The Kimberwicke, Kimberwick or kimblewicke is a type of bit with a mouthpiece and D-shaped rings on either side. The "D" ring is offset, so the mouthpiece is on the upper part of the flat side of the D, creating asmall amount of leverage, supported by a curb chain. This allows the kimberwicke to have a mild curb bit effect, which does not occur in snaffles.

Unlike the pelham or curb bit, the kimberwicke does not have distinct shanks, even though the rings are used for leverage, which puts this type of bit into the curb bit "family." It only used with one set of reins.

Depending on the position of the rider's hands, the standard kimberwicke acts almost like a snaffle, with only a very mild curb effect, when the rein is allowed to slide freely along the curved portion of the D-ring. However, one popular design, the Uxeter kimberwicke, has slots in the curved portion of the ring, so that the rein may be fixed into one position. This increases the curb effect, especially when the rein is placed on the lower of the two slots.

The kimberwicke can have the same mouthpieces as the pelham bit, ranging from a single-jointed mouthpiece to a one-piece ported mouth.

Kimberwickes are generally not as popular as snaffles and pelhams, and are illegal in some types of competition, notably dressage and show hunter classes. However, they do offer the rider a curb effect without the risk of a shank getting caught on something, which is useful for contact sports, such as polocross, and provide a bit more control than a simple snaffle, which can be helpful for smaller riders on strong horses.

References and External Links

• The Bit Gallery - http://www.equisearch.com/horses_riding_training/tack_apparel/bit_gallery/

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