Random bit question

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HarlequinSeren

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Sorry if this is a stupid question, but something I saw earlier got me thinking.

Why don't driving bits get used for riding?

I understand the usefulness of driving bits for their interchangability of strength settings, if they had to be used on multiple horses etc, but if they are so useful then why aren't they used commonly for riding horses?
There are a variety of different mouthpieces available commonly now, so it can't be that. I don't think I have ever seen a ridden horse in any kind of driving bit.
 
I would imagine that the action would be all wrong as the angle up to a riders hands is sharper, also the 'feel' is over a longer distance with driving
 
Is it that though? Because a butterfly bit with a jointed mouthpiece is pretty much exactly the same as my mare's hanging cheek snaffle, except it just doesn't have the lower loops or curb chain. So theoretically the action would be very similar if not the same if used on the least severe ring?
 
I don't know it was just a guess! I get your point... Perhaps there is a different reason, I still reckon that the angle and distance of action would play a part
 
It probably does have something to do with that maybe on elbowed military style bits or Liverpool's :) but the butterfly to me looks not overly different to my hanging cheek
 
You do see butterfly bits on ridden ponies - can be smaller and neater for small breed ponies wanting double reins for open classes but not really needing a pelham. I've never seen a Liverpool bit on a ridden horse though.
 
So people do use them occasionally? I'm just thinking if they are such a useful, changeable strength type of bit why aren't they used more commonly? If people are having bit problems nobody ever suggests they try them.
 
Most driving bits are designed to be used on different horses just by moving the rein onto a different slot. They're a bit cumbersome for riding, but there's no reason why you couldn't.

Military reversible bit is a ride or drive - because military need a one-bit-fits-all too.
 
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