Re: TTeam Bit

["Duncan Fletcher" <dfletche@gte.net>]

I am no expert on bits, but I am an engineer by training and the shape of the shanks have absolutely no effect on the mechanics of the bit. With a rigid material, the only things that enter into the transmission of force are the location (in space) and direction of the applied force (the location of rein attachment and the direction of the rein) and the location (in space) of any opposition to that force (the bit resisting any lateral motion and the curb, poll, port that might resist any rotational motion). Inertial effects can safely be ignored in this situation. It makes not a whit of difference if the shanks are straight, curve in, curve out, or even if they curve 2 feet down and then curve back to the bit. If the bit is otherwise identical and the point in space where the reins attach is identical, they will function identically.

Duncan Fletcher
dfletche@gte.net

-----Original Message-----
From: carl meyer <carlmey@citrus.infi.net>
[snip]
>The loose,
>curved-back shank helps to soften the poll, which in turn activates the
>pelvis and frees the back. IN CONTRAST, a straight-shanked bit has the
>tendency to flex a horse at the poll more stiffly.
>
[snip]