Strongest horse bit You have seen????

Nearly all the horses I saw in Sri Lanka just had improvised bits made out of clothes hanger wires etc. Awful sights.
 
Quite probably, when you look a the action of a driving bit you can see why it's necessary in harness as you don't have legs / seat etc to aid control, when it's used on a saddle horse it's much easier to "abuse" the action of the bit.
Ironically our drivers go in driving snaffles except for Paddy who's like a little train when he gets going so whoever drives him needs a little extra help!
 
FWIW - Ginny Elliott and Ian Stark used to compete Murphy Himself in a Citation. Ian changed it after he felt it penalised and 'hurt' the horse, therefore he would try and run away more than ever. He then changed to the combination he used after which I *think* was a cherry roller american gag.

He also used an Elevator (looks fearsome but can't find a pic!) on Glenburnie to try and solve some of his head issues but I think changed that too in the end. I have also seen one used and they are real jawbreakers.

Worst I've seen are curbs with HUGE pointed ports with a big copper roller at the top of them and v long shanks, bicycle chain pelham and cheltenham gag (which was even worse), spiky curb chains and nosebands... Again in use by a well known showing producer - Brownmare I wonder if its the same person!!!
 
glitterbug said:
Ian Stark and Ginny Elliott both rode Murphy Himself in a Citation bit (posted earlier with the claim to break a jaw!!) :eek: :)
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Lol...And we all know what he was like round XC! Haha....limited brakes and strides out everywhere. Like bouncing the hedges!
 
i have a coscequero pelham (polo bit) which i bought after it was suggested on here, can't find a pic but it is a fearsome looking bit of kit, huge port with rotating copper wheel in it which sits parallel to the tongue. it's the only bit my TB mare backs off and is civilised in, she tears her mouth and tanks (in spite of schooling etc - i've ridden most/all of my other horses xc in a snaffle...) and needs a tussle before every fence to rebalance her in any other bit. apparently the wheel part stops them lifting their tongue, not sure, but it works on her and because she backs off it and is respectful, i can give light tactful aids = result imho, i hate performing dentistry to find the brakes. :( :( :(
 
kerilli said:
but it works on her and because she backs off it and is respectful, i can give light tactful aids = result imho, i hate performing dentistry to find the brakes. :( :( :(
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And I do think that is key - Paddy's driving bit (gene regal) looks like a gobful but without it he leans down on your hands and steering goes out the window which is a little scary when heading for the river at home :eek:. What he's driven in works, he's much less stressed and whoever gets to drive him doesn't end up looking like Stretch Armstrong. When he's ridden he's in a snaffle doing his best impression of a riding school plod :rolleyes: Its just a case of what suits the situation for BOTH parties.
 
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