The earliest evidence of horse bits and bridles dates back almost 5,500 years to ancient Kazakhstan; although, it is suspected similar devices were used even earlier. The first bits were made out of rope, bone, horn, or dense wood and used to control the speed and direction of horses while riding them. Between 1300 and 1200 BC, bits became fashioned out of bronze, which rapidly slowed degradation.
As horses became a key component of warfare, innovation in bit design became of paramount importance. Throughout the Middle Ages, as knights’ armor became heavier, the average height of horses bred in Europe increased significantly through selective breeding. These larger horses were more difficult to control, so precise bridle bits became indispensable.
In times of peace, during the middle ages, “tournaments” were held for the amusement of the king. During these tournaments, men would show off their horsemanship. This practice continued, and in 1530, the first equestrian academy was founded in Naples by Frederico Grisone. From then on, horsemanship became a favorite pastime of the elite and remains a popular sport to this day.
In 1897, George Le Compte of Baltimore, MD was granted a patent for a new bridle bit design. Le Compte’s design kept a horse’s nose open, its mouth closed, and prevented the bit from slipping out of the horse’s mouth. Le Compte’s design made wearing a bit more comfortable for the horse and stopped them from gagging. George’s virtuous bit design has been improved upon over the years, but remains an important part of making horse riding more humane.
