Double Bridle Bits
Curb And Bradoon Bits

Double Bridle Bits
The double bridle is composed of two bits, a small snaffle bit called a bradoon and a curb bit. The two bits work together to offer the rider more control, however the double bits should only be used by an experienced rider and when the horses level of training warrants its use.

Double Bridle Bits Action

Poll
Chin Groove
Corners
Bars
Tongue
Roof of mouth

The Bradoon Bit
The bradoon bit looks similar to a snaffle bit, but has smaller rings and a thinner mouthpiece, this is because it forms one of two bits that are going to go inside the horses mouth.

There are several variations to the bradoon bit:

Single Link - A single link gives the bit a nutcracker effect on the tongue.
Double Link - Double links such as a french link cause two separate points of pressure over each link as well as from the central link unit of the bit as well.
Straight Bar/ Mullen Mouth - A straight, slightly curved mouthpiece that lies across the tongue will provide even pressure
Eggbutt Rings - rings of the bradoon are fixed helping the bit to stay fairly still in the horses mouth, this type of bradoon often suits horses with very light and sensitive mouths.
Loose Rings - Loose ring bradoons help the bit to remain mobile in the horses mouth, encouraging the horse to relax their jaw and not take hold of the bit.
Baucher - The baucher bradoon or hanging snaffle allows extra poll pressure to be applied.

The Curb Bit
The curb bit encourages the horse to flex at the poll and activates pressure points within the chin groove, bars of the mouth and poll.

The Curb Bit Mouthpieces

Curved Mouthpiece - allows even pressure to be applied inside the mouth and more room for the tongue, this type of bit can be useful for horses with sensitive bars, due to the distribution of pressure.
Ported Mouthpiece - Allows more room the tongue and will also affect the roof of the mouth when curb rein applied.

Curb Bit Cheeks

Sliding Cheek - The sliding cheek allows the mouthpiece to move up and down and is a great bit for horses prone to leaning or becoming fixed in the mouth.
Fixed Cheek - The fixed cheek curb will remain fairly still inside the horses mouth and is a great bit for horses who are very light in the mouth or prone to going behind the vertical.

Double Bridles Bits Can Be Made Of
There are a number of materials used but it should be noted that both the bradoon and curb should be of the same material:

Copper - copper bits are a warm bit and can help encourage salivation.
Rubber - Rubber bits are soft in the horses mouth and many horses with sensitive mouths relax their jaws.
Stainless Steel - stainless steel bits are very durable and the majority of horses go very well in them.

Curb and Bradoon Bit Sizes
Curb and bradoon bits are available in the same standard sizes as most other bits are and are measured between the mouthpiece rings or cheeks, usually ranging in sizes from 3, 3.5, 4, 4 1/4, 4.5, 4 3/4, 5, 5 1/4 , 5.5, 5 3/4 and 6 inches.

Uses Of Double Bridle Bits
Double bridles are used for showing and elementary dressage upwards. Double bridles can also be used for show jumping and cross country however it takes an experienced rider to successfully and correctly use two sets of reins.

Fitting Bits
The bits must fit correctly to enable the horse to successfully perform at their best. Each horses mouth is unique and the type of mouthpiece and cheeks chosen must reflect the horses individual way of going.

The curb bit should sit a quarter to a half an inch lower in the mouth than the bradoon bit which sits in the corners of the mouth again just wrinkling the corners of the horses mouth, the curb chain is then fitted into the chin groove.

The curb chain acts when pressure to the curb rein is applied, causing pressure to be applied to the chin groove in combination with pressure to the poll, the longer the shank of the bit the more severe the pressure.

When fitting a curb chain it must have all the links smooth and lying flat and when pressure is applied to the rein the shank of the Weymouth should be at a 45 degree angle to the mouth. If the mouthpiece of the curb has a high port then the roof of the mouth will also be affected.

Double Bridle
The bridle consists of a caveson noseband, browband, headpiece, sliphead that attaches to the curb bit, curb chain, cheek pieces that attach to the bradoon, two sets of reins that are ideally different thicknesses from each other or a different style such as plain or laced.

Double Bridle Bits Curb And Bradoon Bits

Double Bridle Bits
Curb And Bradoon Bits