The Complete Book of Bits & Bitting

by Elwyn Hartley Edwards

There has never been a truly authoritative, practical and comprehensive guide to bits and bit combinations available to the rider and horse-owner, a vacancy which has been highlighted by the recent renewed interest in a more thoughtful approach to bitting and its effect on the horse. With regular reports in the equestrian media of horses transformed by the change of a bit, and how a particular top name in the sport has successfully converted a horse to a new type, the equestrian world will welcome this thorough work by respected expert Elwyn Hartley Edwards. The author give 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 totally international in content and approach. Elwyn provides a fascinating insight into the history of the bit and explores the latest developments in design and manufacture, with details of subsidiary tackle and bitting for different sports and activities.

184 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2000

About the author

Captain Elwyn Hartley Edwards, MC, was an equestrian writer and editor, born on 17 April 1927 on a boat between India and Britain, and his birth recorded in North Wales. He died on 9 December 2007, aged 80.

Elwyn Edwards was the editor of Riding magazine for 18 years. And the consultant editor for Horse & Hound for five years, he also served as a regional chairman of the British Horse Society and as a member of the BHS council, receiving the society's Award of Merit in 1993. He was also a vice-president of the Riding for the Disabled Association and vice-patron of the Horse and Pony Protection Association.

He used to regularly judge horse shows in the UK. He had written more than 30 books on horse-related subjects and was an authority on lorinery and saddlery

Reviews

[Tara Tibbetts · Rating 5 out of 5]

While the author is a bit of a curmudgeon and is not hesitant to voice his opinion, this book is very informative about the types of bits and how they work. The author is English and thus has an English riding perspective, so this book isn't terribly valuable for the western rider, but he does explain the basics of the most predominantly used bits.

[Kathleen Finucane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comprehensive, one stop book for bitting questions. Also surprisingly witty and sassy at times. Unfortunately a book can't "diagnose" or "scan" your horse and tell you what bit they'll like most.

[Roya Moallem · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book might be helpful for those horsey people who do not have any information about bits. However after reading it (on a forward pace), I figured it would have been better if I watched several videos on the subject instead. This subject needs visual aids rather than mere theoretical information.

[Sue Ramlo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't think there's another book like this one... from historical to present day, it's all about bits. I've learned a lot reading this book and it will make a great reference for the future.