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Don't know which bit to use? The bits featured below have stood the test of time.
There is
now a huge variety of bits on the market, most with fancy names and
fancy price-tags. They claim to work wonders for your horse, but
quite honestly, if you are not a top-level competition rider, they won't
make any difference. I have only ever used what might be called
the 'traditional' bits that have stood the test of time and found them
to be perfectly effective.
Which
bit I use depends on how light or sensitive the horse is in the
mouth. For an easy horse, I use a plain snaffle (usually
jointed). If he is resistant to turning, I'll use a Fulmer with
side shanks. If harder in the mouth, I resort first to a
Kimblewick, or failing that, a plain curb. I may also use a double
bridle as an interim measure, but this is a bit of a tricky one with its
two reins so I only recommend a double bridle if you are confident about
how to use it.
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 ...
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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. |
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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. Horses often instinctively open their
mouths when one rein is pulled. The shanks prevent the bit from
sliding through his mouth.
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. |
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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. |
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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) |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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