The original Belton Bit with TB mouthpiece

Similar to the Banbury mouthpiece which rotates along with the snaffle ring. This style eliminates any pinching of the cheeks.

This bit was the created by Paul Belton of Albion Saddle Makers hence the name the Belton Bit.

It was developed based on the premise that while enlightened instructors implement the philosophy "when a horse displays resitance through the equipment used - remove the source of the resitance and you will remove the resitance." Yet so often in practice resitance is countered with more severe equipment calculated to control and subdue.

Albion admits that there can never be a single solution to all problems but insists that much resitance of this nature starts from the horse misunderstanding the aids from the rider and being punished for it. They say that many jointed bits and indirect actions through the reins and bit are prone to disguising and diluting any specific aid. They also point to the rein effect acting through the jointed bit, creating possible "point pressure" on the palate - and that even a straight bar bit with a port may have this effect when applied in an insensitive manner.

The Belton Bit seeks to redress these problems. It is a straight bar with only a tongue groove designed for horse comfort. The snaffle rings are located directly onto each end of the bit to give a totally positive instruction for direction and pace in a  way to minimise possible misunderstanding. The cheeks swivel independently - controlled through the curb rein and acting totally outside the mouth by influencing the poll. The effect here becomes a gentle guide for the outline of the head and neck - even the top rings of the cheeks are gently flaired outwards for comfort.

The whole Belton Bit system has been calculated on humane principles.

The mouthpiece is available in two styles, the thinner lightweight Thoroughbred and the thicker Warmblood.