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The 2002 TDC University is basing its sessions on equestrian literature. The fifth session hosted guest speaker Alixe Etherington and her very animated and amusing discussion about bits.
The horse's head is attached to the body by a neck. It is an exceptionally weighty head, and the horse uses it for counterbalance. In order to change its direction and alter its base, the horse will adjust where it positions its head. At gallop it extends its neck and moves it out from its body. If it wants to come abruptly to a halt, it will throw its head in the air.
The bit is a form of communication. The bit adjusts the horse's head into a position that allows him to follow through with the rest of his body. If you want the horse to go left, the bit should incline the horse's head slightly left. The bit will not compensate for riding ability, but it will give the horse at least a sense of understanding about what you are trying to achieve.
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In order to play with the horse's head and manipulate it, there are seven points of control. The mouth has four points of control: (1) the tongue, (2) the bars, (3) the corners of the mouth, and (4) the palate, or roof of the mouth. Around the head of the horse there is the (5) poll, (6) nose, and (7) chin.
There are hundreds of bit styles. The discussion divided bits into five families based on control action:
1. the snaffle: upwards and backwards the rider's hands; action is forward and backward; bottom end of the bit family; all are relatively mild
2. bridoon: double bridle; snaffle does exactly the same way; a smaller ring and slimmer mouthpiece; it's called a bridoon only to confuse you; works on poll and curb groove; allows top-level maneuvers
3. pellum: poor man's double bridle; half the cost, twice as much fun; should be ridden on two reins,
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