A bit about bits??

Question

I am trying to figure out some information about different bits.

I ride English hunt seat for lessons and my trainer uses a type of curb with a curb chain on the horse and I just want to know more about the Curb bits and other English bits... ANY information on the Curb bit and curb chain/English bits is welcomed thanks!(please DON'T just post a link thanks)

I'm just wondering/curious...

Answer 1

If it has 2 reins, probably a pelham. If only 1 rein, might be a kimberwicke, though I don't know too many h/j trainers who would be seen riding with one!

Ah wait, I just noticed that you said huntseat, so it very well may be a kimberwicke. I think its a pretty popular bit in that discipline.

As far as hunter/jumpers go, there are no illegal bits - only unconventional bits, which you may be penalized for. But all bits are allowed in hunters.

Answer 2

You sound like you have lovely soft rein aids for this horse.

When he has his bridle off, try putting your hand between the bit and curb, then pull on the rein and you'll feel how strong this bit is. Hard to explain over the net...

The jointed bits work with a nut cracker action on the bars and sides of the mouth.

The half moon bits are considered to be milder (no nut cracker action).

Then bits with curb chains cause pressure between the bit and back of jaw. Used correctly they can give ultimate lightness for advanced work.

All bits can be harsh in the wrong hands. Independent hands are necessary to keep a horses mouth soft. And any bit can harden a horses mouth if it is pulled roughly on the bars - this can cause deep bruising to the bone. A horses bars are rich in nerves and only a thin layer of skin covers the bones. All horses are born with soft mouths, hard mouths are human made. Sorry didn't mean to make that sound like a lecture :)

Happy riding.

Answer 3

thats not a english bit, hoever different bits work for different horses.

galloping greys - not all horses do good in snaffle.

Answer 4

I'm guessing its either a pelham

http://www.horsetackco.com/images/copper...

or a kimberwick

http://www.horsetackinternational.com/im...

these are really the only curb type bits you see in general

English riding, though neither is allowed in dressage..

this has good information/links to information.

you can just google "bit action" and start reading... you'll learn

alot.

EDIT:

in that case, i'm assuming its the pelham i showed you since i don't think kimberwicks are allowed in the hunter ring

Answer 5

Not good... curbs can be very dangerous and abusive when used in the wrong situations or in the wrong hands. It sort of seems like that could be the case.

Answer 6

Hmmm...  Well, most trainers are not fans of curb bits unless a horse is more difficult to control or has a mouth that has been desensitised over the years.  Is it hard for you to slow/stop the horse you ride?  Your trainer may be able to tell you more about why that horse has that bit.  Where I ride, there is only one horse that has that bit, and that is because he is hard to stop.  However, the place where I learned to ride when I was 10 was very old-school and run by an older gentleman.  He had curb bits on a lot of the horses.  I think that the general consensus now is to try not to use a harsh bit unless it seems absolutely necessary.

Snaffles are the most common types of bits.  Specifically, the D-ring snaffle is common for hunt seat, so called because of the D-shaped rings on the end of the bit.  Loose ring and eggbut snaffles are common for dressage.  There are sooooo many types of bits, including ones with different metals, plastics, and rubber.  If you are really interested in learning more, I'd like to suggest that you go to your local library and look at some books in the non-fiction section that tell more about riding or training.  A nice, large, colorful, modern book should have a few pages on bits with details about their specifications and why/when they are used.

Answer 7

A curb with a curb chain? For a lesson horse?

I don't see the point of that.

Answer 8

You can get this great book produced by Myler called A Bit about Bitting, it has great information about all kinds of bits, explains their function so on and so forth.  I always recommend that students starting to become curious about the purpose and mechanics of each category of bits but this book. I truly think its a must read before ever starting in double bridle. Just always remember...know what your putting in their mouth before you do it, even accidental abuse can sour the nicest of horses and as quick as it happens, it will take about 10 x longer to fix. Good Luck!