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Watch LessonStockman
The Stockman is a leverage bit, meaning that it multiplies the pressure applied by the rider.
The shorter the shank, the more force is needed on the reins to provide a given amount of pressure on the mouth. The shorter shank bits only need to rotate a short distance before applying pressure on the horse’s mouth than longer shanked bits. Therefore, the horse has less warning in a short shanked bit.
The longer the shank, the less force is needed on the reins to provide a given amount of pressure on the mouth but the longer shank bits must rotate back further before applying pressure on the horse’s mouth than shorter shanked bits. Therefore, the horse has more warning in a long shanked bit, allowing it to respond before any significant pressure is applied to its mouth, than it would in a shorter shanked bit. In this way, a longer shank can allow better communication between horse and rider, without increasing severity.
The Stockman is available in two shank lengths.
Functionality
The Stockman is softer than a Pelham due to the curved back shank. The shorter shank will apply less leverage but the leverage will be applied quicker.
The longer shank will apply more leverage but take longer for that leverage to be applied.
Connectors can be used.