Editing Horse tack (section)

==Bits==
{{Main|Bit (horse)}}
[[Image:Curb and bradoon.jpg|thumb|A curb and snaffle bit shown together on a double bridle]]
[[Image:Pelham bit.jpg|thumb|upright|A pelham bit with a jointed mouthpiece]]
A [[Bit (horse)|bit]] is a device placed in a horse's mouth, kept on a horse's head by means of a headstall. There are many types, each useful for specific types of riding and training.{{r|ensminger|pp=371-376}}

The mouthpiece of the bit does not rest on the [[horse teeth|teeth of the horse]], but rather rests on the gums or "bars" of the horse's mouth in an interdental space behind the front [[incisors]] and in front of the back [[molars]].  It is important that the style of bit is appropriate to the horse's needs and is fitted properly for it to function properly and be as comfortable as possible for the horse.{{r|price|pp=149-159}}

The basic "classic" styles of [[Bit (horse)|bits]] are:
*[[Curb bit]]
*[[Snaffle bit]]
*[[Pelham bit]]
*[[Double bridle|Weymouth or Double Bridle]]

While there are literally hundreds of types of [[bit mouthpiece]]s, [[bit ring]]s and [[bit shank]]s, essentially there are really only two broad categories: direct pressure bits, broadly termed [[snaffle bit]]s; and leverage bits, usually termed [[curb bit|curbs]].

Bits that act with direct pressure on the tongue and lips of the bit are in the general category of ''snaffle'' bits. Snaffle bits commonly have a single jointed mouthpiece and act with a nutcracker effect on the bars, tongue and occasionally roof of the mouth.  However, regardless of [[bit mouthpiece|mouthpiece]], any bit that operates only on direct pressure is a "snaffle" bit.{{r|edwards|pp=52-58}}

Leverage bits have [[bit shank|shanks]] coming off the mouthpiece to create leverage that applies pressure to the [[poll (livestock)|poll]], chin groove and mouth of the horse are in the category of ''curb'' bits. Any bit with shanks that works off of leverage is a "curb" bit, regardless of whether the [[bit mouthpiece|mouthpiece]] is solid or jointed.

Some [[bit (horse)|combination or hybrid bits]] combine direct pressure and leverage, such as the [[Kimberwicke|Kimblewick or Kimberwicke]], which adds slight leverage to a two-rein design that resembles a snaffle;{{r|edwards|pp=91-93}} and the four rein designs such as the single mouthpiece [[Pelham bit]] and the [[double bridle]], which places a curb and a snaffle bit simultaneously in the horse's mouth.{{r|edwards|pp=87-89}}

In the wrong hands even the mildest bit can hurt the horse. Conversely, a very severe bit, in the right hands, can transmit subtle commands that cause no pain to the horse. Bit commands should be given with only the quietest [[riding aids|movements]] of the hands, and much steering and stopping should be done with the legs and seat.
{{Clear}}