Jointed Kimberwick Bit

A Kimberwick (also spelled "Kimblewick") is a mild leverage bit that combines features of a snaffle and a curb, offering more control than a plain snaffle without the full leverage of a true curb or Pelham.

Design

• The Kimberwick has a D-shaped or slightly oval ring on each side, rather than a separate upper and lower shank.
• The mouthpiece attaches near the top of the ring, while the reins attach lower down on the same ring — this offset creates a small amount of leverage, unlike a true snaffle where the rein and cheekpiece attach at the same point.
• It is used with a curb chain, which sits in the chin groove and engages when the reins are used, distinguishing it from the Baucher, Full Cheek, D-ring, and Loose Ring (none of which use a curb chain).
• Many Kimberwick rings have slots rather than a plain circular ring — placing the rein in the lower slot increases the leverage effect, while a higher slot reduces it, giving some adjustability.
• The mouthpiece is often a low-port curb-style mouthpiece, though it can also come with a mullen mouth, jointed mouth, or other variations.

Function

• Mild leverage/poll pressure: Because the rein attaches below the mouthpiece attachment point, pulling the rein causes a slight rotation of the ring, which applies poll pressure through the cheekpiece and curb pressure via the chain under the chin. This is a genuine leverage action, unlike the bits discussed previously.
• Increased control without severity: The leverage ratio is much lower than a Pelham or full curb, so while it does add "brakes," it remains relatively mild — often described as sitting between a snaffle and a Pelham in strength.
• Curb chain engagement: The curb chain adds a squeezing sensation under the jaw when rein pressure is applied, which can encourage a horse to lower and flex at the poll.
• Reduced tongue/bar reliance: Because part of the "stopping" signal comes from the poll and chin groove rather than solely the tongue and bars, it can suit horses that get strong or lean heavily into a plain snaffle.
• Single rein use: Unlike a double bridle or Pelham (which often use two reins), the Kimberwick is typically ridden with a single rein, making it simpler to use for riders not comfortable managing two sets of reins.

What it's good for

• Strong horses or those that lean/pull: The added leverage gives riders more stopping and control power than a snaffle, useful for horses that are strong, fast, or tend to ignore snaffle pressure — common in cross-country, hunting, and some jumping disciplines.
• Ponies and children's mounts: Frequently used on strong ponies or with less experienced riders who need a bit of extra security without the complexity of a double bridle or Pelham's two reins.
• Riders wanting simplicity with more control: Since it uses one rein and one attachment point, it's more straightforward than a Pelham while still offering some leverage benefit.
• Disciplines like hunting, eventing, and pony club: Popular where a bit more "brake" is wanted but a plain snaffle isn't providing enough control, and a double bridle would be inappropriate.

A note on fit and severity

• The slot position used for the reins matters significantly — using the lowest slot increases leverage and severity, so it should be reserved for horses that need it, with careful, sympathetic hands.
• A curb chain must be properly fitted (usually with 2 fingers' width of clearance) to work correctly and avoid pinching or excessive severity.
• Because it does create genuine leverage and poll pressure (unlike the Baucher, D-ring, Full Cheek, or Loose Ring), it's generally considered more severe than those bits and isn't typically recommended for green or young horses still learning basic contact.

Competition legality

The Kimberwick is permitted in many disciplines (showing, some hunter classes, pony club, and certain levels of eventing/showjumping), but it is not FEI-approved for dressage, since dressage rules typically require a plain snaffle (or double bridle at upper levels) rather than a leverage bit like the Kimberwick.

Summary

The Kimberwick is a mild leverage bit that bridges the gap between a plain snaffle and a stronger curb or Pelham, offering extra control and poll/chin pressure through its D-ring leverage action and curb chain — making it a popular choice for strong horses and ponies, particularly in hunting, eventing, and pony club settings, though it's generally considered more severe than true snaffle designs and isn't legal for dressage competition.

This combines the classic single-joint mouthpiece shape with a soft, flexible polymer material — offering the same simple, direct signal as a metal single joint, but with the comfort and acceptance benefits polymer is specifically known for.

Design

• The mouthpiece consists of two bars joined by a single center hinge — the same basic structure as any single-jointed snaffle, producing the classic "nutcracker" fold when rein pressure is applied.
• Made of "space age" polymer, often apple-scented, molded around an internal stainless steel core for strength, though the steel isn't in direct contact with the mouth.
• Unlike rubber, polymer tends to be firmer and more consistently shaped, holding its form well while still offering more give than plain metal.

Function

• Softened nutcracker effect: The underlying single-joint mechanics are unchanged — the two halves still fold upward at the center hinge under rein pressure, and the joint can still rise toward the palate. But because the mouthpiece is polymer rather than rigid metal, the sensation is considerably gentler, even though the fold itself is identical to a metal version.
• Warm, consistent contact: Polymer maintains a more neutral temperature than metal, avoiding the "cold bit" sensation, and offers a smooth, non-abrasive surface against the tongue, bars, and lips.
• Encourages acceptance: The pleasant scent and soft material are specifically designed to make horses more willing to accept and mouth the bit, often reducing head-tossing or resistance associated with a plain metal single joint.
• Direct, simple, softened signal: As with any single joint, there's no additional link or plate diffusing the pressure — the rider's cue stays clear and direct — but the polymer takes the harsh edge off that directness.
• No leverage or added severity: As with any single-jointed snaffle, this works purely on direct pressure, with no shank or curb chain.

What it's good for

• Horses apprehensive of metal or resistant to a plain metal single joint: A useful option for horses that need the clear, straightforward signal of a single joint but respond poorly to hard metal contact.
• Young or green horses starting bit work: The scent and soft material help create positive early associations with contact, easing the introduction to bit pressure.
• Horses with sensitive lips, bars, or mouth corners: The polymer's give reduces the risk of pinching or bruising compared to a rigid metal mouthpiece.
• Cold-weather riding: Polymer stays at a more consistent, comfortable temperature than metal, which matters for horses sensitive to a cold bit, especially in winter.
• Riders wanting simple, direct communication with added comfort: Suited to horses that respond well to the clarity of a single joint but benefit from a gentler material than stainless steel.

A note on comparison to rubber

• Polymer tends to be more durable and holds its shape better than rubber over time, particularly with horses that are moderate chewers, though it's still not indestructible — persistent or strong chewers can still cause wear or damage, which typically isn't covered under warranty.
• Compared to rubber, polymer is generally firmer, so while it's gentler than metal, it may give slightly less than a soft rubber mouthpiece — meaning it's somewhat less likely to invite leaning in horses prone to pushing into a very yielding mouthpiece.

A note on classification

• The overall lateral action still depends on the cheek style (loose-ring, D-ring, eggbutt, Full Cheek, etc.) this mouthpiece is built into.
• This is generally considered a mild-to-moderate mouthpiece — softer than a metal single joint due to the material, but still carrying more of a "fold" sensation centrally than a French Link, lozenge, or mullen mouth, since the single-joint mechanics remain unchanged underneath the polymer.

Summary

A Single-Jointed Polymer bit keeps the classic, direct communication of a single-hinge mouthpiece while softening its typical harshness and adding a taste- and material-driven acceptance boost — making it a popular, comfort-focused option for horses that respond well to a single joint's clarity but need gentler material, particularly useful for young horses, sensitive mouths, or those wary of metal.