Western bits were developed during the 1800's and early 1900's when horse trainers used bits to force their horses to do certain things. They were called "Western" bits because they were most often used in the western part of the United States. A bit is an instrument used by a trainer to control and direct a horse. Bits were used to train and exercise horses for many purposes. Correction bits are used to correct and punish horses that do not respond correctly to commands given by their handlers.