Little Lesson on Walking Horse Bits!

A bit with a differant design can be severe or gentle. I think this "article" could be applied to any bit. A snaffle can be harsh and a curb gentle.

Yes, but this article was to tell people that this particular bit is the equivalent of most. It is not any harsher than most bits out there. Any bit can be harsh in a rider's grasp.

I realize.

Ah, good. You are right, though.

What do you think of the Brenda Imus bit?

Those two are not nearly the same, and the TWH bit is harsher. Notice how the overall curve of the shanks on the pleasure bit is forward (towards the horse's nose). The shanks of the TWH bit curve backward first. Backward curves result in much more pressure than forward ones. The forward curve below the backward one is not enough to decrease its strength because it's smaller.

Shank shape from mildest to most severe: Strong forward curve, slight forward curve, straight, slight backward curve, strong backward curve.

If it really were just about the rider's hands there wouldn't be so many different kinds of bits.

^ It doesn't matter. They are close enough. Both are harsh in their own way. The point wasn't even that. The point was the rider's hands, NOT the bit.

Paintedgaitsranch:

I've seen them before and didn't strike me as harsh or anything. I've heard people have had great success them.

Hey, don't let these gaited horse threads die!! Bump..

Hmm, ok then. I'll just sit here and watch as you backpedal away...

Your point?

Like I said and will say again. The point of the artice wasn't the difference between bits. It was to explain how any bit can be harsh. ANY.

Look at the big picture.