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What bits kids use and why
Kris note - I posted six questions to survey bit use,
understanding and to promote discussion. A hint for the bit
survey - identifying a bit as a snaffle or curb has nothing to do
with the mouthpiece. A snaffle isn't anything with a jointed
mouthpiece. There are plenty of curb bits with jointed
mouthpieces. See also Discussion About Bits
and Abuses and rec.eq bit FAQ
[KatyNote] I've seen soo many people post that they a) have no idea how
their bit works, or b) their bit works by pulling on it, or by controlling
the horse (or some variation thereof). Kris was asking how does it work,
referring to leverage, nutcracker action, lateral action, what parts of the
mouth does it work on. I think that anbody that answered it incorrectly or
doesn't know needs to do some research and repost. You owe it to your
horsies to know how your bit works!
From: Grace Meyer
1a) What bit does your (primary riding) horse wear now?
--Sweet iron, O-ring snaffle
1b) How does this bit work in your horse's mouth?
By direct pressure only, on the corners or bars of the mouth, depending on
how he holds his head, and if pulled on with both reins, it exerts a slight
nutcracker action
2) What would be the most abusive possible bit you could ride this horse in?
What do you mean? I think the harshest one he would tolerate before
flipping out would be a twisted wire snaffle, or a shanked western curb
3) What would be the ideal softest bit for this horse?
The one he's in now, or a french link O-ring
4) If answers 1 and 3 don't match, what would you need to do to get to 3?
Well it does, but I'm planning on doing these anyway to lighten him and get
him more responsive: lots of downward transitions, circles/serpentines,
giving to the bit excercises, and soft hands (I have to focus on this :)
5) What is the single most likely reason people use harsh bits?
Because they think that is the answere to their problems, when it only
covers them up.
6) Bonus question - what is the difference between a pelham and a snaffle.
A Pelham is the action of a double bridle combined in one bit. It uses
two reins, and combines a crude snaffle action with a curb action also. It
can be mullen mouthed, jointed, or ported.
From: Adrienne Brant
1a) What bit does your (primary riding) horse wear now?
Louis (my 5 year old paint) wears either a jumping hackmore or a french link.
1b) How does this bit work in your horse's mouth?
French Link - The French Link, like a simple smooth jointed snaffle works on
the bars and the lips of the horse. But the two joints alleviate the
"nutcracker" effect given by singlely jointed bits.
Jumping Hackmore - Louis wears the simple, non mechanical type, which only
puts pressure on the "bridge" of his nose.
2) What would be the most abusive possible bit you could ride this horse in?
There are alot of things you could do to a young horse. I think it would
be something coupled with the effects of drawreins, or very rough, unmoving,
hands that would put him into an early false frame that would eventually make
him sore, unhappy, and in the end a very tough horse to handle.
3) What would be the ideal softest bit for this horse?
I think he really prefers the French Link to anything and it is really the
softest bit.
4) If answers 1 and 3 don't match, what would you need to do to get to 3?
N/A
5) What is the single most likely reason people use harsh bits?
Because they don't know any better. Your "whoah" isn't in the bridle, it's
in the brain.
6) Bonus question - what is the difference between a pelham and a snaffle.
Simply... a snaffle gives a direct pressure on the bars, lips, and roof of
the horses mouth. The pelham combines the snaffle action with the option of
using a curb action which multiplies the pressure on the bars, roof,
chingroove (curb chain), and poll.
There are uses for both, mostly the snaffle for younger horses and pelham for
horses with the need for more refinement... but such lines become skewed...
From: AmandaWard
1a) What bit does your (primary riding) horse wear now?
English a full cheek smooth snaffle.. Western a loose ring smooth snaffle
1a) How does this bit work in your horse's mouth?
Well with either bit we doi't ride with much contact escpecially the
western. bUt i know it's a thin bit and i am to be careful. Acrtually i
have noc lue how my bits work *g* someone tell me
2) What would be the most abusive possible bit you could ride this horse
in?
Magic? When we got him his owners had him in a twisted wire loose ring but
i just can't do that. The worst I *might* do is a slow twist full cheek in
huntseat...
3) What would be the ideal softest bit for this horse?
I'm happy with the full cheek.. and the loose ring
4) If answers 1 and 3 don't match, what would you need to do to get to 3?
They do match. i'm not gonna ride my horse in anything more htan i think i
need to ride him in
5) What is the single most likely reason people use harsh bits?
because they have not got the patience to work their horse into a less
severe bit.
6) Bonus question - what is the difference between a pelham and a snaffle.
Good question. I have no clue. does a pelham have a port?
From: Danielle McLaurin
1a) What bit does your (primary riding) horse wear now?
Pistol is currently going (and has been all year) in a double twisted wire gag
with 4" shanks. Go ahead and kill me, I know.
[KatyNote] *cringe* He's the youngster, right? Why do you feel that he
needs such a bit? Does your coach condone the use of this bit?
1b) How does this bit work in your horse's mouth?
Well, the double twisted wire I suppose adds for more control. The shanks are
for helping raise his head. Pistol is naturally kinda heavy on the forehand
and his stifle problem and helped him shift more weight onto his front to
escape the pain...I suppose. It makes sense to me atleast. He normally
travels with a fairly low head set, but then he gets trotty and trots (not
good for a Walker), *so* we're working on counteracting that.
2) What would be the most abusive possible bit you could ride this horse in?
I suppose either a bicycle chain piece, or a normal (as in what it looks like)
chain mouthpiece both with long shanks and a skinny mouthpiece. I hate those
things. They scare me (and though I know I use a harsh bit myself).
3) What would be the ideal softest bit for this horse?
Pistol can go with a softest bit, as long as you allow him to trot. So, he
could work in a french link snaffle (which everyone seems to claim is the
softest) but until he's more settled in his gait, he gets a tendency to trot.
We did start him off in a full cheeck snaffle which worked well until he got
more training under saddle and started trotting (which many walkers do. They
start off gaiting, until a certain time and then they'll either lean towards
pacing or trotting).
[KatyNote2] So a double twisted wire gag helps to keep him from trotting?
Why is that?
4) If answers 1 and 3 don't match, what would you need to do to get to 3?
Hopefully, I'm doing the right thing. Once we get him more settled and
comfortable with gaiting (we've got him to switch from trotting to pacing.
Next is walking), then I'll work on moving bits back down to a nicer one.
5) What is the single most likely reason people use harsh bits?
More control: over movements, gaits, head set, etc. Just to feel "safer" I
guess. It's not that I like using a double twisted wire gag on Pistol, it is
just what works best at this moment.
[KatyNote3] My opinion: If you don't like to use it...don't. Regardless of
"what works best at the moment." Sounds to me a little bit like a quick
fix. How is it going to work in the future? I won't condemn you for your
bit choices, however, I will challenge you on your opinions - as I'm sure
others will.
From: "Cait Naumann
1a) What bit does your (primary riding) horse wear now?
Slow Twisted Full Cheek Snaffle
1b) How does this bit work in your horse's mouth?
The Slow twist of it gave him something to listen to without being so harsh
on him as a fast twist.
2) What would be the most abusive possible bit you could ride this horse in?
Double Twisted Sissor Bit *ouch*
3) What would be the ideal softest bit for this horse?
Rubber Snaffle
4) If answers 1 and 3 don't match, what would you need to do to get to 3?
Wish he was never a school horse so that there wasn't little kids pulling on
his face 24/7. Then I could have worked with him and gotten him down to a
softer bit.
5) What is the single most likely reason people use harsh bits?
They *think* their horse is inasne and needs a harsh bit, when really they
just don't know how to ride that horse properly.
From: Mallory
1a) What bit does your (primary riding) horse wear now?
A Kimberwicke
1a) How does this bit work in your horse's mouth?
It puts pressure on the poll
2) What would be the most abusive possible bit you could ride this horse
in?
Possibly a slow twist or a gag
3) What would be the ideal softest bit for this horse?
I think that the kimberwicke is what he needs.
4) If answers 1 and 3 don't match, what would you need to do to get to 3?
They do match
5) What is the single most likely reason people use harsh bits?
I think people use them just to look tough. Some horses really need
them, though.
6) Bonus question - what is the difference between a pelham and a snaffle.
A Pelham has two sets of reins, and is harsher.
From: Pam Okerholm
1a) What bit does your (primary riding) horse wear now?
(Misty) Rubber jointed D-ring snaffle (her western bit is/was a tom
thumb snaffle, which is a snaffle with very short shanks making it a
very mild western bit. Some people associate shanks with the word
"curb" but that's not what this bit is. It also has a lip strap which
is similar to a curb chain.)
(Jeff) Full cheek jointed snaffle (smooth)
1b) How does this bit work in your horse's mouth?
(M∓J)I believe it works by putting pressure on the bars and corners
of the mouth (and of course Misty's western bit would put pressure on
the poll and chin groove)
(J)The full cheek also puts slight pressure on the horse's cheeks
2) What would be the most abusive possible bit you could ride this
horse in?
(M)anything with a high port, a cathedral bit, a double twisted wire
anything :)
(J) bike chain, double twisted wire -he's not big on corkscrews
either!
3) What would be the ideal softest bit for this horse?
(M) What she's in now!
(J) ditto unless it's a hollow eggbutt
5) What is the single most likely reason people use harsh bits?
Ignorance
6) Bonus question - what is the difference between a pelham and a
snaffle.
A pelham works like a snaffle and a curb bit at the same time and can
be used with double reins (best option) or with one rein and bit
converters. The curb action applies pressure to the poll (the bit
rotates slightly, pulling down on the cheek pieces) and chin groove
(curb chain). A snaffle does not apply pressure to anything but the
horse's barns, tongue, palate, and corners of the mouth. It is
considered the mildest form of bit. People tend to use pelhams for
either more control or to make it easier to get their horse in a frame.
Both snaffles and pelhams have a variety of forms: rubber, twisted,
smooth, jointed, mullenmouth. The longer the shanks of a pelham the
more severe a bit it is.
an excerpt from "Lighten Up" by Bob Braswell (hunter trainer) from the
12/98 issue of Practical Horseman (an article on pelhams -quiteinformative):
"*How A Pelham Works*
A pelham comebines the direct action of a snaffle on the bars tongue,
and palate (action that tends to lift your horse's frame) and the
leveraging action of a curb (action that, by rotating the bit in his
mouth, brings the curb strap or chain against his chin, puts some
pressure on his poll, and so encourages him to flex and soften his poll
and jaw, thereby bringing in his head a little and lightening the
weight on his front end)."
From: Melina Frey
Yeah, I love Survey's. I'm going to answer for my Horse (D: Dicatan) and my
Sister's Horse (M: Merchant Man), as I also ride Merch 2x week.
1a) What bit does your (primary riding) horse wear now?
D: Loose Ring Snaffle and a double bridle for a lesson just before a
dressage show. But thats like 2x a month.
M: A loose ring snaffle
1b) How does this bit work in your horse's mouth?
It acts on the bars and roof of the Horse's Mouth. A Nutcracker action
2) What would be the most abusive possible bit you could ride this horse
in?
For Both: Something thin and twisted. Both are well schooled, so I don't
actually now. Mabey for Diacatan a curb Bit would be the worst
3) What would be the ideal softest bit for this horse?
D: A 'Dick Christiansen" Snaffle
M: Maybe a KK? I don't know as we have only had him for 4 weeks. My Sister
is a nervous Rider and she likes a bit more control
4) If answers 1 and 3 don't match, what would you need to do to get to 3?
D: I have ordered tehe Cristiansen Snaffle, it just takes a while.
M: My Sister is a nervous Rider and she likes a bit more control
5) What is the single most likely reason people use harsh bits?
Lack of schooling.
From: Cedar Ousele
1a) What bit does your (primary riding) horse wear now?
I ride Jake in a double jointed eggbutt snaffle w/ a copper roller.
1b) How does this bit work in your horse's mouth?
It's a relatively mild bit, being a snaffle it has no leverage, and
since it's double jointed it cuts down on the nutcracker action of a
single jointed bit. The eggbutt shape is supposed to reduce pinching and
the copper provides entertainment for Jake.
2) What would be the most abusive possible bit you could ride this horse
in?
At this point probably the bit he was ridden in before I got him. A
long shanked, high port curb. *shudder*
3) What would be the ideal softest bit for this horse?
No bridle at all Actually, I'm quite happy w/ my current bit.
5) What is the single most likely reason people use harsh bits?
Fear. People feel that the bigger the bit, the more control they
have. Sad.
6) Bonus question - what is the difference between a pelham and a
snaffle.
A pelham works like a snaffle with direct presure on the mouth, but
has the added leverage of a curb, making it a much harsher bit. A pelham
is designed to be used with two sets of reins, a curb rein and a snaffle
rein..hence the name, double bridle.
From: THERESA MEADOWS
1a) What bit does your (primary riding) horse wear now?
D ring snaffle
1b) How does this bit work in your horse's mouth?
I don't know...can someone explain
2) What would be the most abusive possible bit you could ride this horsin?
I wouldn't ride her in anything other than a snaffle. In catalogs I've seen
bits that are really awful looking...I don't see how anyone could put some
of them in any horses mouth.
3) What would be the ideal softest bit for this horse?
I guess what she uses now...I'd rather have a full cheek snafflle though.
5) What is the single most likely reason people use harsh bits?
They ride horses that are too much for them and don't or won't believe
it...or they think it's the only way to stop the horse. I don't know,i can't
really understand people who use harsh bits.
From: Elizabeth
1a) What bit does your (primary riding) horse wear now?
He wears a three ring elevator snaffle for when I ride him at the barn, at
shows in the Equ. he needs a pelham, then by the time the hunters come around
he's usually settled in enough to be put into a Egg butt snaffle.
2) What would be the most abusive possible bit you could ride this horse in?
Prob, a double twisted wire
3) What would be the ideal softest bit for this horse?
A Egg Butt snaffle or the 3 ring elevator bit
4) If answers 1 and 3 don't match, what would you need to do to get to 3?
Mine goes for the most part....
5) What is the single most likely reason people use harsh bits?
I only use a harsh bit at shows because my horse is young and a little
hyper when he first starts the show day.
[KatyNote] Are there any other ways you could correct your horse's
hyperness problem instead of using a harsh bit in his tender young mouth?
6) Bonus question - what is the difference between a pelham and a
snaffle.
A pelham is ALOT harsher then a snaffle, it also has a chain a snaffle
doesn't.
From: Ashley Earl
1a) What bit does your (primary riding) horse wear now?
For English - Hollow mouth Eggbutt, for western - Tom Thumb Snaffle
with leather strap (instead of a chain curb)
1b) How does this bit work in your horse's mouth?
The eggbutt applies pressure on the sides of Brandy's mouth when you use
the reins (?)....the Tom Thumb Snaffle has 5" shanks and has a broken
snaffle mouthpiece, so it's also a light bit. when you use the reins,
it applies pressure to the tongue or top of the horse's mouth (?)...it
doesn't have a port though.
2) What would be the most abusive possible bit you could ride this horse in?
For English - a Pelham with a slow twist mouthpiece (OUCH!)
For Western - a Cathedral bit with 8" shanks straight down and a double
link curb chain
3) What would be the ideal softest bit for this horse?
The bit she's ridden in or a loose ring snaffle...BUT, I heard that a
fixed ring bit is softer than a loose ring bit...i dont know if it's
true or not.
4) If answers 1 and 3 don't match, what would you need to do to get to 3?
Nothing, my horsey has a light mouth
5) What is the single most likely reason people use harsh bits?
They're crapola riders & they think there's something wrong with the
horse when it's really them...although, sometimes some horses go better
in harsher bits & that's acceptable, as long as it's not ruining the
horse's mouth.
6) Bonus question - what is the difference between a pelham and a
snaffle.
A pelham has most likely, 3" or 4" shanks (thats the measurement that it
looks like) almost any kind of mouth piece (the ones I see are straight
rubber mouth piece & broken snaffle mouthpiece) & a curb chain. It can
be used with double reins. A snaffle is the lightest bit there is (that
is, depending on the mouthpiece). It has no shanks and no curb chain.
From: Lindsay Turcotte
1a) What bit does your (primary riding) horse wear now?
A single jointed snaffle, fairly thick.
1b) How does this bit work in your horse's mouth?
Pressure on one side = turn that way, pressure on both = stop. squeezes
in conjunction with leg squeezes = round up. Um.. I think I'm onthe wrong
track
2) What would be the most abusive possible bit you could ride this horse in?
The most abusive bit would be a bike chain, but... almost any bit..
3) What would be the ideal softest bit for this horse?
No bit. Or at least ditch the flash..
4) If answers 1 and 3 don't match, what would you need to do to get to 3?
Nothing, she's marcy's horse and I don't have control over that. Am
riding her in a halter this week though, and I know she'll be controllable.
5) What is the single most likely reason people use harsh bits?
"My horse doesn't listen to a milder bit" and control. These people are
control freaks..
6) Bonus question - what is the difference between a pelham and a snaffle.
Snafle = english, pelham = western? I'm not sure what the difference
is... what's a pelham?
From: Elizabeth Wine
1a) What bit does your (primary riding) horse wear now?
Full cheek snaffle bit [pony size]
1b) How does this bit work in your horse's mouth?
It works very well, she is never way out of control, but if she is
in a "mare" mood I can always stop her, I never directly pull on
her, as half-halts work more effetive with her.
2) What would be the most abusive possible bit you could ride this horse in?
Anything more severe than a snaffle, she doesn't need it.
3) What would be the ideal softest bit for this horse?
I think a snaffle is pretty mild..
4) If answers 1 and 3 don't match, what would you need to do to get to 3?
They do match!!
5) What is the single most likely reason people use harsh bits?
I would say they are having control problems and need to work on
their riding/horses training and see if they can use a more gentle
bit.
From: Ashley Braid
1a) What bit does your (primary riding) horse wear now?
hollow-mouth loose-ring snaffle
2) What would be the most abusive possible bit you could ride
this horse in? Oh gosh, I could list about 30 . Seeing as
he has a very sensitive, responsive mouth, anything other than a
light, basic snaffle would not be something I would want to use
on him. Twisted wires, gags, elevators, curbs, anything other
than a smooth snaffle really.
3) What would be the ideal softest bit for this horse? I would
say probably the one he has now. Being that it's a smooth
snaffle and it's hollow and weighs next to nothing, I'd say it's
one of the softest bits I could probably find.
5) What is the single most likely reason people use harsh bits?
Ignorance, as someone else already said. People who think that
the bigger/nastier-looking a bit is, the more control they will
have over the horse, and therefore the better the bit is. Which
is a terrible outlook to have. These people think that the
perfect cure for a horse that is energetic, acts up, etc. is to
just stick a harsher bit in its mouth, which is *not* a good way
to go.
[KatyNote] I'm a diehard snaffle fan. *LOL* I can handle
riding other people's horses in various things as long as they
aren't absolutely ridiculous. But any horses I personally work
with always get a fat snaffle in their mouth eventually.
I'm the same way. Actually, in my entire life, I have never
ridden with anything other than a smooth eggbutt or loose-ring
snaffle, that I can think of. All my instructor's lesson horses
and personal horses go in simple snaffles, and my pony and two
horses do. My instructor is the only one I've had (had her
since I was 9, am turning 16 soon), and she's a big believer in
subtle aids and makes a point of making sure all her horses can
go at their maximum potential in the gentlest bit possible, so I
guess I picked up that way of thinking myself, from taking
lessons from her so long. It's nice, though. I mean, a get a
sense of pride in my training of my horse when I'm in a warmup
ring of a show or something and other people in the ring with me
have kimberwickes and twists and all kinds of those types of
bits in their horses mouths, well, I mean, it feels good to know
that I can acheive the same results with a much nicer bit. Have
any of you ever felt like that?
From: Chelsey
1a) What bit does your (primary riding) horse wear now?
Curb bit with copper medium port.
1b) How does this bit work in your horse's mouth?
I really don't know....
2) What would be the most abusive possible bit you could ride this horse
in?
Any bit can be abusive if you use it the wrong way, but I think the most
abusive bit would be a ported chain mouth bit.
3) What would be the ideal softest bit for this horse?
D-ring or loose ring snaffle
4) If answers 1 and 3 don't match, what would you need to do to get to 3?
For some reason in western people seem to ride their horses in a curb
it's like the next step from a snaffle and on most horses it's really not
necessary. Patchy is very very head strong so she responds better to the
curb then the snaffle and a curb bit has a good lift for Patchy when she
tries to drop her shoulder, but I'm gonna try riding her in a snaffle one
of these days.
5) What is the single most likely reason people use harsh bits?
Control.
From: Susannah Lewis
1a) What bit does your (primary riding) horse wear now?
Loose-ring jointed snaffle
1b) How does this bit work in your horse's mouth?
Applies pressure to the bars and lips of the mouth.
2) What would be the most abusive possible bit you could ride this horse in?
That I would ride in? I suppose the double bridle (As a dressagist, I
hope I do get to use it, eventually), but only after achieving an
appropriate level of training and I, obviously, wouldn't try to use it
painfully! Most dressage people I know use primarily the snaffle anyway -
Gwen (a regular clinician) insists that the curb rein be physically longer
than the snaffle so that when you pick up the snaffle to the appropriate
level of contact you don't accidently "get them" with the curb.
That I could (as in my horse would let me)? I dunno, I'm not sure how much
she'd tolerate, she's not big on putting up with things she doesn't like!
Most abusive overall? I don't know enough about the effects of bits outside
of snaffles and curbs really to determine what Chloe would hate the most -
I'm sure a bicycle chain, cathedral or super-high ported curb or something
would be painful on any horse.
3) What would be the ideal softest bit for this horse?
Well, the one I tried in the very beginning (a thicker loose-ring, hollow
mouth snaffle) would probably be considered, overall, gentler. But Chloe
foams more and doesn't grind her teeth and appears more comfortable in this
bit - I think it has something to do with the conformation of her mouth - her
half brothers and sisters all had the same reactions when moved to thinner
snaffles!
5) What is the single most likely reason people use harsh bits?
To attempt to avoid/mask problems
From: Larry (Laura Sewell)
1a) What bit does your (primary riding) horse wear now?
He wears a soft rope halter and mecate reins.
1b) How does this bit work in your horse's mouth?
It doesn't, it works on his face.
The reins and halter knot provide a hinge system. This allows for at least
4 distinct phases. First I lift on the rein, then the knot lifts, then the
whole bosal lifts, then actual presure is applied on the face. It doesn't
affect the poll.
2) What would be the most abusive possible bit you could ride this horse in?
At this stage, any bit. This is because it would change my attitude towards
our learning, and our communication. This isn't to say that all bits are
abusive, just that he is not at a point where *we* can do anything more than
damage if *we* use a bit.
3) What would be the ideal softest bit for this horse?
When we're ready, we'll use a loose ring sweet iron snaffle, perhaps with
copper inlays. However, our goal is to be soft enough to ride with nothing.
4) If answers 1 and 3 don't match, what would you need to do to get to 3?
Learn a whole lot more about how to move our bodies. I need to understand
my aids, he needs to learn isolations and what different rein positions
mean. We both have to wrok a lot on our respective responsibilities before
we are ready to work on finesse which is what I would be using this bit for.
5) What is the single most likely reason people use harsh bits?
Image.
Nobody likes to be on the horse who continually wont stop or wont put his
head down. In many circles, you have a better image if you can get horses
to certain levels as quickly as possible, using bits as shortcuts and
bandaids. People use what Joe Bloggs next to them uses because they want to
fit in. They use the most succesfully marketed device because they have
been presented with the desired image.
6) Bonus question - what is the difference between a pelham and a snaffle.
Snaffle:single rein
upper shanks only (if any at all)
works laterally
can have jointed or mullen mouth
rein attaches to same ring as bit
Pelham: both upper and lower shanks
curb chain
jointed, mullen or ported mouth
works vertically as well as laterally
double rein though can be used with single rein and roundings
snaffle rein attaches to same ring as bit, curb rein to a ring on
lower shanks
may also have D mid way down lower shank for a lip strap
From: Katie
1a) What bit does your (primary riding) horse wear now?
Loose ring french link.
1b) How does this bit work in your horse's mouth?
The snaffle is kind on her mouth, and the link provides even more
softness, but the link stays on her tongue so that the roof of her mouth
isn't hit, and she always feels the pressure of the link so she doesn't
try to "run" through it. The loose ring is not restricting like the
sides are on a full cheek, it allows more play. Some people think that
the loose rings pinch, but they don't. Snaffles work on the bars and
corners, tongue and palate of the mouth only.
2) What would be the most abusive possible bit you could ride this horse
in?
Once I saw one that the actual mouthpiece looked exactly like a
bicycle chain. It made me cringe just looking at it. I have no idea
what it's called. Awful would be a good name. Anything that's not
jointed or included twisted wires (fast twist is worse than slow twist.
3) What would be the ideal softest bit for this horse?
I think the french link loose ring is the best.. of course, even
better would be to get her to the point where I don't need a bit, only
legs and seat and voice! lol, come back in a couple decades = ) I read
that a rubber mullen is the softest bit... but the picture of it showed
that it was unjointed, and in my experience jointed is much softer than
unjointed, and double jointed the very best (french link). Thick bits
are softer than thinner bits.
4) If answers 1 and 3 don't match, what would you need to do to get to 3?
They do but... Work on gradually becoming softer and softer with your
hands while using the harsher bit, so the horse becomes more in-tune to
your hands, softening his mouth, and also work on voice commands. The
voice commands will help you as you switch down to a softer bit, and
still softer after that.
5) What is the single most likely reason people use harsh bits?
They think it will be a quick fix for horses that have problems with
headset or running off, instead of training them.
6) Bonus question - what is the difference between a pelham and a snaffle.
A snaffle is broken - jointed. A pelham is a straight bar. Snaffles are
generally gentler than pelhams. They work on the corners, bars, palate,
and tongue. Snaffles create an upward motion. Pelhams are most often
used with double reins. They act like a snaffle, but also like a curb.
The curb part creates downwardness and verticalness (who says I can't
invent words here and there?), and also applies pressure to the poll and
chin groove. It has leverage.
I am a complete advocate for only using the softest bits. Horses aren't
born with hard mouths, they are made that way. If people just took the
time to give them quality training. Poor Hope has her tongue cut nearly
in half, and still bares the deep slice, even though it has healed. Why?
To 'make her more sensistive to the bit'. Justa quick fix to get her
into the show ring and winning without any good training. When I first
bought her, off the auction block (my trainer picked her up and a month
later sold her to me) I rode her for the next six months in a sidepull,
she was so scared and nervous with a bit in her mouth.
After I typed the answers, I scoured my horse books for more information
and to check the above... I found virtually no information that was
useful. The stuff above is what I've gathered from my experiences, and
snips of info from people I have met. I guess I have something to add to
my Hafta Buy Horse Stuff list - more books. = ) I do have this nifty
book on genes and colors and stuff. Hehe, maybe I'll come up w/my own
survey. Theses are fun, it makes you learn something.
From: Carole
1a) What bit does your (primary riding) horse wear now?
Loose ring Snaffle
1b) How does this bit work in your horse's mouth?
It sits in her mouth I wiggle it she drops her head
[KatyNote] So how much leverage does it have? Does it work laterally? What
parts of the mouth and head does it put pressure on when you apply pressure?
2) What would be the most abusive possible bit you could ride this horse
in?
A curb alonew/ a curb chain
3) What would be the ideal softest bit for this horse?
the loose ring
4) If answers 1 and 3 don't match, what would you need to do to get to 3?
Im gonna ride her in what i feeel suits her and her training needs
5) What is the single most likely reason people use harsh bits?
Because they are not patiente at at all and feel that it gets done easier
and quicker to hurt he horse into summision
6) Bonus question - what is the difference between a pelham and a snaffle.
Good question. no clue.
From: "Abby
*Revised Bit Survey*
I looked up how a D Ring Snaffle works in one of my books, I hope I got it
right.
1a) What bit does your (primary riding) horse wear now?
Hattie wears a D Ring Snaffle.
1b) How does this bit work in your horse's mouth?
The pressure exerted on the snaffle when the reins are pulled is directly
against the horse's mouth. The snaffle is pulled back in a V position,
pressing against the tongue, the bars, and the corners of the mouth.
2) What would be the most abusive possible bit you could ride this horse in?
I think probably a Double Twisted Wire, I've ridden a pony in one of those
before..
3) What would be the ideal softest bit for this horse?
I think the bit she's wearing now is pretty soft.
5) What is the single most likely reason people use harsh bits?
Probably fear so people feel like they need more control. For example: My
horse will be completely uncontrollable if I don't ride him in a harsh bit
so I can have a lot of power over him.
From: Laura C.
1a) What bit does your (primary riding) horse wear now?
Midnight: plain mouth loose ring snaffle
Moose: french link Baucher (hanging cheek) snaffle
Legend: french link full cheek snaffle
1b) How does this bit work in your horse's mouth?
Baucher: Tends to fix in the mouth, putting more pressure on the bars than
other bits- poll pressure. The ffrench link takes away from the nutcracker
andpinching effect.
Gag and/or Pessoa: Concentrate pressure on bars of mouth and poll pressure.
The snaffle rein provides the effect of an eggbutt snaffle, but the gag rein
adds poll and bar pressure. In order to get away from the poll pressure the
horse will raise his head- why it is used on horses who get on their
forehand- OTOH, the pelham uses leverage, so the horse brings his head down
and in--not good when your horse gets on his forehand.
Midnight:
Loose ring snaffle: corners of lips, 1 joint may pinch tongue,
depending on horse's mouth. slight nutcracker action with the 1 joint.
Can rotate freely through mouth, encouraging horse to chew the bit.
Legend:
Full cheek french link snaffle: the full cheeks (with keepers)
provide very minimal leverage, but they exert lateral pressure to help with
steering (which the pony needs). the french link is very pliable and he can
play with it and mouth the bit. Corners of the mouth, again, and the full
cheeks concentrate more pressure on the bars and tongue.
2) What would be the most abusive possible bit you could ride this horse in?
Mid has a fairly soft mouth- possibly a gag if there were two reins
on it, and practically on the buckle with the gag rein.
Moose anything would go with him really. When he was a jumper they
used a double twisted wire, then when he did NAYRC he went in a gag, then Mo
had him in a pelham, and now I use a dutch gag (pessoa) for jumping away
from home.
Legend: The nutcracker action on a plain mouth eggbutt was too much
for him. He really likes the french link.
3) What would be the ideal softest bit for this horse?
If I had a french link loose ring I would ride Mid in it, but I
don't. Moose tends to pull like a truck, and since hes being ridden by
beginners who know nothing about lightness,etc, it would be kinda dangerous
to havehim in much less than the Baucher.
Legend: the lateral pressure of the full cheek aids in turning him,
but maybe a loose ring would work too.
4) If answers 1 and 3 don't match, what would you need to do to get to 3?
Legend and Midnight: buy one
Moose: it would take a lot of work and having no one else ride him
who didnt know what they were doing, but if I worked daily in a loose ring
french link he might possibly come around and respect it. But because of
his current situation that is not a viable solution.
5) What is the single most likely reason people use harsh bits?
Ignorance, incapability.
6) Bonus question - what is the difference between a pelham and a snaffle.
OK, no matter what mouthpiece is on your pelham, it is a curb bit
and nothing more. The bit is designed to be ridden with 2 reins, but you
can cheat and use a "converter" to only have one rein. The top rein acts
slightly like a full cheek snaffle with additional leverage, but it is by
far the milder aid. The longer the shank the harsher the bit. The bottom
rein is the true curb rein which relies on poll pressure and leverage. (USPC
B/H-A/A manual) but if the bit has longer upper shanks (above the
mouthpiece) the mouth pressure is reduced, but the poll pressure is
increased. This is one of the few bits where a "Snaffle" (jointed)
mouthpiece is actually MORE severe thana mullen mouth, because the
nutcracker action is added to squeeze sideways on the bars of the mouth.
A snaffle is ridden with one rein, and there is only one place to
put that one rein (unless you really want to crowd up the ring there)
the generic snaffle (Im talking plain mouth no wires here,
eggbutt/D/FullCheek/loosering here) works on the bars of the mouth, the
corners of the lips, and the palate. Snaffles are generally the softest bit
available, but like all can be abusive in the wrong hands.
From: Kate S
1a) What bit does your (primary riding) horse wear now?
I use a loose ring snaffle (jointed) I have no clue how it works, I'll
look it up and post it next time
2) What would be the most abusive possible bit you could ride this horse in?
A curb. My horse is very docile, stops easily, and listens well. I can never
imagine using a curb on her.
3) What would be the ideal softest bit for this horse?
The bit she's being ridden in. Its not a hard bit, it's light, and applies
just enough pressure
5) What is the single most likely reason people use harsh bits?
They think a tougher bit will make their horse listen better. Probably the
reason their horse doesnt listen is because of the harsh bit and the rider
mixed.
From: Lisa Norris
1a) What bit does your (primary riding) horse wear now?
full cheaked smooth copper/steel roller snaffel
2) What would be the most abusive possible bit you could ride
this horse in?
double twisted wire
3) What would be the ideal softest bit for this horse?
The one she is in now or a smooth snaffel.
5) What is the single most likely reason people use harsh bits?
Being afraid of their horses power.
6) Bonus question - what is the difference between a pelham and a snaffle.
a pelham has two reins, a snaffel is broken in the middle like a pleham, but
a pelham can also heave a port
From: Ashley Smith
1a) What bit does your (primary riding) horse wear now?
Bomner is ridden in a regular bike chain bridoon (as apposed to a fine) and
a copper medium port 7 inch flat shanked curb witha a fat curb chain.
He is driven in a fat copper covered twisted wire and a latex covered rope
over check.
1b) How does this bit work in your horse's mouth?
The bike chain works on his bars a lips. Because it has many pieces, it
does not have the nutcracker affect and is very flexible in his mouth. The
port of the curb works on the roof of his mouth and allows for tongue
relief. The shanks use leverage and and affect his poll.
2) What would be the most abusive possible bit you could ride this horsein?
Now, I have heard the responses that a bike chain is the most abusive thing
and that most of you would never ride your horse in it. Right now, I am
absolutly thrilled that Bomber even works in a bike chain. I got him as 11
yr old a year and a half ago and when I got him, he was in a mule bit. Even
then, he was a runaway. His mouth was made of steel. He felt next to
nothing when you tried to work the reins. It took time, but he backed off
of the bit and we went down to the next step, a bike chain. Right now we
are working on backing off the bike chain and are just about ready to go to
the same bit we drive him in. The reason he wears a softer bit when we
drive is, that I can work the reins better and am not worrying about falling
back and hitting him in the mouth. So, to answer the question, I think that
it would have been more harmful and detrimental to Bomber to start him in a
regular snaffle, without first working down through the bits.
[KatyNote] You confused me a bit...you ride him in a harsher bit than when
you drive because there's the possibility that you can fall back and hit
him in the mouth? Or did I just totally miss something? I thought it would
be the other way around...and yes, I have nothing to say about your bit if
you're working down from it. As long as you really do. =)
3) What would be the ideal softest bit for this horse?
I would love for him to work well in a French link or a Dr. Bristol. If we
can get to even softer a bit, then all the better.
As for the curb, what he is wearing. Maybe a wider port for more tongue
relief.
4) If answers 1 and 3 don't match, what would you need to do to get to 3?
I think, continuing what we have been doing. Working to lighten me up as a
rider and working to back Bomber off his bits and step down the bit ladder.
I know that it takes quite awhile to reverse a mouth that has been damaged
for 11 years, but I think that we are headed in the right direction.
5) What is the single most likely reason people use harsh bits?
They don't know any better. They think that if the horse they bought is
working well in this, then why change.
From: Bonnie Lewis
I use a Kimberwicke on my baby because he can't stand anything else. A lot
of times I see in here that people say that people, like me currently, who
use anything above a snaffle on their horse is a control freak etc. I just
wanted to say- that at least in my case it's 'cause the horse hates every
other bit I've tried. It might be yet another thing left over from being a
driving horse- I honestly don't know, but he hates all jointed bits. I do
use a snaffle on my stallion, which he's great with, Sameer just hated them.
I'm actually looking to buy a kimberwicke and sell two of the other bits
I've bought him and that he hated. It's very frusterating, but I think I'll
humor him :)
From: Morgan Treasure
**BIT SURVEY** R= Riding D= driving (like pulling a cart)
1a) What bit does your (primary riding) horse wear now?
R=bosal w/ mecate D=driving bit (snaffle w/ little nubs to keep from
pinching)
1b) How does this bit work in your horse's mouth?
r= the bosal puts pressure on the top of the nose and the poll or the sides
of the face, depending on where I'm telling him to go
D= depends on the horses action when the horse is on the forehand the
action id more upwards on the lips. When the horse is round and working off
his quarters the nutcracker action is on the bars **teehee** I cheated and
looked it up
2) What would be the most abusive possible bit you could ride this horse
in?
THe people that had him before me rode him in a Wonder Bit (wonder it didn't
kill him)- chain noseband twisted wire mouthpiece with gag action yeehaw
3) What would be the ideal softest bit for this horse?
the headgear that he's in
4) If answers 1 and 3 don't match, what would you need to do to get to 3?
they match but I wish the control was a little better
5) What is the single most likely reason people use harsh bits?
Pure Stupidity. Pushing the horse too fast. "More Control" Poor training on
the riders part. Did I mention Stupidity.
From: Sarah Hluchan
1a) What bit does your (primary riding) horse wear now?
a full cheek single jointed rubber mouth snaffle
1b) How does this bit work in your horse's mouth?
okay...I'm not real good with this (basically I have in this bit cause thats
what Chrissy trained him in with Heather; and Kim (and Jamie, Tara, and
whoever else rode him...Carly and Jill I think) kept him in it. It applies
gentle pressure I think mainly on the lips and bars, possibly with a slight
nutcracker action since it only has one joint, and the full cheeks are to
keep it from slipping or twist and (I think) to help equally distrube the
pressure).
NOTE: I *will* ask Chrissy about this and look it up and report
back...promise!
2) What would be the most abusive possible bit you could ride this horse in?
Not sure.......Regal has a pretty soft mouth cause even though Kim sort of
neglected him he was never actually abused or mistreated undersaddle.
(mostly cause everyone who rode him trained and showed with Chrissy) He'd
probably *tolerate* alot (it takes alot to piss my horse off but when he
does get mad he can be an nut) he'd probably go in almost anything as long
as you didn't pull on him...if you're constantly on the reins making him
pull his nose in or shorten stride he gets a little upset. But if I rode on
a long rein (as I do for pleasure and some hunter u/s stuff) I could
probably get away with it. The harshest bit I'd ever consider using on Regy
is a slow twist full cheek snaffle (also I've seriously considered jumping
him in a full cheek snaffle w/out the rubber just to have something a little
less soft in his mouth). I might use something harsher on a horse with a
harder mouth but I do nOT like pelhams and the like!
3) What would be the ideal softest bit for this horse?
probably what I have him in now.....full cheek rubber mouth. Anything
softer he would ignore (when he gets a little up sometimes he ignores his
current bit ) I have and can ride him in a halter but not in big fields
or over big fences...just over like 2'0 and little stuff. I could probably
get him the happy mouth which is supposed to taste like apples (maybe to
horses but not to my taste buds) and is softer but he was ridden in the
plain rubber when I got him and the tack store didn't care the happy mouth
in his size and couldn't order it for like 2 monthes and I sort of needed a
bit *then* to work him in.....I'm considering buying on but they get pretty
pricey and I'm not sure how much better they really are.....he certainly
seems happy with his current bit...he;s very easy to bridle and all!
Thoughts on this?
4) If answers 1 and 3 don't match, what would you need to do to get to 3?
they match pretty well
5) What is the single most likely reason people use harsh bits?
people blame their mistakes on horses think a horse is hard to handle and
needs something rough. Yeah my horse can be an idiot but it's usually
something that I could eliminate or atleast reduce with proper useage of my
legs,seat and reins. Or it's one of those unavoidable things...you know
like when the unspookable horse spooks in the middle of a course
and it's not really their fault! SO basically ignorance I guess!
From: Sarah Z.
If you really truley need the kimberwick, I'd say use it. BUT, don't use it
for every single show. The judge may indeed knock you down because it may
say your horse is hard to control. But, the first year I began showing I
had my horse in the same kimberwicke you have, and after that year he didn't
need it anymore. I used it the first show of this year just incase he did
get flaky, and he did a little but it could have been handled in a snaffle.
So I used my loose ring hollowmouth-and he was fine! We then used our
hollowmouth french link loose ring-and he was still fine! My point being,
after a few shows your horse may be used to the show experiance enough to be
able to be shown in her regular schooling bit. What I would say is bring
your regular bit to the show so that if your horse is fine, you can use it.
[Actually a french link loose ring is *the* softest but that one is
pretty close too ]
WAY COOL. Thats what I've got Jack in :-) Thats the only reason I got that
bit too, is so he could have *THE* mildest bit.
[A pelham is a straight bit]
you mean a mullen mouth, or unjointed bit? Pelhams can be jointed, as well
as straight-bar.
[A Pelham has two sets of reins, and is harsher.]
depends on the hands that uses it.
From: Andrea M.
I'm gonna do this once for Lance and once for Ellie
1a) What bit does your (primary riding) horse wear now?
Lance is ridden currently in a slow twist french link (i believe french
link. doesn't fit description of dr. bristol, and looks nothing like
one, i've seen them before, but i've never seen a french link up close)
with a normal riding rein and a draw rein. The draw rein works as a
curb, and the other rein works the snaffel, working much like a double
bridle without the curb bit. And, having the draw rein lets you change
your leverage points from a link on the girth, to the girth buckles, to
the d rings, and once you're moving well off the d's, you take them off
completely.
[KatyNote] You ride *every time* in draw reins? Just so you know - draw
reins do *not* work like a curb, except for leverage, but draw rein
leverage is quite different and harsher than curb leverage. You have to
remember that with draw reins, the horses never get any relief unless you
loosen them or drop them completely.
His double bridle will be a whistle curb or a mullen mouth curb with a
plain bradoon
He is driven in a half cheek plain snaffle, with a birch overcheck, and
at shows he is in a plain overcheck and the same bit he's ridden in.
1b) How does this bit work in your horse's mouth?
It works on his lips and bars, and with the three pieces, you don't get
the nutcracker effect, and it also works the tounge a bit. The twist
provides some control, but he is almost out of that.
[KatyNote] Please explain how the added effect of riding in draw reins
works in conjunction with the bit.
The plain overcheck is just a flat bar, and hits his upper bars and lips
when he goes to drop his head. The birch has a bit of a port to it
because at home he goes to dive his head, and he hits the port also. But
at the shows he's looking around so much, he doesn't need the birch.
2) What would be the most abusive possible bit you could ride this horsein?
Something along the lines of a mule bit or a bike chain. Truthfully, I'm
not quite happy with what hes in now, so I keep my hands light, and
he'll be out of it very soon. Once he starts to give to this bit with no
fussing, he'll be put into the half cheek snaffle.
3) What would be the ideal softest bit for this horse?
Most likely the snaffle will be the softest bit he'll be in, unless we
went to a french link or something like that.
4) If answers 1 and 3 don't match, what would you need to do to get to 3?
He is still working on learning how to give to the bit, and hes working
on really understanding on what I'm asking him to do. Once he learns
that we don't lean on the bit as hard as we can, and things like that,
he'll be put into something softer.
[Katynote] I'm not picking on you...but, draw reins are notorious for
teaching horses to lean and to brace with the underside of their neck. You
must have loads of experience in properly using draw reins to be able to
teach a horse *not* to lean on a bit whilst using them. Usually, they
worsen the problem.
5) What is the single most likely reason people use harsh bits?
I feel that its because they think if the horse isn't responding to what
they are asking, to put them in something harsher. My friend is having
oblems with her saddlebred, so shes now in a martingale and a mule
bit. she claims it doesn't hurt the horse, and where it would pinch the
horse, it doesn't lie on her cheeks there.
As far as the pelham thingy, i'd do it, but larry took what i was gonna
say! :)
1a) What bit does your (primary riding) horse wear now?
The Morans (her new owners) mainly ride her in a kimberwick for showing
huntseat, and when just riding around, its either her halter, a snaffle,
or a hackamore.
I ride her saddleseat in a double bridle with a plain bradoon, and a low
port curb. I ride her western in a frog port curb.
1b) How does this bit work in your horse's mouth?
The curb on the double bridle works mainly off pressure from the chain,
the port doesn't do much except provide tounge release because its a low
one, and pressure on the pole. the bradoon works off the sides of the
mouth and the bars.
The curb works like the one on the double bridle, except the higher port
provides more tounge release, also puts some pressure on the roof of her
mouth. It also has rollers on it for her tounge to play with.
2) What would be the most abusive possible bit you could ride this horsein?
Something along the lines of a mule bit or a bike chain.
3) What would be the ideal softest bit for this horse?
What the morans are doing with her = halter, hackamore, or snaffle.
4) If answers 1 and 3 don't match, what would you need to do to get to 3?
She's in it, but with me, she isn't, because the saddleseat has to be
done in the double bridle, and the western in a curb. So technically 1
and 3 match for everyday riding, and don't for show riding because her
show riding stuff is different.
From: Ally
I'm doing this on 2 horses B= Buddy PJ= Pongo and Jamie(they use the same)
1a) What bit does your (primary riding) horse wear now?
B= pehlam PJ= plain snaffle
1a) How does this bit work in your horse's mouth?
Actually I've never actually known the answer to this, but I'm not going
to the barn soon so I wont be able to ask.:) I know the phelham works kinda
like a snaffle and curb together so something to do with leverage or
something?
2) What would be the most abusive possible bit you could ride this horse in?
I'm not sure, I don't like cathedral curbs, but those aren't the most
abusive ones out there, at the old barn they had a bike chain bit, and the
cathedral looked a lot harsher, although it does matter whos holding the
reins.
3) What would be the ideal softest bit for this horse?
hackamore :), ok so its not a bit, but I used to ride in on of those, I
think they were a little hard to control with, but it keeps you from using
your hands so much, but I guess an actually bit would be the snaffle
4) If answers 1 and 3 don't match, what would you need to do to get to 3?
I truly have no say over what goes in his mouth hes not MY horse), with
Buddy I had nosay over what he used and since it wasnt something harsh I
didn't complain, I rode him in a snaffle a couple times, but it was harder to
control him but on Jamie and Pongos bits they go in snaffles all the time, no
matter what-= they have skipped shows that require curbs in western classes
5) What is the single most likely reason people use harsh bits?
They are to lazy to correct a respect problem. If a horse doesn't respond
on a light touch, than somethings wrong.
6) Bonus question - what is the difference between a pelham and a snaffle.
Ummm, I know the answer but i haven't seen the pelham in so long that I might
be mixing it up with another bit :(, but I think the snaffle is jointed and
the pelham isn't.
From: "Emma L
1a) What bit does your (primary riding) horse wear now?
Classy uses a D ring copper and steel roller snaffle.
1b) How does this bit work in your horse's mouth?
This is the same as any snaffle - it exerts pressure on the bars, lips and
tongue. There is not leverage. Since this particular bit has only two pieces
in the mouth there i possible nutcracker action.
2) What would be the most abusive possible bit you could ride this horse in?
Umm... Well, I'd say maybe a double twisted wire snaffle. There is so much
pinching and everything going on that it would drive her nuts. Her mouth is
not particularly sensitive, but I would hate to use this on her. I've ridden
her in a fat straight bar rubber pelham and so long as I used the lightest
of cues and used mainly the snaffle rein (I suppose that's the correct way
anyway?) She didn't mind it much. Bnut I much prefer the roller snaffle.
3) What would be the ideal softest bit for this horse?
Out of all my experimentation the bit I'm using now is the best I've
found. Classy likes the rollers to play with, and the iron seems to please
her too . The shape fits her mouth weel (fat bits don't fit as well for
her) sooo... yes I believe I've made the right choice.
5) What is the single most likely reason people use harsh bits?
They try to fix the problem at the end rather than the beginning. They think
horse is fast = stronger bit for more control, not horse is fast BECAUSE
blah blah blah.
6) Bonus question - what is the difference between a pelham and a snaffle.
Pelhams are a "compact version" or a double bridle. They have two reins, the
curb rein and the snaffle rein. If you use just the snaffle rein, you get
just that - a snaffle. It can be jointed, straight bar, with a port, etc.
The curb rein is used for (hopefully) only the lightest of cues. It works
the curb chain which runs under the chin groove and exerts pressure there.
Snaffles are bits without any leverage. There are many, many variations
which range from light to harsh. There is only one set of reins and they
exert pressure on the lips, tongue and bars.
From: Xtina
1a) What bit does your (primary riding) horse wear now?
My hunter (soon to be barrel) mare i ride her in a twisted snaffle and she
loves it. My western gelding i usally ride in a correction bit, but for
schooling sometimes a twisted wire with draw reins or a bumper bit when he
is being bad, or a gag bit some times, but we show him in the correction.
1b) How does this bit work in your horse's mouth?
The twisted wire is basically just like the snaffle. - it exerts pressure on
the bars, lips and
tongue. There is not leverage. Since this particular bit has only two pieces
in the mouth there i possible nutcracker action. The correction bit gives
lever so when the hand is lifted the head and neck is to be brought up and
then put backinto the correct postion. That basically goes for all the other
bits i listed to.
[KatyNote' Also keep in mind that the twisted wire has lots of
possibilities for pinching the tongue and lips.
2) What would be the most abusive possible bit you could ride this horse in?
A chatherdal bit, since the port is so high.
3) What would be the ideal softest bit for this horse?
Plain snaffle bits. Wouldn't do a thing for the gelding but the mare would
probably like it.
4) If answers 1 and 3 don't match, what would you need to do to get to 3?
nothing much for the mare, she listen to just about any bit, its just that i
always have ridden her in a twisted because when i was showing qh hunter i
needed her head down, but now i am not. It is really ahrd to show a western
horse in a plain tom thumb(or snaffle like bit) because you don't get much
response from it.
5) What is the single most likely reason people use harsh bits?
There are no such thing as harsh bits only harsh hands and riders.
6) Bonus question - what is the difference between a pelham and a snaffle.
Pelhams are a "compact version" or a double bridle. They have two reins, the
curb rein and the snaffle rein. If you use just the snaffle rein, you get
just that - a snaffle. It can be jointed, straight bar, with a port, etc.
The curb rein is used for (hopefully) only the lightest of cues. It works
the curb chain which runs under the chin groove and exerts pressure there.
Snaffles are bits without any leverage. There are many, many variations
which range from light to harsh. There is only one set of reins and they
exert pressure on the lips, tongue and bars.
From: Abby
1a) What bit does your (primary riding) horse wear now?
My horse wears her full bridle every ride, and a medium port with latex and
movable shanks is her curb, and her snaffle is a itty bitty twisted jointed
snaffle.
1b) How does this bit work in your horse's mouth?
The curb puts pressue on the bars and roof of her mouth, and the snaffle ,
like any other, puts pressue on the roof, tongue, and bars......
2) What would be the most abusive possible bit you could ride this horse in?
I dont know.....double twisted wire i would say...
3) What would be the ideal softest bit for this horse?
For her double, probaly the snaffle she is in now, and maybe a low or no
port curb.
4) If answers 1 and 3 don't match, what would you need to do to get to 3?
The snaffle matches, and I am not going to fuss with her curb because she
sets her head perfect in this, and does not in a lower ported curb.....I have
the movable shanks so she has constant movement in her mouth, and she likes
it that way.
5) What is the single most likely reason people use harsh bits?
Some people use it for control or fear, some use it to set there stubborn
horses head, some use it for a hard mouthed lesson horse.it depends...
From: Sarah Bryen
1a) What bit does your (primary riding) horse wear now?
Sassy uses a copper plain snaffle with a dee
1b) How does this bit work in your horse's mouth?
It works as any snaffle does, with pressure on the bars, lips, and
tongue without leverage.
2) What would be the most abusive possible bit you could ride this horse in?
Probably a pelham. It would be the WORST bit to ride her in because she
has a very heavy head and it being a leverage bit... it would just be
bad. I'd pull against her if I were to pull on the reins, and she would
pull back and so on, and it would make the pulling thing worse than it
already is.
3) What would be the ideal softest bit for this horse?
The copper snaffle that I'm using on her now. It is plain, I guess about
standard thickness, and uncruel.
5) What is the single most likely reason people use harsh bits?
Control. They have the fear that their horse will run off with them and
so forth so they put a harsh bit on the horse to calm their fears.
6) Bonus question - what is the difference between a pelham and a snaffle.
A snaffle exerts pressue on the bars, lips, and tongue, and it is not a
leverage bit. A pelham is a leverage bit.
From: Laura Celmins replying about gags
:How can a gag have shanks? Or is it a double-rein bit? Or a gag as the
:bridoon and the 4" shanks as the curb, for saddleseat?(that is what you do
:right?). if this is all 1 bit, can someone explain it in more detail to me,
:or show me a pic?
There are several types of gags. What some people call a 3ring I
call a "Pessoa" , but I think of the generic gag with a plain snaffle, and
then rope bit cheeks that the gag rein applies to that create poll pressure
From: Kris Carroll about kimblewick/kimberwick
Kris wrote: (kimblerwick? - note the correct spelling).
LC asked: Now where is that spelling from? Ive always seen Kimberwick or
Kimberwicke- is it an old hunting thing?
Kris clears up her mistake
And I messed it up LOL. We Yanks all say it wrong so my fingers threw in
the R. It's Kimblewick. I'm surprised an Aussie didn't beat me up. I'm
guessing it's a Brittish village (or Eng. family name) where the bit was
first made. There's one in Buckinghamshire. The true Kimblewick with a port
is also designated Kimblewick Cambridge-mouth as opposed to Kimblewick
jointed mouth says Diana Tuke's book. No ye olde e on the end, which would
be a dead give away.
BTW While searching the internet, I found The Science of Bits, Larry A. Lawrence,
Animal Science, Virginia Tech - Give this a critical read and see what you think
From Emma Kenyon about kimblewick/kimberwick
I must becoming Americanised because I remember way back we had an argument
going over Kimblewick vs Kimberwicke, and somehow I'm become Americanised
:( The English and Australian spelling is Kimblewick, or we lazy
Australians simple say Spanish Snaffle.
From: Shannon Cassidy
1a) What bit does your (primary riding) horse wear now?
A plain steel eggbutt snaffle
1b) How does this bit work in your horse's mouth?
As any snaffle, with direct pressure on the lips, bars and tongue
2) What would be the most abusive possible bit you could ridethis horse in?
Probably anything with leverage, or something with sharp edges such as a
triangle or slow twist.
3) What would be the ideal softest bit for this horse?
A french-link I guess since they are supposed to be slightly softer on the
horses mouth
4) If answers 1 and 3 don't match, what would you need to do to get to 3?
Nothing, Maucho was originally ridden in a french link, when I first started
riding him, but then Danielle bought him and she just happened to choose to
use a plain snaffle, which he's fine in as well
5) What is the single most likely reason people use harsh bits?
Probably for control or an artificial head-set.
6) Bonus question - what is the difference between a pelham and a snaffle.
A snaffle acts only on the lips, bars and tongue. A pelham acts on those as
well as having poll-pressure, and has leverage. Also, the obvious facts
that pelhams have two reins, and snaffles only one.
From: Lynn
1a) What bit does your (primary riding) horse wear now?
My horse wears a egg butt ring Dr. Bristol with a flash noseband and regular
snaffle bridle.
1b) How does this bit work in your horse's mouth?
Since my horse has a low pallette I can not use a snaffle. It uses 4 points
of pressure, 2 on the cheeks and 2 in side his mouth. He is pretty good,
all I have to do is put some pressure on it and he follows the command.
Since I have soft hands (my instructor tells me this), I do not yank him
around with it.
2) What would be the most abusive possible bit you could ride this horse in?
I couldn't I love him.
3) What would be the ideal softest bit for this horse?
What he is because of the shape of his mouth.
4) If answers 1 and 3 don't match, what would you need to do to get to 3?
it does for the most part
5) What is the single most likely reason people use harsh bits?
fear or lack of knowlege.
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