Kimblewick vs Beval/Wilkie?

[ohmissbrittany]

When would you use one or the other? I have a horse that could benefit from some mild poll pressure. It looks like the main different is the fixed lever / curb strap on the Kimblewick, vs the sliding lever of the beval with no curb.

Anyone have any thoughts? The horse is a high headed fussy type - I find she's very happy and willing to drop through the poll in a hackamore... but I'd like to have the lateral finesse and some kind of brake from a snaffle. So I'm hoping mild poll action can help me have the best of both worlds. Her mouth is quite small, never had any joy from mullen/ported mouths; when bitted I've always liked her best in fixed ring "quiet" mouths. (ie, lots of good reasons to go kimberwick, just not sure she would be a fan of the curb)

 

[SpeedyPony]

The kimblewick will have a more similar action to the hackamore imo- but would it be worth trying both hackamore and snaffle with two reins?
If you want to try the kimblewick but are worried about the curb chain you can get elastic/leather curb straps or rubber/fleece covers for the chain that might make her happier with it.

 

[Elf On A Shelf]

Wilkie/Beval "snaffles" are gags in reality. And usually have very thin mouthpieces too. Hate the things.