Seen primarily among jumpers and saddle seat riders, multi-ring bits are a family of their own. In effect, they are similar to the Pelham family, because they employ the same concept of suspending the bit from a fixed point above the mouthpiece (the small ring above the main ring), while also having places for rein attachment in the snaffle position (the larger main ring), as well as at a fixed point below the mouthpiece (the small ring/s below the main ring).
These lower rings act like curb shanks, and in conjunction with the upper rings, contribute to a leverage action not unlike a curb bit. However, since these bits are not designed to be used with a curb chain, there is not the same limit to that leverage action, nor the same jaw pressure as when a chain is used. Because of this, multi-ring bits primarily act like a snaffle with extra leverage, and since some of that leverage is pressure on the poll, they also encourage the horse to lower its head.
Two- and Three-Ring Bits
Seen primarily among jumpers and saddle seat riders, multi-ring bits are a family of their own. In effect, they are similar to the Pelham family, because they employ the same concept of suspending the bit from a fixed point above […]
American Gag or Elevator Bit
Seen primarily among jumpers and saddle seat riders, multi-ring bits are a family of their own. In effect, they are similar to the Pelham family, because they employ the same concept of suspending the bit from a fixed point above […]