Step 1: Choose your stage
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Foundation
Understanding and trust
For young horses, those starting under saddle, or horses learning to accept the contact. -
Core
Softness and consistency
For horses established in the contact and developing balance, suppleness and connection. -
Refinement
Precision and advancement
For established horses requiring more defined and refined aids.
Step 2: Choose your cheekpiece
Refining how the contact is delivered
Once you have selected the appropriate mouthpiece, the cheekpiece determines how the bit sits within the mouth and how the aids are delivered.
Full Cheek: Provides enhanced lateral guidance and stability.
Fixed Ring : Offers a stable, consistent feel with a more direct aid and slower release.
Loose Ring : Allows greater movement within the mouth, creating a softer feel with a quicker release.
Baucher : Creates a quieter, more stable contact with reduced backward pressure on the mouth and jaw.
Dee Baucher : The larger ring creates a very light contact, allowing the bit to suspend in the mouth and just work gently on the lips.
Balance Cheek Universal : Adds gentle lateral guidance and stability to the universal design, reducing unwanted movement.
Universal : Offers a softly graduated rein action, allowing the rider to introduce mild, adjustable influence.
Kimblewick : Provides a more supportive contact with a mild leverage effect, encouraging lightness and control.
Step 3: Choose your material
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Sweet Iron
Naturally oxidises to encourage salivation and acceptance, supporting a softer, more relaxed contact.
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Golden Copper
A warmer-feeling metal that promotes comfort and softness, helping the horse to take a consistent connection.
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Titanium
Lightweight and neutral in taste, offering a clean, highly responsive feel for horses that prefer minimal influence.
(All colours are the same, the difference is purely cosmetic).
Where do I start?
Horses are developed through the same process — first learning to trust the contact, then developing softness and consistency, before progressing to more precise and refined communication. While not every horse starts at the beginning, each stage builds on the last, creating a consistent and logical approach to training.
By focusing on the horse’s current way of going, the system allows you to choose the right starting point and progress with clarity and confidence.
1: Mouthpiece defines the stage. 2: Cheekpiece refines the delivery. 3: Metal supports acceptance.
Still not sure? Take our bit quiz below to help you choose!
Golden collection
Titanium collection
Sweet Iron collection
Become an Aster Bit Fitter
We’re proud to work with qualified bit fitters who share our passion for horse comfort and performance. If you're looking to offer your clients a range of carefully designed, horse-friendly bits that truly make a difference, we’d love to welcome you to the Aster network.
Whether you're just starting out or already established, we offer guidance on product selection, support with fittings, and flexible options to help you grow your stock. Our starter packs are tailored to suit the types of horses you see most, and we’re always happy to advise on what to include.
Fitters also benefit from exclusive wholesale pricing and the opportunity to join our affiliate program—earning commission while spreading the word about Aster.
If you’d like to become part of the Aster journey, we’d love to hear from you.
Contact form
Contact form
Send us a message if you're interested in becoming a stockist or fitter.
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Gentle by design
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Shaped for sensitive mouths and anotomical harmony
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Alloys promote softness salivation and stability
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Carefully tested and trusted by professionals
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