker bits may cause constant pressure on the horse’s upper and lower bars when their mouth is closed.

Another source of unwanted pressure can come from the centerpiece of the bit. The makers behind Fager have seen severe damage to the bars and palate due to long centerpieces. Short centerpieces ensure the bit sits comfortably in the horse’s mouth, without causing unwanted pressure on the palate.

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Most Fager bits come in loose ring (left) and fixed ring (right) options.

Developed with a Type of Horse in Mind

Most Fager bits also come in both fixed and loose ring styles. Fixed rings give the mouthpiece stability and create more precise rein aids. For horses that may be unsteady in the contact, fixed ring bits are usually preferred. Loose rings allow for more movement, which discourages leaning. If your horse has fleshy lips that tend to get rubs, Fager recommends using bit guards for both fixed and loose ring bits.

Fager works with two different materials: titanium and sweet iron. Titanium is lighter than sweet iron, so the lack of weight creates less constant pressure within the mouth. Because of this, titanium is thought to create a quicker response from the horse. Fager’s surgical grade titanium is completely tasteless and does not need any covering. If your horse does bite the bit, it shouldn’t become rough. These titanium bits are meant to last a lifetime!

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A lightweight titanium bit can make the transition to the double bridle more comfortable for some horses.

Easing the Transition to the Double Bridle

Read RW crew member Christine’s review on her titanium Fager bit below:

“I was introduced to Fager Bits by my Dressage Trainer, Jenifer Zakhary at Precision Farms in Norco, CA. The appeal of these bits is that they are made of titanium, which is a lighter weight, more durable metal. While making the leap to third level Dressage, we introduce the Weymouth bridle, which has two bits, a curb and a snaffle, called a Bradoon. Having bits that are lighter in weight, along with a thinner mouthpiece design, makes having two bits in my horse’s mouth much more comfortable for him. I want his experience transitioning up the Dressage levels a positive one, and with Fager bits, it’s just another way for us to do that.”

Finding the Fager Bit for Your Horse

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The Fager Carl Bit (fixed and loose ring) follows the natural shape of the mouth with a small centerpiece that lays flat against the tongue. It is recommended for sensitive horses with the following traits:
  • Can be on/off in the connection.
  • Fussy in the contact
  • Strong, usually lean/pull on the bit.
  • Sensitive for pressure from the bit.
  • Won't accept the bit or just for short times. Usually drops/chew on the bit and feel uncomfortable.
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The Fager Lilly Bit (fixed and loose ring) is a single-jointed bit that follows the natural shape of the mouth. It features the Fager Smart System, which locks the joints to prevent palate interference.

The fixed ring version is recommended for horses with the following traits:
  • Can be on/off in the connection.
  • Do not seek the contact towards the bit.
  • Drops the bit/Fall behind the hand.
  • Low palate or sensitive bars.
The loose ring version is recommended for horses with the following traits:
  • Sensitive for bar pressure
  • Easily get wounds
  • Uncomfortable with almost every bit you have tried.
  • Put too much focus on the bit during work. Plays around with it or tries to bite etc.
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The Fager Madeleine Loose Ring Bit is made of titanium using the Anoblast™ technique for durability. It is recommended for sensitive horses with the following traits:
  • Easily get wounds.
  • Get stuck in one or both sides, stiff.
  • Want something more flexible than a straight bit.
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The Fager Oscar Bit (fixed and loose ring) has a straight mouthpiece, which puts pressure mainly on the tongue and reduces pressure on the bars. It features a 30mm center lozenge that lays flat against the tongue, with a smooth front lock for stability. The Oscar Bit is recommended for horses with the following traits:
  • Sensitive for pressure and often drops the bit.
  • Hard to get into contact.
  • Struggling to find the balance.
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The Fager Sara Bit (fixed and loose ring) is made out of Anoblast™ titanium and has a straight mouthpiece that follows the natural shape of the horse’s mouth. It is recommended for horses with the following traits:
  • Hard to seek connection towards the bit
  • Constantly falls behind the bit
  • Sticking the tongue out/Chewing the bit frantically.
  • A younger horse.
  • Stiff on normal straight bits
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The Fager Elisabeth Titanium Weymouth Bit is also made with of Anoblast™ titanium. It has a forward tilting port for freedom of the tongue and room for the bradoon. It is recommended for horses with the following traits:
  • Sensitive Bars and Tongue
  • Hard to Relax with a Double Bridle
  • Have a Smaller Mouth
  • Easily Gets Wounds on Bars/Mouth Corners
  • Falls Behind with Other Weymouths
 

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