Crossing over from the hunter/jumper forum, I’ve been watching that Jockeys show and notice alot of horses race in a bit that has a ring that goes around the horse’s lower jaw (at least thats what it looks like). What is its purpose?
It helps with steering a little bit as well as brakes. I don’t use them with horses that tend to lug in or out though, I prefer a houghton bit for them.
How does it effect steering? Does the ring apply pressure like a curb? (I’m just really curious haha. TIA)
Here’s a pic of the bit…
2nd the notion for using a Houghton for lug outs. They’re 10x better than ring bits for that purpose.
[QUOTE=luvs2ridewbs;4365755]
How does it effect steering? Does the ring apply pressure like a curb? (I’m just really curious haha. TIA)[/QUOTE]
Kind of, if you pull the right rein the left side of the ring will push against the jaw.
As a rider I can say a ring bit can definetley give you more control… putting a little more pressure on their tongue and jaw, and can help somewhat with steering. It also moves a bit in their mouths, hopefully diverting their attention from trying to pull your guts out.
Love Andi’s description. We’ve a couple who would love to pull your guts out, and not only do most jockeys not have the strength to hold them back with just a snaffle, the ones that do would be much more tired from the efforts.
This is my stallion. Rating that with a regular snaffle would be rather interesting.
http://i637.photobucket.com/albums/uu95/Little_Pony/MattPorky.jpg
He’s a monster!
