CHAPTER XVII
BITS AND BEARING REINS
In the illustration on the opposite page are shown the various types of driving bits, and I shall not attempt to describe them in detail any more than I did with respect to the riding bits. They are fully treated in many of the standard works on the subject and a detailed description of them would not belong in this book.
For single horse driving either the Liverpool or Ashleigh is correct for all occasions, except for the show ring and park driving with ladies’ traps, such as the George IV or Peters’ phaeton, where the Buxton is the correct bit for single horses as well as pairs, and except also for gigs where a gig bit is correct. Gig bits, however, should not be used with other traps than gigs. For pair horse driving the Buxton is correct for the show ring and park driving and may be used for informal occasions, though personally I think it rather poor form for country driving with any kind of trap. The Buxton, however, not having a hole to correspond with the “half cheek” of the Liverpool or Ashleigh, is, unless you use the “full cheek,” rather a severe bit for any but a skilled
driver with light hands. For pair driving a pivoted bit should always be used. The Liverpool is not so suitable for pair driving as the Ashleigh or other elbow bits, because even when the bars are pivoted they do not turn freely, so that the two inside bars are usually pulling at an angle on the bit, and do not give an even pull on the horses’ mouths.
1. Coaching
2. Buxton
