Carrying on from my Medieval tack post the other day....

SNORKEY

SNORKEY

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Does anyone know the pelham bits they use in all the films like Lord of the rings and Robin hood etc?
They ride with one rein and it seems to be quite a low hung bit, making the horse lower his head, I was wondering if they are actaully kind enough to the horse and if so where I would get one?

(im very light handed by the way and not wanting one to hank my horses head down! lol)
 
Are the bits they use on movie horses actual replicas? I've always thought they looked like standard western/Spanish/gaited horse bits (like in the link) with fancy cheeks on them. Many of the medieval bits I've seen in museums etc look, well, medieval. ;)

Are you just looking for a curb bit to try? Like a "made" western horse might wear? Or do you particularly want something fancy? Many of the western and Spanish long shanked curbs are very ornate.
 
heather_bambi said:
Sorry no help, but I typed in medieval horse into google images to see the bits and found this! http://www.outsideleft.com/i/stars/halloweenpet6.jpg

Awesome.

I am interested to know what you are planning to do with the medieval tack though? Sorry being nosey but I've always been interested in jousting etc for battle re-enactments.
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LOL we found this pic just before our medieval wedding last month and tried to get that for our dog to wear!

I want the tack as I love anything medieval and the saddle looks very comfy in the films, also the bridles look so regal!
Id like to find a re-enactment group but I dont have a trailer at the mo!
 
TarrSteps said:
Are the bits they use on movie horses actual replicas? I've always thought they looked like standard western/Spanish/gaited horse bits (like in the link) with fancy cheeks on them. Many of the medieval bits I've seen in museums etc look, well, medieval. ;)

Are you just looking for a curb bit to try? Like a "made" western horse might wear? Or do you particularly want something fancy? Many of the western and Spanish long shanked curbs are very ornate.
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Didn't think of western bits, just had a look and yes they would fit the part, does anyone know how harsh these are though?
 
Not quite what you are talking about, but my OH went through a medieval/knight phase a couple of years ago and made this for my poor boy! :) :) I never rode him in it but my OH did try and give me "lessons" on jousting!!!! not that he has a clue how to do it!!!........men!!!!!!!!!! :)

septoct2007265.jpg
 
They aren't harsh if you are gentle! They are designed to be used with an extremely light contact so that the reins are almost in loops - NEVER pulled or jerked. If you're used to riding in a snaffle, well, a Western curb is not the same........you need a whole different technique.
 
LFORLEATHER said:
They aren't harsh if you are gentle! They are designed to be used with an extremely light contact so that the reins are almost in loops - NEVER pulled or jerked. If you're used to riding in a snaffle, well, a Western curb is not the same........you need a whole different technique.
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I'll second that.
 
shoo said:
Not quite what you are talking about, but my OH went through a medieval/knight phase a couple of years ago and made this for my poor boy! :) :) I never rode him in it but my OH did try and give me "lessons" on jousting!!!! not that he has a clue how to do it!!!........men!!!!!!!!!! :)

septoct2007265.jpg
Click to expand...

I want one of these for my shire:)
 
The bits used in most of these medieval set films like Braveheart and Robin Hood are Western bits like Mylers or Spanish bits. That because many of the lead actors are riding Andalusians or Freisians, however they also do look very much like medieval bits which you may be able to find in museums. Medieval bits may have had the same long shanks as modern Western or Spanish ones but the mouth parts are likely to have been pretty severe by modern standards. I recall seeing severe bits in a museum in Venice. The apparell of amoured knights being rather extensive and heavy that a knight would probably only have one hand free to control the horse, he would be carrying a jousting lance or a heavy sword or axe so needed "power assisted steering". Many of the lead horses in these films are broken Western or Spanish style and are ridden with the lightest of contacts often with the one rein. Its a whole different way of riding, but I expect you could get lesson easily enough depending where you are. the WES should be able to give advice as to where to find good instructors and tack supplies.
 
I ve got a facinating book from the Museum of London called the "Medieval Horse and its Equipment" HMSO books which has quite a bit of info on tack and bits found on archaeological sites in London. (Maybe you could get a second hand copy through Amazon ISBN 0-11-290485-8)
There are some interesting 13th Century curb bits with triangular cheek piece attachments.
 
http://www.pleasantridge.ca/show_bits.htm

Particularly the show bits. I use a western training bit, with curved shanks and a myler style mouth piece on one of my horses. Some of the bits can be used with two reins.
pg%20145%20-%20show%20bits.jpg


There are western saddlery stores in the UK, I don't know of any off hand but I am sure google will come up with the goods.

Also I am pretty sure that there are some show weymouths that have curved shanks.

Try this one, they seem to have some bits that may suit:
http://www.westernscene-uk.com/Store/bits-shank-1180-0.html
 
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kharber21 said:
Didn't think of western bits, just had a look and yes they would fit the part, does anyone know how harsh these are though?
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They aren't, unless you ride with an English contact and then most western trained horses will slam on the brakes and go into reverse.

English horses tend to throw up their heads because they generally aren't used to being ridden on a curb rein alone, I would go for the ones where a 'snaffle' rein can be used I think, which, in effect, is like riding in a half cheek.
 
I know a couple of equestrian re-enactment groups and I'll warn you now - stay away.

They're not the most fabulous groups of people!

That said, some of my mates have been trying to set up nice equestrian groups, but the insurance and bitching is a nightmare!!!

Most groups put on jousting displays rather than just prancing around in kit and that takes a lot of training.

The Devils Horsemen run by Gerald and Daniel Naprous are an excellent group, but tend to be more performance than historically accurate!

But yeah, we have a group of ponios we'd love to get in medieval garb and I just can't see it happening :(
 
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