>How long are the shanks on the Pelhams? Shorter than the Icelandic bit - about 4 inches, roughly.> > >Do any gaited breeds currently use a long shank with a broken mouthpiece? Here's a selection: http://images.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://equineusaonline.com/catalog/images/334bitweb.jpg&imgrefurl=http://equineusaonline.com/catalog/index.php%3FcPath%3D6_7_389&h=506&w=450&sz=25&hl=en&start=6&um=1&tbnid=qxUWCqrkgwOX-M:&tbnh=131&tbnw=117&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dhorse%2Bbits%26svnum%3D10%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26sa%3DG
I thought of a couple of others similar to Icelandic bits - the Dutch gag, and some of the Toklat and Myler bits. Not all Icelandic bits have a joint - some have a straight mouthpiece. They are also available with a French link mouthpiece. > >If so, what would the reason be? To encourage ventroflexion, I would think. > >What are the mechanics of the icelandic bit? > Not specifically Icelandic, but here's a good explanation of the way bits work: http://www.weaverleather.com/tack/bits/6.html Mic Mic (Michelle) Rushen ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Solva Icelandic Horses and DeMeulenkamp Sweet Itch Rugs: www.solva-icelandics.co.uk ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Si hoc legere scis nimium eruditionis habes"
