Howdy y'all,
I haven't posted here in years, but thought I'd pop in. I've spent the last 3 years working on a video on Bits and Bitting that I think is the absolute best source of information on the topic available.
It is a collaborative project that involved 2 DVM (equine dentistry specialists) with over 50 years and 100,000 dentals between them, a human ENT and facial plastic surgeon, a human dentist, 2 speech pathologists, a state extension service equine specialist, 2 engineers vetted the physics and mechanical info, and Mr. Jeremiah Watt, famed bit maker is also a part of it.
The video is unsponsored, so it isn't an infomercial selling any product at all. It is also not discipline or event specific. We cover everything from:
the anatomy and physiology, including body language signs of acceptance and rejection,
to the set up of the bridle, including the weight, width, surface area, and various metallurgies
to some tips on how to use your hands on the reins
and then get into snaffle, spades, double bridles, pelhams, kimberwicks, and typical curb bits.

It is exceedingly comprehensive (5 hrs 20 min) and I don't care who you are, you'll learn some things. Most of you won't believe how much you didn't know. We actually broke ground in several areas and really present some great arguments against some common myths, misinformation, and dogma that isn't helpful or scientifically backed up.
We do get quite technical, but nothing is actually beyond a high school level and it is all presented in an easily digestible form with lots of humor and visuals along the way.

Anyway, if any of you would like to know more about it, here's a link to my website. It can be purchased as a DVD package, or as a 3 part digital download. Until Dec. 15th, use the coupon code "Christ" at checkout for 20% off.

https://www.dauphinhorsemanship.com/mercantile
We've already got some great testimonials and reviews too:
https://www.dauphinhorsemanshi...a-bit-o-information/

Bits are so often misused. I am not a competitive rider, nor a high performance one, but I ride my horses in halters only. No bits.
Just "hacking" on the ranch and the horses are much happier for it.

Just don't misuse it and you and your horse will both be happy. If only there was a resource to explain just how to go about that process...
Seriously though, if your horse is happy and under control, and you don't plan on more high performance stuff, no worries.

I have a lot of bits, used most of them in my 86 years, and the result of that is most bits are just fine if you know how to use them..I just for no particular reason broke a couple of colts in straight grazing bits and they worked fine, just had to be light handed..I also don't just use one bit on my horses, I change bits around sometimes to get a different feel and reaction and thats supposed to be a no no...That all said I will look forward to reading your paper..Never get to old to learn when it comes to what you decorate your ponys head with..Primarily today Im a team roper, and I have roped all the diciplanes as well as cutting horses and ranch cow horses.

If you ever put that into a book Id sure buy a copy, I thought thats what it was, unfortunatly it isn't, soooo?

Yes, it is only available as a DVD package, or as a 3 part digital download, but only as a video in any case. I'm not sure that we'd be capable of getting the message across nearly as well in a book. For instance, we have a good number of clips in here of live horses reacting to things. A picture in a book would not convey what a video of a moving and expressing animal can.
I also have lots of books on bits. They are pretty dry and honestly take some effort to get through. All of the feedback that we've gotten so far says that my efforts to make the video easy to watch and rather engaging have succeeded. At least with the folks that have seen it so far.

BTW Im pretty proud of my granddaughter she broke and trained the black horse that Wesley thrope is heeling off of at the National finals as we speak, and he has a 4th and a 5th place down so may sit good in the average...She sold the horse to another high number team roper who in turn sold the horse to Wesley Thrope, He is the solid black horse, and Wesley has another black with a big white spot in his forehead..I will check out your dvd sounds interested and seeing the results in action got my attention. congratulations.