Shank Bit

Shank Bit

Understanding English Bits

 
A bit is a device placed in a horse's mouth, kept on a horse's head by means of a headstall. There are many types, each useful for specific types of riding and training.
The mouthpiece of the bit does not rest on the teeth of the horse, but rather rests on the gums or "bars" of the horse's mouth in an interdental space behind the front incisors and in front of the back molars. It is important that the style of bit is appropriate to the horse's needs and is fitted properly for it to function properly and be as comfortable as possible for the horse

While there are literally hundreds of types of bit mouthpieces, bit rings and bit shanks, essentially there are really only two broad categories: direct pressure bits, broadly termed snaffle bit; and leverage bits, usually termed curbs.

Bits that act with direct pressure on the tongue and lips of the bit are in the general category of snaffle bits. Snaffle bits commonly have a single jointed mouthpiece and act with a nutcracker effect on the bars, tongue and occasionally roof of the mouth. However, regardless of mouthpiece, any bit that operates only on direct pressure is a "snaffle" bit.

Leverage bits have shanks coming off the mouthpiece to create leverage that applies pressure to the poll, chin groove and mouth of the horse are in the category of curb bits. Any bit with shanks that works off of leverage is a "curb" bit, regardless of whether the mouthpiece is solid or jointed.

Some combination or hybrid bits combine direct pressure and leverage, such as the Kimblewick  , which adds slight leverage to a two-rein design that resembles a snaffle and the four rein designs such as the single mouthpiece Pelham bitsand the double bridle, which places a curb and a snaffle bit simultaneously in the horse's mouth.

In the wrong hands even the mildest bit can hurt the horse. Conversely, a very severe bit, in the right hands, can transmit subtle commands that cause no pain to the horse. Bit commands should be given with only the quietest movements of the hands, and much steering and stopping should be done with the legs and seat.
 
 
 
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Myler HBT Shank Bit $93.95 Myler HBT Shank Bit. The HBTs are a five inch shank bits with two rings and a fixed mouthpiece attachment.

Myler Parelli Shank Bit B2 $123.95 Parelli Myler Stainless Steel Shank Bit with a sweet iron low ported barrel narrow. Parelli Myler quality western bit with 6 inch shank.

Reinsman Quick Change Short Shank Bit System $139.99 Reinsman Quick Change Short Shank Bit System

Myler Parelli C1 Shank Bit $184.95 Quality Parelli Myler Stainless Steel Cradle C1 Shank Bit with sweet iron low port Comfort Snaffle. Cradle C1 Shank Bit features copper inlay mouth to increase salivation and improve horse's comfort.

Avila Show Shank Correction Bit $84.99 Avila Show Shank Correction Bit The Avila Correction Bit that is great for use on everything from young colts starting in the bridle to older, finished show horses. The shank offers a different feel than others and has a stylish look to it. Port 2", Mouth 5", Cheek 9"

Myler Lynn McKenzie MMB Medium Shank Bit $123.95 Myler Lynn McKenzie MMB Medium Shank Bit is a quality stainless steel medium shank bit designed specifically for barrel and speed horses.

Myler Parelli Myler Shank Bit B3 $123.95 Parelli Myler Stainless Steel Shank Bit B3 with sweet iron ported barrel. Parelli Myler quality western bit with 6 inch shank.

BitLogic 6" Shank Performance Series Bit $49.95 The BitLogic 6" Shank Performance Series Bit is a great training bit. It is perfect for moving a colt from an o-ring to a shank bit or for light, well broke older horses.

BitLogic 6" Professional Series Shank Bit $71.95 The softest of all shank bit styles, the BitLogic 6" Professional Series Shank Bit is perfect for moving a colt from an O Ring to a shank bit or for light, well-broke older horses. This bit applies soft pressure through the curb to the horses chin, the bars, corners of the mouth, and the tongue.

Milwaukee 48-89-4414 5/16-in Shockwave Hex Shank Drill Bit $7.99 5/16-in Shockwave Hex Shank Drill Bit - 48-89-4414

Milwaukee 48-89-4415 3/8-in Shockwave Hex Shank Drill Bit $9.99 3/8-in Shockwave Hex Shank Drill Bit - 48-89-4415

Milwaukee 48-89-4417 1/2-in Shockwave Hex Shank Drill Bit $16.99 1/2-in Shockwave Hex Shank Drill Bit - 48-89-4417

Myler Lynn McKenzie MMB Short Shank Bit $123.95 Myler Lynn McKenzie MMB Short Shank Bit is a quality stainless steel medium shank bit with sweet iron Comfort Snaffle copper roller and copper inlay mouth to promote salivation.

Myler Lynn McKenzie Long Shank Bit (MB43LP) $127.95 Myler Lynn McKenzie Long Shank Bit (MB43LP). This bit features a stainless steel MMB long shank cheek with sweet iron low ported barrel narrow copper inlay mouthpiece.

Classic Equine Rickey Green Shank Chain Bit $59.95 The pinchless mouthpiece of the Classic Equine Green Shank Chain Bit is shaped to lay flat across the mouth and tongue and it attaches to the shank in a manner that softly cues the horse as pressure is applied. This is a great bit for training

Avila MI Signature Shank High Cathedrial Bit $94.99 Avila MI Signature Shank High Cathedrial Bit This bit has lots of feel in a horse's mouth. The shank is a medium leverage shank and this mouthpiece with the fat bars sits nicely in a horse's mouth. This bit is good for an older, more broke horse that can get a tad strong. Port 2 1/4", Mouth 5", Shank 8"

BitLogic 6 Shank Performance Series Bit $49.95 The Classic Equine™ 6" Shank Performance Series Bit is a great training bit.  It is perfect for moving a colt from an o-ring to a shank bit or for light well broke older horses. Snaffle:  this bit applies soft pressure through the curb to the horse's chin the bars and corners of the mouth and the tongue. Short Correction:  this bit applies pressure to the chin bars and corners with added pressure to the tongue.  This is a step up from the snaffle

Cashel 8" Calvery Shank Ported Bit $48.95 The Cashel 8" Calvery Shank Ported Bit has a higher port to increase the degree of contact with the palate while offering while offering tongue relief. This bit is a great collection tool for the finished horse.