What type of bridle/bit are these?

[lleeaannee]

Found this pic in a western book. Could anyone tell me what type of bridle and bit they are. They look awfully severe due to the multiple pressure points and the metal of the bit being so thin. Any info appreciated!:)

[lleeaannee]

:o

[myEllie]

It's kind of hard to tell by the picture, but it just looks like a snaffle bit.

[Epona UK]

looks like some sort of correction bit to me, I should think that Outrider would know the name of it. By the looks of it, it has a wire snaffle mouthpiece, coupled with a coverd cable noseband, which seems to have some sort of gag action, with also a mechanical hackamore type deal with the curb. I reckon you could stop a bull Elephant with that little lot !! Not a nice bit.

[lleeaannee]

I'm glad it's not just me that thinks it's horrific! Imagine the damage that could be done with that combination!

[Epona UK]

hi lleeaannee,
before you go jumping to any conclusions about Western Riding in general, please understand that we have very strict rules on bits, the pic you found was taken at a Rodeo, the bit is very severe, but if you look closely, you will see thet there is little or no pressure on it.
This type of bit is certainly not acceptable for showing classes, anyone appearing in a class with it would be instantly disqualified, assuming it hadn't been spotted beforehand, then they wouldn't even get as far as the arena.


Epona.

[lleeaannee]

Why IS it used. There are some realy severe bits in English riding but nothing are severe as the action that this must have on the horse's head. No wonder the rider doesn't need to exert much pressure.

[Epona UK]

For the very same reason that some showjumpers use Globe Snaffles and American Gags, these bits would never be allowed in the dressage arena, or most showing classes, but in showjumping it appears that anything goes. For as long as horses have been ridden, there will, sad as it seems, be people who will take shortcuts, usually at the expense of the horse, history is littered with their bones.
People like you and me, try to make our horses lives more pleasant, having them work with us rather than for us. I wouldn't condemn all English riders just because I'd seen a polo pony come back from a chukka with it's mouth 4 inches wider than when it started (and I have), so I would hope that you won't equally condemn all Western riders on the strength of one photograph in a book.

[lleeaannee]

I have discovered the joys of reck reining!! Quite funny when people stare in amazement at slow cobs reck reining!! Hee Hee:D