Gear Riding Tips

6 Best Bits with Rollers to Help Busy-Brain Horses Relax

curb bit with wire roller
mm
Written by Natalie Gasper

Just Roll With It

If your horse feels tense or has trouble accepting the bit, rollers might be the solution. One or more pieces rotate, encouraging your horse to play with the bit. This playfulness prompts your horse to relax his mouth and jaw and be more willing to accept the bit. Plus, most roller bits are budget-friendly.

You may want to try a bit with a roller if your horse has a tense jaw, is hard to get on the bit, or is nervous or anxious. If a roller bit is for you, decide if you need a snaffle bit or curb bit. You can further narrow down your selection by the style of rein ring (eggbutt, D-ring, etc.) and even by the number of rollers (single, double, multiple).

Bit Basics

All bits, whether English or Western, have a mouthpiece and rein rings. Western bits also have a cheek and most have an attachment for a curb chain.

All rollers, if your bit has one, will be on the mouthpiece. If there’s only one, it should be in the center.

Why might you need a bit with rollers?

There are many reasons why you might prefer a bit with rollers:

  • Your horse is tense in the jaw
  • Your horse resists bit contact
  • Your horse is a “Nervous Nelly”
  • You want a softer, more supple horse

Summary Table:

Category Bit Price Point Key Feature(s)
Best Snaffle w/ Rollers Korsteel Stainless Steel Copper Roller Mouth Eggbutt Snaffle $30-$50 -consistent contact

-copper roller

-double joint

Best Western Snaffle w/ Rollers Western SS Copper Roller Snaffle D-Ring $20-$30 -single joint

-sturdy design

-stainless steel

Best Bit w/ Cricket Roller Toklat Medium Port Copper Curb $50-$80 -copper roller

-medium port

-stainless steel

Best 3-piece Snaffle w/ Copper Roller SS D-Ring Dog Bone Copper Roller Mouth Snaffle $20-$30 -stainless steel

-sleek design

-comfortable

Best D-Ring Snaffle w/ Roller Professional Equine Stainless Steel D-Ring Comfort Snaffle with Copper Rollers $30-$50 -double rollers

-copper

-hinged at the center

Best Curb w/ Rollers Reinsman 776 All Around Curb Bit with Copper Roller $80-$100 -short shank

-sweet iron & copper

-swivel cheeks

Bits with Rollers

Rollers can be found on bits of all sizes and styles. English and Western riders will be able to find something to suit their needs. If you or your horse is a beginner, stick with a snaffle. Have an extra-anxious horse? Consider a bit with multiple rollers for added distraction.

Best Snaffle Bit with Rollers

If you’re looking for a snaffle bit with a roller, look no further than the Korsteel Stainless Steel Copper Roller Mouth Eggbutt Snaffle. This bit functions for both everyday use as well as competitions.

roller horse bit

Click to see it at Amazon

PROS:

  • Copper (encourages salivation)
  • Double-jointed (more even pressure distribution)
  • Good if your horse has a sensitive mouth

CONS:

  • Single roller (some horses may lose interest)
  • Copper (if your horse doesn’t like the taste)

See it at Amazon

Best Western Snaffle Bit with Rollers

Snaffle bits aren’t often associated with Western riding, but the Western SS Copper Roller Snaffle D-Ring bit will have you thinking twice.

roller snaffle

Click to see it at Amazon

PROS:

  • Multiple copper rollers
  • Relieves boredom
  • Pinch-free

CONS:

  • Doesn’t have the traditional look of a Western bit
  • Not all horses will like the double-jointed mouthpiece

See it at Amazon

Best Bit with Cricket Roller

The Toklat Medium Port Copper Curb combines the extra control of a shank with the soothing power of a roller. Perfect for a strong, nervous horse who needs to soften to the bit.

curb roller bit

Click to see it at Amazon

PROS:

  • Small rein rings
  • Mouthpiece small, good for sensitive horses

CONS:

  • Not suitable for beginner horses (or riders)

See it at Amazon

Best 3-Piece Snaffle Bit with Copper Roller

Your search might end with the SS D-Ring Dog Bone Copper Roller Mouth Snaffle Bit. This bit can help improve your communication with your horse.

roller horse bit

Click to see it at Amazon

PROS:

  • Single copper roller
  • Modest D-ring
  • Three-piece design encourages suppling

CONS:

  • Mouthpiece is thicker, sensitive horses may not like it

See it at Amazon

Best D-Ring Snaffle with Roller

The Professional Equine Stainless Steel D-Ring Comfort Snaffle with Copper Rollers is a solid option if you’re looking for a combination of D-ring and rollers.

roller bit

Click to see it at Amazon

PROS:

  • Mild center joints
  • Two slender, double copper rollers
  • Curved mouthpiece that’s good for sensitive horses

CONS:

  • Doesn’t have the traditional “D” rein ring shape

See it at Amazon

Best Curb Bit with Rollers

If you need a little more power, the Reinsman 776 All Around Curb Bit with Copper Roller is a great curb option. A combination of three metals (stainless steel, copper, and sweet) offers the perfect blend of function and design.

western roller bit

Click to see it at Amazon

PROS:

  • Three-piece mouthpiece
  • Superb craftsmanship
  • Mild shank

CONS:

  • Mouthpiece is bulky, may not be suitable for horses with sensitive tongues

See it at Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why do horse bits have rollers?

Horse bits have rollers to help encourage them to relax and accept the bit.

Q: What does a copper roller do on a bit?

Copper is a metal that can stimulate a horse to salivate. The extra saliva works to soften how the bit feels in their mouth. If you choose a copper roller bit, not only should your horse start to relax his jaw, but he will likely salivate more and be a much softer ride.

Q: Does my horse need a bit with a roller?

If your horse is tense in the jaw or heavy in your hand, a bit with a roller could be a great solution. Roller bits are also handy for nervous horses, as it gives them something to do (other than, say, look for the next plastic bag to spook at).

D-Ring bit with copper rollers

Photo Cred: Canva

Parting Thoughts

Bits with rollers can be great tools for a variety of issues. Most rollers are copper, which has a pleasant taste (for most horses) and encourages salivation. You can use a bit with rollers temporarily as a training tool for a horse that’s tense or hard to get on the bit as well as for everyday rides and competitions. Even if your horse doesn’t have an issue that would benefit from a roller, they can be lots of fun for your horse to play with.

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About the author

mm

With a bachelor's degree in creative writing from the University of Central Florida and an editing certificate from the University of Washington, my decade-long writing journey has been a kaleidoscope of diverse experiences. I've had the privilege of contributing to a spectrum of platforms, including newspapers, print and online magazines, literary journals, and individual clients on subjects spanning from horse care, gardening, motorcycles, to exploring East Asia.