Horse Racing Bits Explained
Racing is probably the most famous horse riding activity. In this sport, horses compete with each other to determine which has the greatest agility of all. Although it is usually associated with gambling, no one can deny the thrill and excitement that have always been present in horse racing.
There are different types of horse racing. The style of racing and the type of events, including the distances, vary from one country to another. But some of the racing styles that have been popular throughout the world are the Harness Horse Racing, Quarter-horse, Thoroughbred, and Barrel.
Harness Horse Racing involves horses pulling the rider on a two-wheeled cart. This race has become famous in North America, Europe, New Zealand and Australia. Aside from the speed, this horse racing also requires strategy.
Quarter Horse Racing is the type of race where horses compete in agility on a straight course with only a short distance. The name was coined because, originally, horses in this competition ran a quarter of a mile.
Thoroughbred Racing, a worldwide event which involves thoroughbred horses, uses an oval track. The race is simply based on the disciplines of speed and stamina. Under thoroughbred racing, there are two different types of horse race: the flat racing and jump racing.
Barrel Racing, on the other hand, is not really a race between or among horses. This is actually an event where a horse and his rider try to accomplish a clover-leaf pattern around barrels in the fastest time possible.
For powerful events and activities as such, only the strongest horse bits must be used. Horse racing bits come in different lengths, widths and shapes, and each of them has a specific purpose that aids in the effort of the horse to accomplish a task or to be the first to reach the finish line.
Some of the mostly used horse racing bits are the Chifney, the Racing Dee, the Regulator, the Dexter Ring, the Slide Pipe Run-Out and the Springsteen.
The Chifney, invented by a horse jockey named Samuel Chifney, includes a straight mouthpiece and three outside rings ― two of which are attached to a halter, while the remaining ring is used to lead horses in hand. However, this bit must solely be used in racing and not for riding.
The Racing Dee involves a jointed or a broken mouthpiece that is attached to a D-shaped ring. This bit is usually 5 inches long. For sensitive horses, the racing dee may be covered in rubber. Unlike the Chifney, this mild bit may be used for both riding and racing.
Also called a sidelining, the Regulator has a mouthpiece covered in leather. The reason why it was called regulator is because it regulates the horse to travel in a straight line.
The Dexter Ring Bit is used to stop a horse and to strengthen its steering power. It is a jointed snaffle with a ring that encircles the lower jaw of the horse. This bit also comes with two mouthpieces.
If the horse has a tendency to drag, a slide pipe run-out is normally used. This bit has leverage. As a matter of fact, the sliding bar in the bit is used to add to its leverage. Once the rider notices that the horse begins to lug out, the rein is pulled. This makes the horse run straightly.
Although the Springsteen is a snaffle, this bit is severe and must only be used by experienced jockeys. To use this, one must attach the headstall to the loose rings. The reins, on the other hand, must be placed on large rings. When the rein is pulled, the spoons collapse onto the jaw. This bit is exclusively used by trainers and riders on horses that are very hard to control.
It is quite a different matter when it comes to barrel racing. Different kinds of barrel racing horse bits are used. Albeit for beginners, a snaffle bit is still recommended. Yet professionals and experienced horse riders use other barrel racing bits like the ones manufactured and developed by Molly Powell Bits and Jr Crow Bits.
Barrel horse bits developed by the Molly Powell Bits include the Rookie, a chain bit that keeps the horse’s mouth fresh and unharmed; the Large Twist Sweet Iron Snaffle, a unique snaffle bit with a shank that enables tight barrel turns; and the Long Shank Combination with Chain Mouthpiece, a bit that is popular to horse trainers which have race horses that are difficult to control.
Jr Crow Bits has also produced several barrel horse bits, including Smooth Sweet Iron which helps the horse to keep his legs underneath him; the Smooth Dog Bone Snaffle that aids in calming a nervous horse; and the Twisted Sweet Iron with Dog Bone that has a short gag and a three-piece mouth that add leverage for better control.
