My friends and I are baffled about the large ring. What is it for and how is it attached?
TIA.
The whole thing looks like a bit of a lash-up. What’s with the cavesson ?
The rings could be welded to the shanks. There does appear to be a wire running from the curb hooks through the rings. I guess they could stop the bit pulling through the mouth. (supposing that they are welded to the shanks)
I would also think that perhaps the rings might keep the horse from “lipping” the shank?
Supposing the rings are welded to the shanks, they would limit how far up or down the shank the mouthpiece can slide. That’s my best guess! =)
Looks kind of like a weird version of an old three in one bit.
Here is another type I found in a google:
http://www.equiport.co.uk/products/detail/3_ring_single_jointed_cartwheel_bit/928/
I knew a horse that hunted in one in the 60s and 70s- but that one had a more typical pelham type shank.
Yeah, the cavesson is just so wrong.
I think it is a walking horse bit. I don’t know much about how it works but a fellow boarder at an old barn who used to show saddle seat had one for her retired TWH. The large ring laid against the shank part of the bit and I believe I saw similar ones on National Bridle Shop’s website that had interchangeable mouthpieces. My understanding is that it is a very old school bit.
Edited to add: I think the ring functions much like the “shank” of a full cheek snaffle and provides lateral stability.
Thanks for the info. My friend saw it in a bunch of hunting photos and we were both clueless. Will check out TWH bits. Just curious!
I would bet it is used as a run out??
Swales bit.
[QUOTE=HoneyB;6015121]
I think it is a walking horse bit. I don’t know much about how it works but a fellow boarder at an old barn who used to show saddle seat had one for her retired TWH. The large ring laid against the shank part of the bit and I believe I saw similar ones on National Bridle Shop’s website that had interchangeable mouthpieces. My understanding is that it is a very old school bit.[/QUOTE]
http://www.jacksmfg.com/details.asp?product_id=2726
Also: Long shank snaffle with rings.
[QUOTE=CDE Driver;6016072]
Swales bit.[/QUOTE]
Incorrect. Swales bits use double reins… And one of the reins is connected to the ring in the swales similar to pelhams but much more different since it’s a free floating ring… which is probably why you don’t see a lot of them considering you have to be pretty skilled to use one… in the wrong hands it could be disastrous.
I believe that the ring in this image is welded into the shank and is just a long shanked walking horse bit.
[QUOTE=horsegal301;6016545]
Incorrect. Swales bits use double reins… And one of the reins is connected to the ring in the swales similar to pelhams but much more different since it’s a free floating ring… which is probably why you don’t see a lot of them considering you have to be pretty skilled to use one… in the wrong hands it could be disastrous.
I believe that the ring in this image is welded into the shank and is just a long shanked walking horse bit.[/QUOTE]
I don’t want to start an argument, but not all Swales type bits are used with two reins, especially in the driving world.
[QUOTE=CDE Driver;6017326]
I don’t want to start an argument, but not all Swales type bits are used with two reins, especially in the driving world.[/QUOTE]
True, but OP was asking about a bit that is clearly used on a horse under saddle… with the martingale attachment and all… plus this bit does not particularly look like a driving bit, but the thought of it being used as a driving bit is scary.
There is a difference between the Swales driving bit http://www.rideanddrive.co.uk/bitsuk/pages/bitpics/swales1.htm and the Swales 3 in 1 bit which was developed for riding. http://www.equiport.co.uk/products/detail/swales_3_in_1_pelham/351/
The rings however, are attached to the mouthpiece.
Looks like a simple substitute for a bit guard.
