Hi all –
I thought ported bits worked by hitting the palate (harsh) and needed very skilled hands, whereas a double-jointed snaffles were more like a “rope” on the tongue (soft), and were the best for the average recreational rider.
A long time ago I was taught this as well. I think there is an element of truth in it but the reality is more complex than that.
Since snaffles are used in two-handed riding, with contact, it did seem logical that there might be constant tongue pressure and maybe it was annoying to the horse. I can see where it might not make a difference in western riding with a draped rein. (Actually, with a draped rein, I think you would need a harsher bit, so it took less rein to give an aid.)
The U.S. Cavalry used a snaffle bit, one handed, in contact routinely in the late 19th and through the 20th Century to 1948 (when the Horse Cavalry was formally disbanded). “Contact” means just that, not “pressure.” You want feel for two reasons. First, you want the horse to know where you are and what you’re doing so that they can do what they have to do to keep their balance under you. Second, you want to know what the horse is doing so that you can keep your balance on top of the horse. Note that the trooper often had one hand for riding and one hand for his saber, pistol, lance (although rare in U.S. units), guidon, etc.
I am sure the horses can still swallow, or else, as noted, they would be drooling… but I take a lot of horse photos and there are a lot of gape mouth shots, even when I thought I was watching a nice ride.
A “gapeing mouth” is a no-no.
All my questions have arisen because I am trying out western riding, and everyone seems to have a shanked bit of some sort. My new ranch horse is pretty broke. He had been ridden in a very high port, long shanked bit, but I have him in a KK snaffle and he seems to be doing fine, but maybe he would like a bit with a port even more.
If you have “made” horse and a rider with good hands then the curb bit is a fine instrument for fine work. The Cavalry also used, from at least 1909, a headstall set up for bit and bradoon. It was called the M1909 headstall with M1909 bit and bradoon!!! (The Army can sometimes be quite logical. 
). It take time to learn to use the full double bridle as it should be used (a system of communication, not a system of “control”). In reality it was seldom used in the field and was instead reserved for training, parades, demonstrations, etc. It was issued to recruits who had never even SEEN a horse before. But the environment in which it was used, Boot Camp, was highly controlled by really well qualified instructors and it was a successful program.
I am going to give a Myler bit with a port a try just to see if I notice a difference. Nothing like a new horse and new riding style to make you re-look at everything!
PS: I will check out the bitting book, too!
