Bits/Hackamores

[Cynthia Eyler <eyler@mindspring.com>]

What kinds of bits/hackamores do people use for a horse that generally does
not require a lot of control?  And why?

A friend has told me that hackamores are better for endurance horses
because they can eat on the trail without having a bit get in the way
(though the snaffle I use never seems to get in my gelding's way <g>).

Can anyone recommend a good source of information about the purpose and
action of various kinds of bits?

Cindy Eyler
Baltimore MD