The Complete Book of Bits and Biting [Hardcover]

Elwyn Hartley Edwards (Author), Elwyn Hartley Edwards (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 2000

Merely changing a bit can transform a balky, hard-to-control horse into a smooth, contented partner. With this comprehensive, practical guide, every equestrian will experience the rewards of using exactly the right piece of equipment. Descriptions cover every known bit -- from the simple snaffle to the double bridle. And, because the he paraphernalia can't be isolated from riding practice, there are suggestions for making the best use of the information and for bridle and bit combinations that solve specific problems.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

More advanced aspects of horsemanship and horse care are explored in this new book. The bit--that part of a horse's bridle that fits into the mouth--is an essential part of the equipment used to control a horse. Beginning with a history of bits and bitting theory, well-illustrated with photos of period illustrated pottery, friezes, and etchings, the text moves on to discuss the principles and mechanics of the bit and its relation to the other riding aids. The meat of the book is its descriptions of the various bits, starting from the simple snaffle and all of its derivatives through double bridles, pelhams, and bitless bridles. This beautifully illustrated book may seem esoteric, but it is full of practical advice and will be a welcome addition to libraries well frequented by horsey folk. Nancy Bent
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

About the Author

Elwyn Hartley Edwards is one of the most distinguished writers of the past twenty-five years, with some thirty authoritative books to his credit. A practical horseman of long and varied experience, he is an expert on equine conformation and has an encyclopaedic knowledge of horse and pony breeds. He teaches and lectures regularly all over the world, and is acknowledged as an international authority on saddlery and bitting. He was editor of Riding magazine for eighteen years, and then for five years consultant editor of Horse & Hound. He received the BHS Award of Merit in 1993. Elwyn lives near Pwllheli, North Wales. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: David & Charles Publishers (December 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0715307835
• ISBN-13: 978-0715307830
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,471,625 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thorough Study of the Subject, March 15, 2006

By 

Ross A. Radzykewycz (Park City, Montana) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Complete Book of Bits & Bitting (Paperback)

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.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "For the Novice and the Experienced Rider", September 2, 2006

By 

Cathy A. Kedzierski "Off Track Thoroughbred Lady" (Milford, MA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Complete Book of Bits & Bitting (Paperback)

....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.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A must read for aspiring horse professionals., July 23, 2006

By 

Squire Prunesqualler "Red" - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Complete Book of Bits and Biting (Hardcover)

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.