What are the different actions used for? Pros and cons? I am out of my realm with shanked bits.
Thanks!
Yip
OK Yip
Here are some basics on Liverpool function
Many moons ago there was a basic Liverpool bit that had a straight mouth that usually had a rough sie and a smooth side
Your chose the side for the amount of bit feel your horse needed
Usually they are used with a curb chain but sometimes people now use a curb (leather) strap or a covered chain of some type
The cheeks were either swivel or fixed
Generally fixed is prefered by multiple drivers because it lessens the action of the bit sides on the horses outside of mouth
The inside reins of multiples pulls outward on the bit and with a swivel it can gouge the ring of the bit into the lips
But that does not mean that swivel cheeks are preferred for single horse/pony
As far as “I” know, that is just how your horse goes and personal preference
Generally you want to drive using the snaffle setting (on the ring) or the rough cheek setting (top slot or around the bit shank near the mouthpiece) Where exactly the rein goes depends on how the bit slots are constructed
www.coltsfootequestrian.co.uk/acatalog/l_592.jpg
http://www.sportingcollection.com/bits/bit081/bit081.jpg
I dont remember if there is a name for the middle slot but the bottom slot is also known as the Dead Mans slot - for a reason - thats a LOT of curb action and a horse that NEEDS that much is not a pleasant horse to drive
Now you can find many mouthpieces available for the liverpool cheek
There is still some debate on whether a snaffle mouth on a curb bit is a good choice or not, but if you have the money, you can buy just about any style you want.
Alternatively, (and especially if you are not showing) if you have found a bit your horse likes, just use that for driving too.
Thank you.
We’ve been using a bit she really loves for riding & driving. I can’t say enough great things about this mouthpiece. The multiple barrels will not allow a nutcracker effect. It bends in all directions a little bit - but turns into a solid mullen mouth when asking for a halt.
It’s a Myler Triple Barrel Mullen with D cheeks, slots for a little leverage IF we choose, and hooks for a curb chain.
http://toklat.cust.firepoppy.com/img/48:09_g_mbits_mb323_sm.gif
http://toklat.cust.firepoppy.com/img/26:45_bit_movement_150.jpg
Fer riding, I just use the bit w/o using the slots, so no leverage.
For driving, I’m using the slots and curb chain so it looks and acts like a Kimberwicke. The thing is, the chain attaches behind the bridle cheekpieces, & I don’t think the chain is engaging at all.
This evening, I put a curb strap in front of where the cheekpieces attach, and it engaged. There was a big difference in quickness of stops and stands - and she never acted like it was too sensative. Maybe I should go with that till I see I need more. What would you do?
Yip
