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Dee Bit Info

The Kimblewick shank has a modified Dee-ring design.

Action

The Dee-ring, as its name suggests, has a ring shape like a "D" with the cheek side of the "D" attached to the mouthpiece of the bit. The straight bars of the Dee-ring provide a slight lateral guiding effect. This is as the bit ring is pulled against the side of the mouth opposite the rein that is activated, pushing the sides of the Dee against the horse's mouth, encouraging a turn. The Dee-ring is fixed in the horse's mouth, because its shape does not allow the bit to rotate. The Dee-ring is most similar to the full cheek.

Advantages

The straight bars of the Dee-ring provide a slight lateral guiding effect as the opposite bit ring creates a push in the direction of the activated rein i.e. for example, if the left rein is pulled the right Dee-ring will create a push in left direction, pushing the sides of the Dee against the horse's mouth, thus encouraging a smooth turn.

Size and Thickness of the Rings

The ring is usually about 3" in width, although they may reach 5" (a popular size for race horses, but illegal for horse shows). The larger the ring size, the more lateral guiding effect it has.

Mouthpiece

This is also a popular bit that comes in many sizes, various metals are used, and mouthpieces may be made in almost any type (see bit mouthpiece).

The mouthpiece is usually solid, but may be hollow mouthed (a 5" popular size for race horses, but illegal for horse shows)

Uses

Another very popular design, the Dee-ring was the traditional bit used in hunt seat riding, and is still seen in that discipline. It is also one of the most popular designs in horse racing. The D-ring is not seen as often in dressage, eventing or show jumping. A modified Dee-ring design with the straight side and a rounder ring is sometimes seen in western riding.