IVC Carriage Driving Bits
Product Information
Specifications:
- Styles: Snaffle and Curb
- Parts of a Snaffle Bit: Half Cheek, Mouthpiece, Bit Ring, Curb Chain Purchase
- Parts of a Curb Bit: Curb Hook, Cheek, Shank
Product Usage Instructions
Snaffle Bits:
A snaffle is a direct-action bit where the rein attaches directly to the mouthpiece ring. It works off the lips, tongue, and bars, affecting the palate depending on the mouthpiece used.
- Mullen Half Cheek Snaffle
- Jointed Half Cheek Snaffle
- Waterford Half Cheek Snaffle
Curb Bits:
Curb bits have shanks below the mouthpiece for rein attachment. They work off various pressure points depending on the bit configuration.
- Medium Port Butterfly
- Arch Liverpool
Pressure Points:
To test the action of any bit, grasp the mouthpiece with one hand and simulate the rein action with the other hand on various pressure points like chin, tongue, palate bars, lips, etc.
Types of Snaffles:
- Mullen Half Cheek Snaffle: Arches forward; applies pressure to lips, tongue, and bars.
- Single Jointed Half Cheek Snaffle: Squeezes lips, tongue, and bars.
- French Link Half Cheek Snaffle: Squeezes lips and tongue; smoother joint than single-jointed.
Selection and Use
We can basically break down driving bits into two “styles”, snaffle and curb.
Snaffle Bits
Far from popular belief, a snaffle is not any jointed bit. A snaffle is a direct-action bit, meaning that the rein attaches to the ring directly connected to the mouthpiece. There is no shank and no purchase. It can come in a variety of mouthpieces, both solid and jointed. Snaffles work off the lips, tongue, and bars, and may affect the palate depending on the mouthpiece.
Curb Bits
Curb bits have shanks, metal bars below the mouthpiece to which the rein is attached. Driving curb bits have multiple places to attach the rein, depending on how much leverage the driver chooses to use. The Butterfly has two rein settings, while the Liverpool has 4-5 (see rein settings below on the Liverpool page). The mouthpiece can also vary. Curbs work off of various pressure points (see next page for pressure points), depending on how the bit is configured.
Snaffle Bits
All apply pressure to the lips. Various mouthpieces create other actions. Here are some typical mouthpieces below:
Butterfly (or Post) Bits
Have both “snaffle” and “curb” settings for the rein. Applies a bit of poll pressure through the purchase, and chin pressure through the curb chain when used on the curb setting. A two-loop style Butterfly doesn’t generally hang down past the horse’s mouth as the Liverpool may. Many people do not like using a Butterfly bit with a vehicle with straight shafts, as the loop may get caught on the shaft if the horse turns its head. The mini bit Butterfly cheeks are scaled down enough that this is less likely, but the horse bit cheeks are generally a larger loop. For this reason, we don’t stock Butterfly bits in Horse sizes. Here are some typical mouthpieces:
Liverpool Bits
Multiple rein settings from snaffle to severe leverage on the third slot (on a Three-Slot Liverpool). Applies a bit of poll pressure through the purchase, and chin pressure through the curb chain when used in any of the curb settings. The lower the rein setting, the more the curb chain will create squeezing action on the jaw and tongue. Loose cheek bits have a more independent action than fixed cheek bits (see below). Here are some typical mouthpieces.
Selecting a Driving Horse Bit
- If you haven’t already, see our article “I Need a New Bit” for considerations about your horse before selecting a bit.
- First of all, bits do not stop horses; horses’ brains stop horses. The bit is a communication device that can be effective or ineffective in transmitting information to the horse, depending on the driver’s hands (see our article “Let Go!”). The best bitting techniques involve selecting the most comfortable bit to enhance communication with the horse. If the horse is comfortable, the communication will not be hampered by pain.
- Generally, thick-mouthed horses seem to prefer solid mouthpieces with room for the tongue. Thinner-lipped horses don’t seem to mind multi-jointed bits as much. Very few horses prefer the Single Jointed Snaffle, as it pinches the lips and tongue between the bit and teeth, and can also bump the horse in the palate. A three-piece snaffle distributes tongue pressure and lays across the horse’s tongue more smoothly.
- The Bowman Victory bit (right) arches forward and up, creating a lot of room for the tongue and conforming better to the horse’s mouth. Many horses really seem to like this bit. Because of the tongue room, the horse cannot lift the mouthpiece off the bars of the mouth as easily, so the bars may be affected more. As with any bit, care should be taken not to use the bit harshly.
Fixed the Cheek Liverpool bits
Although fixed cheek Liverpool bits can be used on a single horse, they are generally used on horses in a multiple configuration, such as a pair or four-in-hand, as the coupling rein can’t rotate the cheek into the horse’s face. Some are equipped with a bottom bar on the bit (shown), which helps keep the bit from catching the rein of a neighboring horse in the hitch.
ABOUT COMPANY
- E9432A SOUTH AVENUE
- REEDSBURG, WI 53959 608.345.2986
- www.ivccarriage.com
- info@ivccarriage.com
FAQ
How do I choose between a snaffle and curb bit?
The choice between a snaffle and curb bit depends on your horse's training level and response to different pressure points. Consult with a professional trainer or equine specialist for personalized advice.
Documents / Resources
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IVC Carriage Driving Bits [pdf] User Guide Driving Bits, Driving, Bits |