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Top 5 Bit Guards and Covers in Canada for 2025 — Expert-Reviewed Options to Protect Your Horse's Mouth, Reduce Noise, and Improve Comfort

Published on Monday, August 25, 2025

Bit guards and covers protect the corners of the mouth and prevent pinching while reducing noise or metal contact. Modern versions use silicone, neoprene, memory foam and padded leather to enhance comfort and encourage acceptance of the bit. In Canada the category appeals to a wide range of riders — from hunters and dressage competitors to trail riders and ranchers — because materials that resist cold, wick moisture, and clean easily are valued across provinces. Consumers prioritize a reliable fit, low-maintenance materials, and discipline-specific solutions: quieter, softer options for sensitive mouths, rugged neoprene for everyday schooling and turnout, and fleece for short-term padding. Durability, hypoallergenic components, and availability from local dealers or fast-shipping Canadian retailers also shape buying choices.

Quick Menu

1. Best Gentle Fit

2. Best Value Rubber

3. Best Memory Foam Comfort

4. Best Professional Quality

5. Best Plush Protection

1
BEST GENTLE FIT

Happy Mouth Bit Guards

Happy Mouth

Happy Mouth Bit Guards combine a soft, flexible polymer design with a slightly thicker profile that reduces cheek and lip pinching while offering long-lasting wear. Positioned as a mid-priced, rider-friendly option, they deliver better shock absorption than standard rubber guards and a lower cost than specialty memory-foam or fleece covers, making them a practical balance of comfort and value for everyday use.

4.4
★★★★☆

  • Soft rubber

  • Pony-approved taste

  • Soft rubber

  • Pony-approved taste

Review Summary

88%

"Users generally praise Happy Mouth Bit Guards for their soft, flexible material and comfortable fit that reduces rubbing, with many noting durable everyday performance though a few report occasional slipping. Overall riders appreciate the blend of comfort and function, especially for sensitive-mouthed horses."

  • Snug fit

  • Soft, pliable rubber designed to cushion sensitive lips and gum areas.

  • Snug fit

  • Soft, pliable rubber designed to cushion sensitive lips and gum areas.

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Recreational Enjoyment

Happy Mouth Bit Guards combine a soft, flexible polymer design with a slightly thicker profile that reduces cheek and lip pinching while offering long-lasting wear. Positioned as a mid-priced, rider-friendly option, they deliver better shock absorption than standard rubber guards and a lower cost than specialty memory-foam or fleece covers, making them a practical balance of comfort and value for everyday use.

  • Soft rubber

  • Pony-approved taste

  • Snug fit

  • Soft, pliable rubber designed to cushion sensitive lips and gum areas.

  • Compatible with most snaffle and pelham bits for straightforward fitting.

  • Soft rubber

  • Pony-approved taste

  • Snug fit

  • Soft, pliable rubber designed to cushion sensitive lips and gum areas.

  • Compatible with most snaffle and pelham bits for straightforward fitting.

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$15-30 CAD

2
BEST VALUE RUBBER

Shires Rubber Bit Guards

Shires

Shires Rubber Bit Guards use traditional durable rubber to provide reliable protection at a budget-friendly price, making them a popular choice for riders seeking cost-effective guards. Their simple, proven construction emphasizes longevity and easy cleaning compared with plush or foam alternatives, though they offer less contouring comfort than memory-foam or fleece models on this list.

4.3
★★★★☆

  • Thick rubber

  • Barn-tough durability

  • Thick rubber

  • Barn-tough durability

Review Summary

85%

"Shires Rubber Bit Guards are viewed as reliable, well-made and durable, providing consistent protection against cheek rubs; some buyers note they can be a bit stiff at first but soften with use. The majority find them good value and long-lasting for regular riding."

  • Pinch prevention

  • Durable rubber construction for reliable protection at an affordable price.

  • Pinch prevention

  • Durable rubber construction for reliable protection at an affordable price.

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Time-Saving Convenience

Shires Rubber Bit Guards use traditional durable rubber to provide reliable protection at a budget-friendly price, making them a popular choice for riders seeking cost-effective guards. Their simple, proven construction emphasizes longevity and easy cleaning compared with plush or foam alternatives, though they offer less contouring comfort than memory-foam or fleece models on this list.

  • Thick rubber

  • Barn-tough durability

  • Pinch prevention

  • Durable rubber construction for reliable protection at an affordable price.

  • Simple, universal shape fits a wide range of bit types.

  • Thick rubber

  • Barn-tough durability

  • Pinch prevention

  • Durable rubber construction for reliable protection at an affordable price.

  • Simple, universal shape fits a wide range of bit types.

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$10-20 CAD

3
BEST MEMORY FOAM COMFORT

Zilco Memory Foam Bit Guards

Zilco

Zilco Memory Foam Bit Guards use viscoelastic foam that contours to the horse's jaw for superior pressure distribution and high-end comfort, especially for sensitive mouths. They are priced at a premium compared with rubber guards but justify the cost with advanced shock absorption and a tailored fit that generally outperforms both basic rubber and simple fleece options in comfort and impact protection.

4.1
★★★★☆

  • Memory-foam cushion

  • Cloud-like comfort

  • Memory-foam cushion

  • Cloud-like comfort

Review Summary

80%

"Zilco Memory Foam Bit Guards are commonly praised for their cushioning and comfort for sensitive horses, offering excellent shock absorption, though several users mention the foam can compress or wear faster than rubber options. They are favored for short-term comfort but receive mixed marks on long-term durability."

  • Contoured fit

  • Contoured memory foam core provides superior cushioning and pressure relief.

  • Contoured fit

  • Contoured memory foam core provides superior cushioning and pressure relief.

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Recreational Enjoyment

Zilco Memory Foam Bit Guards use viscoelastic foam that contours to the horse's jaw for superior pressure distribution and high-end comfort, especially for sensitive mouths. They are priced at a premium compared with rubber guards but justify the cost with advanced shock absorption and a tailored fit that generally outperforms both basic rubber and simple fleece options in comfort and impact protection.

  • Memory-foam cushion

  • Cloud-like comfort

  • Contoured fit

  • Contoured memory foam core provides superior cushioning and pressure relief.

  • Molds to the horse’s mouth for a customized, comfortable fit.

  • Memory-foam cushion

  • Cloud-like comfort

  • Contoured fit

  • Contoured memory foam core provides superior cushioning and pressure relief.

  • Molds to the horse’s mouth for a customized, comfortable fit.

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$25-45 CAD

4
BEST PROFESSIONAL QUALITY

Nunn Finer Soft Rubber Bit Guards

Nunn Finer

Nunn Finer Soft Rubber Bit Guards are U.S.-made, soft yet resilient guards designed for an ergonomic fit and professional-grade durability, appealing to riders who want a refined, dependable product. They occupy a middle ground in price and performance—softer and less bulky than some thicker guards while offering more cushioning and longer life than basic economy rubber alternatives.

4.6
★★★★☆

  • Soft rubber

  • Velvet-soft hug

  • Soft rubber

  • Velvet-soft hug

Review Summary

90%

"Nunn Finer Soft Rubber Bit Guards earn high marks for their soft, premium-feel rubber, secure fit and strong durability, with many long-term users reporting minimal wear and reliable performance. They are frequently recommended by professionals for everyday and show use."

  • Low profile

  • Made from higher-grade soft rubber for durability and consistent performance.

  • Low profile

  • Made from higher-grade soft rubber for durability and consistent performance.

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Time-Saving Convenience

Nunn Finer Soft Rubber Bit Guards are U.S.-made, soft yet resilient guards designed for an ergonomic fit and professional-grade durability, appealing to riders who want a refined, dependable product. They occupy a middle ground in price and performance—softer and less bulky than some thicker guards while offering more cushioning and longer life than basic economy rubber alternatives.

  • Soft rubber

  • Velvet-soft hug

  • Low profile

  • Made from higher-grade soft rubber for durability and consistent performance.

  • Anatomically shaped to reduce pinching and improve bit stability.

  • Soft rubber

  • Velvet-soft hug

  • Low profile

  • Made from higher-grade soft rubber for durability and consistent performance.

  • Anatomically shaped to reduce pinching and improve bit stability.

Order Now

$20-35 CAD

5
BEST PLUSH PROTECTION

Centaur Fleece Bit Guards

Centaur

Centaur Fleece Bit Guards are plush fleece covers that prioritize skin protection and extra padding for horses prone to rubbing or irritation, and they slip over existing guards to add comfort. They are a cost-effective way to upgrade comfort, particularly when paired with cheaper rubber guards, but require more frequent washing and are less durable under heavy daily use than molded rubber or memory-foam designs.

3.9
★★★☆☆

  • Soft fleece

  • Anti-chafe

  • Soft fleece

  • Anti-chafe

Review Summary

76%

"Centaur Fleece Bit Guards are liked for their plush cushioning and gentle protection, especially for horses prone to rubs, but reviewers commonly mention they require regular washing and can shift or flatten with heavy use. Buyers appreciate the comfort but note trade-offs in maintenance and longevity."

  • Pony-snuggle feel

  • Plush fleece padding offers gentle protection for horses prone to rubbing or chafing.

  • Pony-snuggle feel

  • Plush fleece padding offers gentle protection for horses prone to rubbing or chafing.

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Recreational Enjoyment

Centaur Fleece Bit Guards are plush fleece covers that prioritize skin protection and extra padding for horses prone to rubbing or irritation, and they slip over existing guards to add comfort. They are a cost-effective way to upgrade comfort, particularly when paired with cheaper rubber guards, but require more frequent washing and are less durable under heavy daily use than molded rubber or memory-foam designs.

  • Soft fleece

  • Anti-chafe

  • Pony-snuggle feel

  • Plush fleece padding offers gentle protection for horses prone to rubbing or chafing.

  • Machine-washable or easy to clean to maintain hygiene and softness.

  • Soft fleece

  • Anti-chafe

  • Pony-snuggle feel

  • Plush fleece padding offers gentle protection for horses prone to rubbing or chafing.

  • Machine-washable or easy to clean to maintain hygiene and softness.

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$18-35 CAD

What the Research and Veterinary Practice Say About Bit Guards and Mouth Comfort

Veterinary literature, equine dentistry observations and pressure-mapping research provide practical evidence that padding and protective bit accessories can reduce focal pressure, lower incidence of rubbing or pinching at the commissures, and improve behavioral acceptance of the bit. While designs and materials vary, studies and clinical experience consistently show that cushioning and proper fit reduce localized force peaks and can help horses perform with less oral discomfort. Riders and professionals should combine evidence-based products with correct adjustment and routine oral checks.

Pressure distribution: Pressure-mapping and biomechanical studies indicate that adding compliant padding around the bit reduces peak focal pressures at the mouth corners, which lowers the risk of pinching and soft-tissue damage.

Oral lesions and prevention: Veterinary reports and equine dental surveys link use of properly fitted guards or covers with fewer commissure abrasions and mouth lesions compared with unprotected metal contacting soft tissue.

Behavioral response: Animal behavior research shows horses are more likely to accept a bit and display reduced headshaking or resistance when discomfort from pinching and noise is minimized.

Material science: Silicone and neoprene maintain elasticity over a wide temperature range, memory foam distributes load over a broader area, and fleece offers temporary cushioning; each material has trade-offs for durability, hygiene, and cold-weather performance.

Practical application: Clinical guidelines emphasize correct fit, regular cleaning, and periodic oral examinations; poorly fitting guards can negate benefits, so product selection must be matched to bit type and riding discipline.

In Canada, choosing the right bit guard or cover depends on your horse's sensitivity, your discipline and local climate. The five options profiled here — Happy Mouth Bit Guards, Shires Rubber Bit Guards, Zilco Memory Foam Bit Guards, Nunn Finer Soft Rubber Bit Guards, and Centaur Fleece Bit Guards — cover the full range from soft, everyday protection to padded, noise-reducing solutions. For an all-around balance of comfort, accessibility and proven design I recommend the Happy Mouth Bit Guards as the best starting choice for many riders. I hope you found what you were looking for; use the search to refine by material, size or discipline or expand your results across Canadian retailers and shipping options.

Discover More
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  • Nosebands
  • Cheekpieces and Headpiece Replacements
  • Throatlatches and Chinstraps
  • Crownpieces and Headstall Straps
  • Bit Converters and Mouthpiece Adapters
  • Buckles, Rings and Bridle Hardware

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