Diagram showing dual action two piece side cheek.
Dual action bits work with a single rein, they mimic a double bridle by having two signals at the same time allowing pressure to be felt on the mouth but with very little on the poll or chin, if the rider, or more importantly the horse increases that pressure then the two parts of the side cheeks are drawn apart against spring tension. This lifts the curb chain placing a firmer contact on the chin (without a significant increase in poll pressure) this releases as soon as either the horse or rider softens. This ability to have two signals at the same time causes a relaxation of the jaw promoting salvation which in turn results in a more relaxed horse. The advantage over conventional bits is the fact that the horse very quickly learns the much clearer signals, in effect they teach themselves. They are fitted with a gently curved mouthpiece to allow for tongue room to allow the horse to swallow, essential for a relaxed way of going.
Loose hook bits work much like a conventional mild curb bit but still retain the built in shock absorbing effect, the action is slightly stronger than the Dual action bits, the curb chain on this type is not attached to the outer side cheek as on Dual action bits. This type is also fitted with a gently curved mouthpiece to allow tongue room.
About Dual Action Bits
Dual action bits, suitable for riding and driving. These bits where originally developed for Roly (Sue Denney's Welsh cross Arab driving pony) They are designed to mimic a double bridle in operation but with a single rein, They work by having a two piece side cheek, the inner has the mouthpiece attached to it and also the headstall loops, the outer has the curb chain hooks and has slots for the reins, one on the pony bits and two on the cob and horse size. The two parts are joined together just above the mouthpiece with a pivot, at the bottom operating between the two parts is a spring inside a casing that holds the two parts shut. The reins for dual action are fitted in all cases to the top slot (if they are fitted to the lower slot it operates more like a mild curb bit but retains the shock absorbing effect) Because the rein is very slightly below the mouthpiece on taking up a contact the bit rotates to place the curb chain against the chin but with very little pressure. The springs will compress at around 6-8lbs when they do the curb chain has a little more pressure placed on it as soon as the horse reacts or the rider/driver reacts the curb chain is released. Because the step between curb on and curb of is very distinct, unlike a traditional bit, the horse learns very quickly, They also have the advantage of each side working independently of each other so the horse gets an extra signal, something very important with driving due to the lack of aids i.e. no leg contact. The curb pressure on these bits is mild.
About Loose Hook Bits
Loose hook bits, Suitable for riding and driving. These bits are fitted with more traditional hooks on the inner side cheek around the headstall loops, the rest of the bit is very similar to the dual action bits but with a slightly stronger action. They retain the built in shock absorbing making them a very horse friendly alternative to a traditional curb bit, The mouthpiece on these bits is inclined upwards by 15 decrees to allow maximum tongue room.
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