What difference does the shape of the joints?

What effect do different joints have?

At Fager, we work with small details that make a big difference. Many of our bits may look similar, but they have different-shaped joints. What difference does the shape of the joints really make? It can make a huge difference in the rider's feeling and the horse's comfort.

Smooth joints

Fagers smooth joints are designed to never press against the sides on the palate or create uneven pressure over the bars
Smooth joints make the pressure more gentle on the tongue
Good for horses that can overreact when you take the reins
Gives a more consistent, stable contact

Shaped joints

Shaped joints reach further down than the middle piece to increase the point pressure when required
It gives a quicker response when you take the reins
It gives clear signals when you take the reins and clear release when you give the reins
It is good for horses that can get a bit too stuck and unresponsive on a bit with smooth joints

Flat centerpiece & shaped joints

A bit with shaped joints and a flat centerpiece will give more point pressure than a bit with a round centerpiece and shaped joints
This will give you a quicker response when you take the reins, and a lighter feeling in the hand
If the flat middle piece is angled 45 degrees, the flat centerpiece will give increased pressure on the tongue, while a flat centerpiece that's not angled won't give any increased pressure on the tongue
Suitable for horses that can get a bit too stuck and unresponsive on a bit with shaped joints and round centerpiece

Centerpiece with a roller & shaped joints

A bit with shaped joints and a roller will give more dynamic, flexible, point pressure than a bit with a flat centerpiece and shaped joints
This will give you a quicker response, more flexible feeling and a lighter feeling in the hand
A bigger roller will have more effect than a smaller roller. Fager's rollers are big enough to provide a significant impact without being uncomfortable on the tongue.
It is suitable for horses that can become too fixed, stiff, and unresponsive to a bit and lean on it. It will make the horse lighter in the forehand

Vertical/standing joints

Vertical joints will give an increased pressure on the tongue and palate than horizontal joints
This will give you a quicker response when you take the reins, and can be good for a horse that can get unresponsive

Horizontal/laying joints

Horizontal joints will lay flat against the tongue and palate to give a more gentle pressure on the tongue than vertical joints
This will give you a more consistent contact, and can be good for a horse that can overreact when you take the reins