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The transition bit from the snaffle to the curb bit – the Vaquero Kimblewick bar

For some riders, it is the transition bit from the snaffle to the curb bit, in order to gain initial experience with a mild lever bit. For many, however, it can also be the right long-term solution for everyday training - the Kimblewick, also known as the jumping curb bit or baby curb bit, a special form of the Pelham. However, it has a smaller lever, which means that the effect on the poll and lower jaw is milder. The Kimblewick is enjoying increasing popularity, especially among riders of Iberian horses and also in the equestrian discipline of working equitation.



The Kimblewick in the Vaquero variant

The Vaquero Kimblewick by López combines the main functions of a classic Kimblewick with the experience and advantages of traditional Spanish craftsmanship.

The elaborately crafted, movable side parts of this bit offer a variety of fastening options for the reins. Depending on your wishes, the bar effect - similar to a Baucher bar - or the leverage effect can be emphasized. It can also be used with two pairs of reins.


Vaquero Kimblewick vs. Uxeter Kimblewick – what is the difference between the two variants?

In the Picadera online shop you will find the Vaquero Kimblewick as well as the Uxeter Kimblewick in a classic English design with a bar mouthpiece. Both bits are made by López in Spain. At first glance, only the appearance seems to be different, but there are also significant functional differences between the two Kimblewick variants.

  • Fastening options for the reins:

The Uxeter Kimblewick offers three fastening options for the reins - running in the large D-ring or optionally fixed in one of the two eyelets. In comparison, the Vaquero Kimblewick is characterized by a mixture of these fastening options. If the reins are fastened in the upper half of the D-ring, the bar effect of the bit is generally emphasized. At the same time, the rein position is not quite as fixed as when fastened in the upper eyelet of the Uxeter Kimblewick. This means that the reins still have the option of "running". If the horse puts its head too low, the reins automatically slip into the upper area of the ring and the effect is more upright towards the corner of the mouth. If the horse's head and neck position is too high, the reins slip down and the bit has more of an effect on the tongue and bars. Especially in combination with a second pair of reins in the lower half of the D-ring, to use the leverage effect, this allows for a wide range of influence options and differentiated rein aids.

  • Bit strength & weight of the Kimblewick:

The mouthpiece of the Vaquero is slightly thicker than that of the Uxeter Kimblewick, measuring 20 and 16 mm respectively. This, and the special design of the side parts, means that the Vaquero Kimblewick is slightly heavier overall than the Uxeter Kimblewick. Many horses really appreciate the higher weight, as it sits very quietly and stably in the mouth.

  • Connection between mouthpiece and side parts:

Both Kimblewick variants are equipped with movable side parts. The mouthpiece of the Spanish Vaquero Kimblewick also has minimal vertical play. This makes rein aids a little milder and less direct than with the Uxeter Kimblewick. The possibility of the rod jamming is also reduced by the slight play.


Available mouthpieces for the Vaquero Kimblewick

In the Picadera online shop you can also get the two most popular López mouthpieces on the Vaquero Kimblewick.

The classic mouthpiece with small tongue clearance

The bar mouthpiece with a small tongue clearance is well received by many horses as it sits more evenly and quietly on the tongue than a snaffle bit. The small tongue clearance relieves the pressure on the middle of the tongue, making the bit suitable for horses with normal to fleshy tongues. This mouthpiece is 20 mm thick on the sides and tapers to around 10 mm towards the middle.

The further developed Mullen Mouth mouthpiece by López

The further developed Mullen Mouth bar mouthpiece is slightly curved over its entire length and therefore rests particularly evenly on the tongue when the reins come into contact. This makes it suitable for horses with very fleshy tongues. When the reins are pulled, the entire bit tilts forward. On a bridled horse, this means that the curvature of the Mullen Mouth releases the tongue somewhat and offers it enough space. In complete contrast to bar bits that are curved forward! These press more into the tongue when the reins are pulled and can squeeze it uncomfortably. Based on this experience, López revised the Mullen Mouth mouthpiece in collaboration with veterinarians in 2018 and adjusted the curvature. This mouthpiece has a thickness of 16 mm over its entire length.

CLICK HERE TO GO KIMBLEWICK & PELHAM.

Kimblewick rod Vaquero made of stainless steel at Picadera

The mouthpiece classic: Kimblewick Stange Vaquero with small tongue clearance

Kimblewick rod Mullen Mouth made of stainless steel at Picadera

For horses with particularly fleshy tongues: Kimblewick Rod Vaquero Mullen Mouth


Fanni Kovacs
Fanni Kovacs

I am Fanni, the founder and owner of Picadera. For me, my identity as a rider also includes the right, functional equipment. It is not only important to me to find the riding equipment that suits my horse and me, but also the process - from deciding on a product to the moment I hold it in my hands. Driven by this, at the beginning of 2017 I started thinking about how to improve the situation for riders in Germany and Austria who are interested in Iberian and Baroque riding, as well as working equitation. The result is Picadera. If you have any feedback, questions or comments, please feel free to write me a message.

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