Which type of bit is known for providing leverage?

The curb bit is known for providing leverage due to its design, which includes a shank that extends below the mouthpiece and connects to the reins. This configuration allows the rider to use their hand movements to create leverage on the horse's head and neck. When pressure is applied to the reins, the bit pulls down and back, encouraging the horse to respond to the rider's commands by engaging its poll and lowering its head and neck.

In contrast, snaffle bits do not provide leverage because they operate on a direct pressure principle, where the reins and bit work in a straightforward manner without mechanical advantage. Similarly, the typical western bit is a broader category that may include both leverage and non-leverage designs, but does not inherently specify leverage. The Dutch comfort bit, designed more for comfort and less for leverage, also lacks the shank structure that characterizes the curb bit.

Understanding the mechanics of these bits can help in choosing the right type for training and therapeutic riding, ensuring the horse is comfortably and effectively guided.