Thin bits have a little more "bite" than a thick bit. If your team is "in the lines" a little more than you'd like, then you could switch to a thinner bit before going to a leverage bit, which can be more severe.

Two bits are used on show horses. . . usually a leverage type bit and an overcheck bit. They check these horses really high and there's no way a sidecheck to the regular bit is enough. A sidecheck is a lot more forgiving than an overcheck, while an overcheck is straight from the mouth to the check hook on the pad or collar. Also, a sidecheck (or overcheck) run to the same bit used to control the horse will interfere a little with the signals given by the driver. If a horse is heavy in the check, then there is constant pressure on the bit being used to control him. Most horses for pleasure and work are not driven checked like show horses. A horse cannot be expected to maintain that headset for much longer than it takes to complete a class. Left on too long, and you can end up with a horse that hangs in the check really bad and is hard mouthed. Same as tying ones head around or "bitting" them up. a little might be good but a lot is not.


7 years ago via Forums | Front Porch Forum

Josie, I don't know of any regulations, but the question of bits is one of having the best way of control, which is actually a question on how to best communicate with the animal. People have different opinions and experiences on that issue, I prefer the Liverpool bit. With it the horses learn to respond to the slightest pressure respectively release thereof provided the driver uses it wisely and has a light hand.


7 years ago via Forums | Front Porch Forum

Josie,

I am not sure what you mean by 2 bits. Some of the larger leverage bits will have a second bar across the bottom connecting the side pieces but it does not go in the mouth. As far as the thin bits, its like all horse equipment you find a bit that the horse likes and works well in. I do not know about rules for bits in competition.

Todd


7 years ago via Forums | Front Porch Forum

The way these show horses are checked can be considered cruelty to the animal, Sharon, and I cannot condone such practice. Thank you for pointing out that the the horse can be hurt by the practice. I am amazed that judges even allow it: A horse that carries his head high only because it is forced does not show his real capacity. The same goes for artificial high-stepping and oversized horse-shoes. This is one of the dark sides of the draft horse "industry". I compare such practices to athletes taking drugs.


7 years ago via Forums | Front Porch Forum

Two bits on a harness bridle generally are the overcheck bit and the bit for the lines. The overcheck bit is generally a thin straight snaffle. The line bit is typically a half cheek snaffle (straight or jointed). Some people put the overcheck on the same bit as the lines.

Full bridles on a riding horse are a snaffle (generally thin for space saving) and a curb bit. The curb bit helps headset and the snaffle for direction and keeping the horse straight.

Neal


7 years ago via Forums | Front Porch Forum

Thanks for pointing out the practices used in the show ring that don't cross over to the real world. The horse has to lower it's head to push into the collar and the built up hoof also has no real world value. Stopping now before I get too "cranked up" about these peeves.


7 years ago via Forums | Front Porch Forum

Thanks Klaus for pointing out the practices used in the show ring that don't cross over to the real world. The horse has to lower it's head to push into the collar and the built up hoof also has no real world value. Stopping now before I get too "cranked up" about these peeves.


7 years ago via Forums | Front Porch Forum

Sorry that I didn't answer sooner. I have been busy finishing my school for the quarter( we do 2 months of school then 1 month of break. All year round.), hiking with my grandmother last week( she visited for a week), and helping my family decorate for Christmas.
Thanks for the info on the bits guys.


7 years ago via Forums | Front Porch Forum

Todd,


I mean 2 bits in the horses mouth at the same time. Usually I see snaffle bits,but some times I see some form of a curb bit with a snaffle bit.



Josie


7 years ago via Forums | Front Porch Forum