>>> Anything with some shanks is a curb.
>>>> Here's an exception tho--some bits w/ shanks have a ring at the mouthpiece, so they can also act by direct pressure if that's where you choose to put the reins. http://horses.about.com/od/bitsexplained/p/westernpel.htm Even though the reins attached at the mouthpiece are called "snaffle reins", those bits are still somewhat different from a true snaffle because they have a purchase, which will put at least some pressure (albeit not a lot) on the horse's poll. They can still be pretty mild bits and some do well with them. I have a couple of "Tom Thumb Pelhams" (not to be confused with Tom Thumb "snaffles") although I'm not currently using one on any horse. Kimberwickes also fall into that category...and they are sometimes mistakenly called "Kimberwicke snaffles." Karen Thomas [EMAIL PROTECTED]
