A bit about bits
All bits work with either direct pressure or leverage. Bits that act with direct pressure on the tongue and lips are in the general category of snaffle bits. Snaffle bits most commonly have a single jointed mouthpiece and act with a nutcracker effect on the bars, tongue and occasionally roof of the mouth. However, any bit that operates only on direct pressure is a "snaffle" bit, regardless of mouthpiece
Snaffle
Uses a bit ring at the mouthpiece to apply direct pressure on the bars, tongue and corner of the mouth.
Curb or Leverage Bits
Bits that have shanks coming off the bit mouthpiece to create leverage that applies pressure to the poll, chin groove and mouth of the horse are in the category of curb bit. Most curb bit mouthpieces are solid without joints, ranging from a straight bar with a slight arch, called a "mullen" mouthpiece, through a "ported" bit that is slightly arched in the middle to provide tongue relief, to the full spade bit of the Vaquero style of western riding which combines both a straight bar and a very high "spoon" or "spade" extension that contacts the roof of the mouth. The length of the shank determines the degree of leverage put on the horse's head and mouth. Again, a bit with shanks and leverage is always a "curb" type bit, even when it has a jointed mouthpiece more commonly seen on a snaffle (such bits are sometimes—incorrectly—called "cowboy snaffles"). All shanked bits require the use of a curb chain or curb strap for proper action and safe use.
Leverage Bits with a Curb
- Curb: A bit that uses a type of lever called a shank that puts pressure not only on the mouth, but also on the poll and chin groove.
- Pelham : A single curb bit with two sets of reins attached to rings at the mouthpiece and end of the shank. Partly combines snaffle and curb pressure.
- Kimblewick or Kimberwicke: A hybrid design that uses a slight amount of mild curb leverage on a bit ring by use of set rein placement on the ring.
Combination Bits
Some bits combine both direct pressure and leverage, the most common examples being the pelham bit, which has shanks and rings allowing both direct and leverage pressure on a single bit and is ridden with four reins; the Kimblewick or Kimberwicke, a hybrid bit that uses minimal leverage on a modified snaffle-type ring combined with a mouthpiece that is usually seen more often on curb bits, ridden with two reins; and the double bridle, which places a curb and a snaffle bit simultaneously in the horse's mouth so that each may act independently of the other, ridden with four reins. Another bit that combines direct pressure and leverage in a unique manner is the gag bit, a bit derived from the snaffle that, instead of having a rein attached to the mouthpiece, runs the rein through a set of rings that attach directly to the headstall, creating extra pressure on the lips and poll when applied. Usually used for correction of specific problems, the gag bit is generally illegal in the show ring and racecourse.
Leverage Bit without a curb
- Gag :A bit that, depending on design, may outwardly resemble a snaffle or a curb, but with added slots or rings that provide leverage by sliding the bit up in the horse's mouth, a very severe design.
In Hand Bits (used for leading only)
- Chifney Anti-Rearing Bit: This is a semi-circular-shaped bit with three rings and a port or straight mouth piece used when leading horses. The port or straight piece goes inside the mouth, and the circular part lies under the jaw. The bit is attached to separate head piece or the head collar and the lead is clipped onto the bit and headcollar to limit the severity.
Hackamores
A hackamore is a type of animal which headgear does not have a bit. Instead, it has a special type of noseband that works on pressure points on the face, nose, and chin. It is most commonly associated with certain styles of riding horses.
Happy mouth Hackamores
Is a bit combination with a hackamore type nose band. There is a variety of popular genuine happy mouth peices to help with flexing and control.
Bitles Bridle
A bitless bridle is a general term describing a wide range of headgear for a horses or other animals that controls the animal without placing a bit in the animal's mouth. Control is maintained by means of some sort of noseband or cavasson. The term hackamore is the most historically accurate word for most common forms of bitless headgear. However, some modern bitless designs of horse headgear lack the heavy noseband of a true hackamore and instead use straps that tighten around a horse's head to apply pressure in various ways. These are often specifically patented and marketed as "bitless bridles," usually referencing a particular type of headgear known as the cross-under, though other designs are sometimes also given similar names.
Double Bridle
A double bridle, also called a full bridle or Weymouth bridle, is a bridle that has two bits and four reins (sometimes called "double reins"). One bit is the bradoon (or bridoon), is a modified snaffle bit that is smaller in diameter and has smaller bit rings than a traditional snaffle, and it is adjusted so that it sits above and behind the other bit, a curb bit. Another term for this combination of curb and snaffle bit is a "bit and bradoon," where the word "bit" in this particular context refers to the curb.
Tom Thumb
Tom Thumbs have a jointed mouth piece and medium length shanks from 5 to 7 inches long (15 to 18cm). The headstall of the bridle attaches to the rings at the top, and a curb chain or strap attaches to the D-shaped slots. This particular bit has a copper mouth, thought to increase the saliva the horse produces, making the horse's mouth more sensitive.Uses:Many people disagree on the severity of the Tom Thumb bit. Because it is jointed it has a nutcracker action in the mouth and combined with the leverage action provided by the shanks this could be a very harsh bit in inexperienced hands.How it Works:This bit is a curb or leverage bit. The rider’s signal is felt in the mouth, over the horse’s poll and on the chin through the curb strap or chain. The Tom Thumb bit is often erroneously called a Tom Thumb snaffle. But the jointed mouth piece does not make a the Tom Thumb bit, which works on leverage, a snaffle bit. The leverage caused by the shanks make it a curb bit.