The Complete Book of Bits and Biting

by Elwyn Hartley Edwards

Book Overview

Gives details of every known bit in the world, with photographs and working diagrams to show how each group works. Covering everything from the simple snaffle to the western bosal, it is international in content and approach. Edwards provides an insight into the history of the bit and explores the latest developments in design and manufacturing.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0715307835
• ISBN13: 9780715307830
• Release Date: December 2000
• Publisher: David & Charles
• Length: 184 Pages
• Weight: 2.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 8.6" x 11.3"

Customer Reviews

Excellent reference material!

FINALLY a complete look at horse bits and practices from the beginning of horsemanship through today. A necessary book for every serious horse person's library - this is one we will come back to again and again I'm sure. Includes excellent photos and diagrams of the different bits and hackamores et al with explanations of how and WHY each piece works. While the author does have some disapproving tones at times, so what? It's his book and thus his voice after all. As long as the information is accurate and clearly given that is all the matters.

great book

This is an awesome book for anyone who wants to learn more about bits. The pictures are great, and the book includes some history as well. It's also very easy to read, especially for the type of book it is.

"For the Novice and the Experienced Rider"

....since getting back into riding the English discipline after a break that lasted quite a few years, I was surprised when I discovered just how much technical information had slipped my mind. Since the art of bitting was at the top of my list for my about-to-be new horse, I eagerly awaited its arrival and was not disappointed. The book opens with a chapter about the evolution of the bit, then concisely describes the many bits, the variations thereof, how they feel to the horse and how to determine the best choice for your equine companion. This information far exceeded the expectations I had when I first submitted my order. Bits & Bitting helped to re-acquaint me with this very important piece of tack! The pages speak to the novice in laymans terms and also to the experienced rider that may be looking to change his or her horse's bit.

A must read for aspiring horse professionals.

I bought this book with the hopes in mind to learn about the different types of bits. I didn't just want to know what they were called, but also what purpose they served. I felt that this book was a good start to my understanding bitting. I found the author, Elwyn Hartley Edwards, to be absoutely entertaining with his side comments; he stated his opinions, but without taking away from the facts, which is something one must admire with his British humor.

Thorough Study of the Subject

This is a very thorough study of bits and their application. It covers the history of the bit and theory behind its use. Rein effects are clearly and concisely explained (easier to demonstrate than to write about) and the horse's anatomy regarding the cause and effect of bit/bridle pressure is illustrated brilliantly to help the rider understand the effect of proper cues on the entire horse. The book emphasizes proper application of all riding cues, specifically how the bit reinforces information already relayed to the horse through the seat and legs. The illustrations are very well done and complement the book nicely. This book could benefit the beginner, but it is so thorough that it really fits into the intermediate skill level. The depth of information could easily overwhelm a beginning rider who is still struggling with basic skills. My assessment of the author's writing is that it is witty and at points humorous, in the dry manner of which the British are famous. I never felt the author was pompous or "angry sounding." It seemed to me the author is a true expert in this field and was laying out the information including his "expert opinion." I appreciated his opinions and felt the book would not have been nearly as informative without them. I almost did not buy this book based on the previous reviewer's comments. I'm glad that I bought it and once I started reading it, I found it flowed smoothly from cover to cover. My knowledge and skills are the better for it.