EQUINE BIT BIOMECHANICS

What effect do different cheek pieces have on the ratio between bit pressure, poll pressure, and rein pressure?

Equestrians use a variety of bits for a variety of reasons in their training. This research allows them to recognize how much force they are putting on their horses’ mouths and possibly change the bit they are using in order to be gentler to the horse.  Many bits are regarded as being unnecessarily harsh and cruel. However, not much research has actually been done, besides anecdotal noticings, to prove that the amount of pressure exerted on the horse is that strong. Choosing a bit for a horse is a complicated journey that could be made easier by learning more about the forces created by different styles.

 To explore the functions of the various bits I will be testing, I will measure a variety of forces including force exerted on the poll, force exerted by the reins, and force applied downwards onto the mouth. I plan on making a model out of plywood on which to test the bits. I will also use force sensors to quantify the amount of force exerted on the model. I will compare my results to a standard loose ring/D ring snaffle bit which should not have any leverage applied and also compare the experimental results to calculated theoretical values. This research will allow horse owners to evaluate the bits they use with their horses. This should hopefully lead to more ethical and gentle bit choices.

I hypothesize that when shank size increases, poll pressure will increase and bit pressure will remain the same. The mouth should work as a fulcrum when there is a shank, using torque to increase the pressure felt and redirecting it up the headstall through the poll.