A Bit of a Fix

   I came across some photos on Pexels (the free reference photo site, if you didn't know) and I saw this photo that I thought would be good to talk about bits. If you're into that sort of thing, I encourage you to look at the photos of horse bits, I found it fascinating.

           

Credit: Pexels 

  Throwing a Curb Ball with AI

  It's easy to see what's wrong with this picture. A curb bit can't work properly without the curb strap/chain. It acts as the fulcrum so the curb bit can do it's magic. I decided to do a bit of research on the fulcrum and I asked Google AI. AI said the mouthpiece was the fulcrum. Nope.  We have to be careful with AI these days. We're finding all kinds of problems with AI when used in art. It will draw a horse funky. I digress.

  But that does bring to mind the fact that before AI we had so called 'experts' that were spewing BS about bits (and other stuff). I got so confused when I was much younger about bits that I've spent quite a bit of time figuring them out. I also spent time with Dale Myler of Myler Bits to learn from him as well.

  The Technical Part:

  Def'n: Fulcrum: "The point on which a lever rests or is supported and on which it pivots." The fulcrum principle for a curb bit is too multiply the rider's rein pressure allowing for more refined communication with a trained horse." In other words, once your hands become skilled and you want to learn or refine the soft feel and movement of your hands or you just have soft hands to begin with then a curb bit can be utilized.

Credit Pexels

  A Little Bit About Snaffle Bits - Just the Facts:

   Snaffle bits by definition do not have a fulcrum and therefore do not use the lever principle. It's a direct pull.  You as the rider pull on the reins with 5lbs of pressure and the horse will feel 5lbs of pressure in their mouth via the mouthpiece etc. 

   It's great for the rider to get a good 'feel' of the horse. It's a good skill to learn and we know there are many applications for using a snaffle bit over a curb.

  Final Thoughts:

   I believe that learning the basics about bits (I'm big into knowledge) will greatly help the rider. If you have any problems with your current riding and communication with your horse, I encourage you to look into the bit your using. My website reinersuehorsemanship.com has lots of information on bits. 

  The internet is great for research - just beware of the AI BS.

  Putting my spin on my lifelong fascination on Bits.

  Reinersue

   @KISS reiners