LB: Bits and Nosebands

Bits and Nosebands

Having trouble with all those different kinds of bits? Don't know which is which? Use this to help you! You'll have to excuse the "new" signs, etc, I got this out of the Wiese catalog, because it was a nice picture of a bunch of bits. Nosebands are farther down.

Don't know which bit to use? Here's some general guidance. Snaffles are less severe than leverage bits- that is kimberwickes, pelhams, and curbs. Twisted bits are more severe than smooth ones. Snaffles are the least severe, and rubber on the bit makes it even less severe. Full cheek snaffles are the strongest of the snaffles, and loose rings the least severe.

A-G: Full Cheek Snaffles
C= full cheek slow twist
D= rubber covered full cheek
E= copper mouthed full cheek
F= Dr. Bristol copper slow twist full cheek
G= single twisted wire full cheek

H-M: Dee Ring Snaffles
H= barrel ring dee
J= hunter dee
K= rubber covered dee
L=copper and steel roller dee
M= Dr. Bristol dee

N-T: Eggbutt Snaffles
N= solid mouth
P and Q= hollow mouths
R= copper mouth
S= french mouth
T= slow twist

U-Y: Loose Ring Snaffles
U= solid mouth
V and Q= hollow mouths
X= french mouth
Y= solid rubber dog bone

Z-CC: Pelhams
Z= Tom Thumb
AA= Jointed Tom Thumb
BB= rubber covered Tom Thumb
CC= rubber covered jointed Tom Thumb

DD-FF: Kimberwickes
DD= slotted Uxeter
EE= jointed slotted uxeter
FF= Standard kimberwicke

Top= figure eight
Middle= flash attachment