ridecamp@endurance.net: [endurance] Kimberwicke usage

[endurance] Kimberwicke usage

HARVEY_HELEN@tandem.com
24 Apr 96 11:38:00 -0700

I ride with a double set of reins, but use a Tteam bit. It's a fat
unbroken snaffle with a copper roller and shanks. Reins attach
both to the snaffle position and the shanks. Bella's very sensitive
to bits (and everything else). It's the only bit I've found that
she likes that gives me brakes when necessary. Any other bit I
tried caused her to throw her head around or go behind the bit if
there was any contact at all. I usually only use one set of reins or
the other, depending on circumstances, but will sometimes use both.
I really like the flexibility of being able to essentially ride with
both a very mild snaffle and a curb.

Helen & Bella (who, me, cause PROBLEMS???)
PS: That's what Rio's is using in the picture; I borrowed the bit from
Becky to try before buying one

------------ ORIGINAL ATTACHMENT --------
SENT 04-24-96 FROM SMTPGATE @MAILMN (kmyers@collagen.com)

I use a low port Kimberwicke on Magnum I use a slotted version
and ride with 2 sets of reins which is a pain, but when I
discovered that the upper slots give the action of a snaffle
and the lower slots the curb, there really is no choice in
the matter. I sure don't want to just ride him on the curb
reins... that elliminates the whole point of a slotted
Kimberwicke and I don't yet have the nerve to ride him in
just the upper reins since then the curb is effectively
disabled.

I was thinking of going to a broken Kimberwicke thinking
that it was gentler than the one I'm using, but now I've
heard from two sorces that the Kimberwicke I have is
actually gentler than the broken version. Interesting.
Saved me some $$$ and my horse...

I took it home and tried it out using two reins and the
difference in action between the two positions is amazing.
So I use the snaffle reins and have the curb reins there
in case I need them. I certainly don't want to have "run up"
problems and not be outfitted with proper equipment to get
my horse's attention and get him back under control.

This is the bit he came with and it's the only one I've ever
used on him. After over 2 years together hopefully we're getting
a repore and I'll be able to go to a Vosal... (of course
part of our problems have been me learning how to ride).

For those of you who use slotted Kimberwickes, do you ride
with single or double reins?

:) - kat
and Magnum the TB ex-racer in No. Cal
In Becky's Equus picture of her and Rio I notice that she uses
a bit with double reins too... the curb reins are just loosely
knotted around Rio's neck.