Tongue Relief vs Bar Relief 

When it comes to horse bits, fit and function are everything. Two of the most important — and often misunderstood — features in bit design are tongue relief and bar relief. These terms refer to how the bit distributes pressure within the horse’s mouth, and choosing the right balance can make all the difference in your horse’s comfort, responsiveness, and willingness to work.

In this post, we’ll break down the differences between tongue relief and bar relief, how each works, and which type of horse may benefit from each.

 

Understanding the Anatomy

Before diving into the bits, it helps to understand two key parts of the horse’s mouth:

The Bars: These are the toothless spaces between the incisors and molars on the lower jaw. They are bony and sensitive.

The Tongue: A muscular, highly mobile organ that often takes up significant space in the mouth.

Different bit designs place pressure on one or both of these areas. How your horse reacts to that pressure can depend on their anatomy, training, and personal preference.

 

 

What Is Tongue Relief?

Tongue relief refers to bit designs that create space for the tongue to move freely, reducing or eliminating pressure on it. This is typically achieved through:

• Ported mouthpieces
  
  

• Curved or arched mouthpieces
  
  

• Specific double-jointed designs
  
  

Benefits of Tongue Relief:

• Increased comfort for horses with large or thick tongues
  
  

• Encourages relaxation, salivation, and chewing
  
  

• Reduces resistance such as head tossing or gaping
  
  

• Improves acceptance for horses that feel “trapped” by pressure on the tongue
  
  

Best for Horses That:

• Have low palates or thick tongues
  
  

• Resist tongue pressure by evading the bit
  
  

• Show stress or tension with standard snaffles
  
  

 

What Is Bar Relief?

Bar relief refers to bit designs that minimize pressure on the bars of the mouth. Since the bars are bony and unpadded, some horses find bar pressure uncomfortable or even painful. Bar relief is often found in:

• Flexible mouthpieces (like rubber-covered bits)
  
  

• Double-jointed bits that reduce the “nutcracker” effect
  
  

• Bits that distribute pressure more evenly
  
  

Benefits of Bar Relief:

• Comfort for horses with sensitive bars or low bar structure
  
  

• Lessens tension in horses who become evasive under direct rein pressure
  
  

• Allows better communication without creating discomfort
  
  

Best for Horses That:

• Are bar-sensitive or show bruising or sores on the bars
  
  

• Carry their head behind the vertical to avoid bar contact
  
  

• Prefer consistent, even rein contact
  
  

 

Tongue vs Bar Relief: Which Should You Prioritize?

Choosing between tongue and bar relief depends on your horse’s anatomy, history, and behavior. Here's a quick comparison to guide you:

 

 

Can You Have Both?

Yes! Many modern bits are designed to offer a balance between tongue and bar relief. For example, certain bits feature ergonomic curves that contour to the horse’s mouth, relieving both the tongue and bars in different ways. These bits are often labeled as anatomical, comfort mouthpieces, or low-ported double-jointed styles.

Agador bits that help with both tongue and bar relief include ComfortGlide and ComfortLink, aiding in mild relief for both.   The SmoothRide and SmoothLink designs can be used in two ways, allowing the rider to feel what their horse prefers.   Worn traditionally, these bits offer mild tongue relief, and worn in reverse position they offer mild bar relief.  

 

 

Final Thoughts

Every horse is different — and bit fitting isn’t one-size-fits-all. A bit that offers too much tongue relief may overburden the bars, and vice versa. The goal is to balance pressure and avoid creating tension in sensitive areas.

If your horse shows signs of discomfort — such as gaping, head tossing, tongue over the bit, or reluctance to accept contact — it might be time to rethink the bit design with relief in mind.

When in doubt, consult with a bit fitter, trainer, or equine dentist. Their insights, along with close observation of your horse’s reactions, will guide you to the best fit.