A grazer bit has the quickest release with the smallest amount of pre-signal. Trail riders like grazers because they are basic and simple to use. If used correctly, you can look like a star.

If your hands are too quick or hard, or if the grazer is used on too young of a horse, it can frighten the horse due to the lack of moving parts and lack of pre-signal. Grazers have more pre-load capacity than probably any other style of bit.


Texas and southwestern history was written with horses using grazer bits. Cutters like them because nothing rattles around in the mouth distracting the horse from his work.

Grazers are the most popular bit for pleasure and cutting horses. They are also used on some reiners. With reining horses, reactions happen faster. The grazer is not forgiving. Be careful what you ask for, because it will happen quickly.