> Thanks Judy. I'm putting something together, still in progress.
OK, here's a little more from Kapitzke:
Questionable Bits and Bridles:
The snaffle bit is fundamentally intended for two-handed use. Its variable
effectiveness makes it suitable for nearly all styles of riding and every
training stage of horse and rider. It transmits the tractive force fromt he
rider's hands directly to the horse's mouth. Because the snaffle is very
flexible -- having three or four total joints in the instances of simple and
KK snaffles -- it allows one-, two-, and alternate-handed diaglogue with the
horse's mouth.
The curb bit, on the other hand, is fundamentall intended for one-handed
rein contact. The unjointed bar is rigid and immovable, it must not be
tilted, and its position on the tongue must not to altered much.
Consequently, it is not suitable for one-sided steering aids. The play of
the rider's hand with the curb is not extremely variable; its tractive force
is transmitted indirectly through the lever effect of the shanks to the
horse's mouth. Therefore, the curb bit is only suited for horses whose
education is complete and experienced riders with sensitive hands who have
mastered refined weight aids.
In order to combine the effects of the snaffle and curb and, at the same
time, simplify the rein aids, hybrid bits were invented.
These jointed snaffle bits with curb shanks and chains, as well as similar
constructions, are highly problematic.
The movable, twistable curb shanks, through greater leverage, increase,
rather than decrease, the pinching effect of the jointed snaffle bit on the
lower jaw. The rein aids are transmitted in an imprecise and irritating
manner to the horse's mouth and often lead the rider to use rough contact.
The benefit of the curb bit -- precision of rein aids -- is eliminated.
The benefit of the snaffle bit -- the ability to use refined and variable
aids -- is coarsened and sharpened. The advantages of using both bits
together -- namely, precise rein contact on one hand, and differentiated
rein contact on the other -- do not prevail.
However, their disadvantages -- uncontrolled level and pinching effects --
are increased.
Even a double-jointed bit cannot reduce the pinching effect on the lower
jaw.
(editorial note: the hybrid bit that he talks about is what we consider to
be a Tom Thumb, and also the icelandic bit.)
Judy
http://icehorses.net
http://clickryder.com
