curb pressure to be applied with little or no poll pressure.
Military bit
Port Swales Liverpool Also known as the army reversible or elbow bit, it applies slightly different pressures from the Liverpool. Beware when using them in multiples however. The shape of the shank means that you will have to use different holes on the coupling reins depending on which setting you have the bit on. Nosebands and curb chains are important too. The cavesson part
of a driving bridle is obviously needed to keep the cheek-pieces snug to prevent the blinkers from sagging and showing the horse the carriage, but flashes, drop nosebands and grackles are all allowed if needed. The fitting of the curb chain for some horses is more influential than the design of the bit, so know your horse and make a note of your settings. Don’t forget to remove the lip ring as this is not correct on driving bits as we do not use lip-straps. Reins are your ultimate communication tool. Be aware of the difference a variety of fabrics can make. You need to be sure you can feel the horse’s mouth not just the weight of the reins. Make sure your hand parts are comfortable in your gloves and do not slip in any weather. I have my reins customised with a sandwich of webbing and soft leather with eyelets for buckles and small leather rein stops (they are also colour coded!) and the leader reins have a different feel from the wheelers. Experiment to see what works best for you. Remember to make the join far enough forward so that it is never
in your hand even during extreme steering! Leading distributor Abbey Bits has a wide range of top quality bits designed for carriage driving horses and ponies. Made exclusively in England using top quality stainless steel, Abbey England also offers bespoke bits so you can mix and match mouth and cheek-pieces to individually suit your horse. Keen supporter of the discipline Richard Brown of Abbey England said: “We can supply all driving bits including Liverpools, Buxtons, Swales, Wilson snaffles, Metropolitans, Military and Post bits which are all available in different variations and sizes.” Extremely proud of its heritage, the family-based company situated in Cheshire can safely say their bits are the only Britishmade Stainless Steel brand on the market. For more information or to find your nearest stockist please contact Abbey England on 01565 650343 or visit www.abbeyengland.com or www.ridingbitz.com
Swales and swivel bits
The mouthpiece is free to rotate as it is not fixed directly onto the cheek-piece enabling significant
Deep Mullen Military
www.equestrianlifemagazine.co.uk
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