About the Icelandic Bit

Although there are a lot of good bits and bridles available you must remember that the bridle can not train the horse, it can not fix your seat, rein contact or riding skills, which are of course the main points.

The Icelandic bits, are unique in the equestrian world. They have often been great works of art. The curb bit was not common in Iceland until the 18th century. Up until that time snaffle bits were used.

The attachment of the bit itself to the shank is designed to make the bit move in all directions and in circles. This is important for the curb bit to be flexible and easy to move sideways.

The special feature of the Icelandic curb bit is the loose chain. The chain is not fastened more than needed to make the shank angle at 90 – 100 degrees from the mouth and it is often looser. The chain on the Icelandic bit is set so that it touches the horse only slightly or not at all when the horse is flexed at the poll. If the horse moves its head upwards and against the rein the chain immediately takes effect and the horse feels an increased pressure, which in turn makes him look for the position where there is no pressure and he is comfortable. 

When the horse has been taught to follow the chain it is easy for the horse to find the best head carriage and the riders wish has become the will of the horse, which must be the basic goal of any training. A good supple head carriage positioning has a lot to do with the quality of the gait. Correct training improves movements in all horses.

A well educated horse will become even better when ridden with a Icelandic bit but a badly trained horse can become even worse.