Kimberwick Bit: Mechanics and Use in Horse Riding

A Kimberwick, also known as a Kimblewick, is a widely used bit in English riding and driving. It's common on ponies with young riders who may find it difficult to control a pony with a simple snaffle bit. Due to its leverage action, it's not allowed in some Pony Club events and dressage. However, many prefer it for trail riding as it offers greater control for a horse that may be stronger outside the ring. The severity of any bit depends more on its usage rather than its leverage or action. Its use is sometimes controversial due to the leverage it provides.

Different Names

Both the names Kimberwick and Kimblewick refer to the same bit, but the Uxeter type of either is a variation, with a slightly different action when the reins are pulled. The bit is named after the town, Kimblewick in Britain, where it first was introduced. You might not be able to show your horse in this bit, so check the show rules before arriving.

Appearance

The mouthpiece of the Kimberwick terminates at the top of "D"-shaped rings, with the rings of the Uxeter Kimberwick having slots in them. Kimberwicks can have a straight, jointed, or even a twisted mouthpiece with or without a port. There is a small ring to attach the curb strap or chain. A Kimblewick should always be used with a curb strap or chain to prevent the bit rotating back too far in the horse's mouth. The mouthpiece may be of copper, synthetic, or other metal and it can be jointed or solid.

Mechanism

The Kimberwick functions as a curb or leverage bit. More leverage is applied as the reins slide further down the D ring. The Uxeter Kimblewick includes slots to prevent reins from sliding. Placing reins in the lower slot results in more curb action compared to the upper slot. By holding the hands higher, reins remain at the top of the rings, while lowering hands causes reins to slide, increasing curb action.

Both types of Kimberwick use a curb chain or strap to stop the bit from over-rotating in the horse's mouth. Pulling back on the reins applies pressure to the mouth bars, chin, and poll. A port may also apply pressure to the mouth's roof. The very short shanks make the curb action relatively mild.

Ideally, every horse should be ridden in a plain snaffle bit. But, this doesn’t always happen due to rider skill, the horse’s training and behavior, or personal preference. A kimberwick may be a bit to try before trying something with even stronger leverage action like a pelham or other curb bit.

Usage

The Uxeter Kimberwick allows riders to adjust leverage by choosing between two rein attachment positions. Compared to the Liverpool bit used in driving, this bit offers less leverage due to its shorter shank. Its rings don't resemble curb bit shanks, leading some to overlook its leverage capability. The plain Kimberwick acts similarly to a snaffle when the horse or pony doesn't pull, and the rider's hands are gentle. The leverage effect activates if the horse resists the rein aid.

This is a bit commonly used in general riding and provides more curb action to a horse that may be a strong puller or needs slight curb action to lower its head. It can not be used in dressage and many hunter classes, although you may see it on field hunters. For trail riding, it may be useful or in any situation where a curb bit might be handy, but the shanks of a traditional curb bit might get caught up in things. It is occasionally used for driving. It is quite common to see ponies wearing these bits. This is a bit commonly used in general riding and provides more control on a horse that may be a strong puller or needs slight curb action to lower its head. It's a popular choice for young riders on ponies who might not be very responsive to the rein aids.