The Littlle Book of Horse knowledge

Don't know which bit to use? The bits featured below have stood the test of time.

There are so many new bits, along with the old ones, it's difficult to know which one does what and which one to use. For all general riding purposes, there are no better bits than those which have stood the test of time.

Broadly, bits come into one of two categories, either snaffle (usually jointed) or curb, which is usually straight-bar, often ported for greater comfort. The straight-bar snaffle used to be popular, but has now largely fallen into disuse. Equally, jointed curb bits may be found, but in my opinion, serve no great purpose as the jointing reduces the action of the curb.

Ideally, all horses and ponies should be light in the mouth and require only a snaffle for all general riding purposes. If resistant, or 'dead in the mouth', a stronger bit should be used with a view to downgrading, once good communication has been restored.

As traditionally used by the knowledgeable horse-rider and trainer ...

	Eggbutt Jointed Snaffle The most basic bit is the snaffle with a 'nutcracker' action which applies pressure to the lips, bars and roof of the mouth. It is considered to be the most kind and gentle of all bits, although the squeezing of the tongue, plus the action on the roof of the mouth may leave this open to question. The 'eggbutts' refer to the joining of the bit-rings to the mouth-piece, which are padded to prevent pinching the corners of the mouth. being the simplest of all bits, the Eggbutt Snaffle is ideal for all horses/ponies and all users, as long as the horse is light in the mouth.
	Plain Fulmer Snaffle The Fulmer provides the same jointed snaffle action, with eggbutts to prevent pinching. The virtue of this bit is the shanks, or side-bars, which prevent the bit from sliding through the mouth when one rein is pulled. The horse will instinctively open his mouth if he doesn't want to turn in the same direction as we do. This bit is particularly useful for the green or novice horse who is a little resistant to the turning aid or signal. It is equally useful for the older horse who has developed problems with turning.
	French-link jointed Fulmer The link or plate in the middle of the mouth-piece is considered to be kinder than the plain jointed Fulmer, as the it reduces the nutcracker action on the roof of the mouth. However, more pressure is applied to the tongue, so effectively, there is not much difference. Whether to use a plain jointed, or french link Fulmer is therefore a matter of personal preference.
	Kimblewick/Kimberwick The Kimblewick starts the family of curb bits, with a curb chain which acts on the groove (known as the curb groove) just above the fleshy bulge on the underside of the mouth. The Kimblewick is normally straight-bar with a 'port' in the middle to accommodate the tongue. This is a particularly versatile bit, with 3 different settings for the reins. The reins attached to the lower slot of the bit-rings, give a mild curb action; on the top slot, a very mild straight-bar snaffle action, while attached to the 'D' of the bit-ring give a normal straight-bar snaffle action. This bit is ideal for children whose pony is just a little too strong, but also for horses who are going 'dead in the mouth' and need something a little stronger than a plain snaffle. It is also useful as an 'interim' bit, when downgrading from a stronger bit to a snaffle. (See ..The Double Bridle)
	Pelham The Pelham is basically two bits in one. The reins attached to the larger, upper ring give a straight-bar snaffle action, while the smaller, lower ring works on the curb groove. The very small rings between the two are for a lip-strap which keeps the curb-chain tidy and prevents it from getting lost. The Pelham is normally used with two pairs of reins, which give the bit sensitivity, as each rein works independently of the other. When using double reins, great care must be taken to use them correctly. For a more uniform and milder action, roundings may be attached between both rings and the bit used with a single rein, giving it an action similar to a Kimblewick and making it useful for a similar horse or pony.
	The Double Bridle The double bridle is truly two bits in one, with a 'bridoon' or plain jointed snaffle combined with a plain curb. The effect of the snaffle is to lower the horse's head, while the curb raises it. This makes the double bridle perfect for the precision work required for Dressage. Equally, the double bridle may be used for the horse sometimes goes 'dead in the mouth' and is difficult to pull up, while other times is light and responsive. In this case, each rein may be used independently as required, until the horse calms down sufficiently to respond to the snaffle only. Once again, the reins must be used with great sensitivity and correctness, or the benefit of this bit will lost.
	The Plain Curb This is the strongest of all bits and should only be used on a confirmed bolter who ignores everything else. It's strength comes from the curb action, which in turn is governed by the length of the shanks (side-pieces). The longer the shanks, the stronger the bit! Given the power of this bit, it must be used with great sensitivity. Holding the horse in on too short a rein encourages other unwanted behaviour such as head-shaking, pulling and leaning on the bit.