Modern Replica Bits

[Mike Ventura]

Re: Modern Replica Bits

Hey John --

A suggestion. Most us on here don't respond to "Colonel," "Trooper" or "C'apn" unless we are in the field and that's our rank of the day. Just address us by our given names. You'll also find that most of the regulars here are just as happy to be a private in the ranks as an ossifer, and most of us have had a good taste of both. While you might assume that Tom Craig is from Maine, he isn't, and the last event that I rode with him, he was doing a fine Texas CS impression.

This is a very small community, and most of us know each other personally and have attended many event with each other.

Ethan nailed it with "miles on a horse..." and the best miles that you are gonna get is "drill". Your horse needs to learn to stand quietly in formation, ride easily in a column, etc. Bets thing to do is find some like minded folks who know what they are doing and drill, drill, drill! You won't find any better drill mates than the fine men of the 7th TN Cavalry, and they are all over this form.

Take some time and go back through the threads on this forum and read-read-read. There's a ton of information here.

[SouthernPatriot]

Re: Modern Replica Bits

New to the forum but figured I should give my 2 cents worth on the subject.
If you are getting blisters on your hand from your horse fighting the bit then there is a definite problem.
I agree with the previous posts related to safety. A horse should be light in the hand and one that fights could run with you if spooked.
Horse training has come a long way since the 19th Century but some things don't change. I would suggest reading Cooke's Cavalry Manual as much
of it is the same today. As far as bits go I probably somewhat disagree with others, a bit should be chosen on its function and not authenticity. If you
can get both great, but the purpose of the bit should not be overlooked to have a better 19th century impression. The high port bit of the cavalry was
a very aggresive bit in nature but was designed for very well trained horses. The larger the port the quicker the message, these bits should only be
used on horses that are highly trained, that is what they were designed for. The snaffle is and always will be the best bit to start off with, it has been used
for training horses for a long time. If you cannot get control of a horse with a snaffle, you will not have control with anything else.
My suggestion for someone whose horse is fighting the bit would be to have them wear the bit much more often, and spend lots of time doing lateral flexion exercises as
this will increase the horses flexability in the neck and produce a much more responsive horse. Trying to hold a horse back when he is ready to go
can also be a source of many problems. When I work with young horses I always try to get them nice and tired before asking them stop and stand.
I know for reenactments there is not always time to spend working on training problems, but that is also a good reason to fix problems at home
and not on the field.

My 2 cents worth,
Daniel Pullen

[Forrestcavalryman]

Re: Modern Replica Bits

Hey John, You might remember me, I rode with your set at Camp of instruction! My mare had the control problem herself a while back, I changed to a period styled Walking Horse bit (I used to use a snaffle) and she does fine now. Don't worry about the old boy he did fine that weekend. If you haven't purchased a new bit, let be know, I have a low port that might work. (I would be more than happy to post pictures)

Andrew Verdon

[RCR001]

Re: Modern Replica Bits

Andrew, I do remember you. "Don't worry number two, I won't run away again. I promise!" LOL Wasn't that about the best time of your life?

I got a blacksmith that says he's up for making whatever bit I want him to make. When I told him I needed forty of 'em, he choked, but he's up for one or two. I'm figgering on giving him a design later next week and letting him have at it.

I just wonder if some of you all might like to have input on that design. I'd appreciate pointers to good images of authentic bits. I know its alot to ask on a Sunday morning, but please.

[RCR001]

Re: Modern Replica Bits



He's a blacksmith craftsman and I reckon he can make this or a close facsimile thereof. I'm going to have it be about 5 1/2" - 6" wide and 10" - 12" long. I'm also going to have him build that curb part less severe. My horses are well trained and they don't need a sharp curb like depicted. I ain't gonna have the US brass on it either. These are coming right off the forge, we didn't have no brass no way.

I'd appreciate your comments and suggestions. From all points of view.

I'm gonna nudge him about forty the next time I see him. If these first two work out, I may outfit a whole Troop.

[volcav]

Re: Modern Replica Bits

I hate to admit this but if it saves someone else or a horse from going through what me and my mare went through it will be worth the embarassment. I used to have a similar problem and wound up cutting my mares tongue fighting her to keep still. It was a bad day. I finally realized that the problem was me and not the equipment or the horse. I look back on it 15 plus years later and realize that I was giving her mixed signals. I was holding her back with the reins but I was tense and my legs were telling her to go. I've never seen you ride so this may not be your problem, I just know that a more severe bit would have only made my situation worse. I only offer this as a possible suggestion as I've never seen you ride. I only know from my experience, I was the cause of my problem. My mares tongue healed and we finally worked things out to become a pretty decent pair.

[RCR001]

Re: Modern Replica Bits

I hate to admit it too, Jerry, but you may be on to something. This horse wants to go. I hold on tight with my legs and end up in his mouth with the bit all the time. More wet saddle blankets is what I need I reckon. I'[m still gonna have this blacksmith make me a couple period correct cavalry bits though.

[RCR001]

Re: Modern Replica Bits

Hey you all, I met with my blacksmith artisan today. Showed him my diagrams and talked to him about my vision. He's up for it. By this afternoon, he already had a prototype started. My goal is to have two 1859 era replica cavalry bits by the end of the weekend. He thought if he could get one done, he could no doubt to two. Forty would have to wait until winter.

If I can get forty of these bits produced, I'll be wanting to sell 'em. How many of you cavalry type campaigners would be interested in one or two of these things? Send me a private message and we can talk about it. I'll post photos as soon as I get 'em.

[VaTrooper]

Re: Modern Replica Bits

Are you talking about the 1859 Federal Bit? They were cast not forged. So to have a accurate copy you need to find one in good shape first to have cast. True 1859 bits are really hard to find. Typically what you see are the 1863 bits that are more compact and thicker.

[1st Maine Trooper]

Re: Modern Replica Bits

True `59 bits would be completely wrong to use for reenacting UNLESS you were portraying a trooper in one the first regiments of US cavalry, the REGULAR cavalry. What you want to find and reproduce for use is the `61 bit. It is slightly different than the `59, but different none the less.
Dave Myrick

[RCR001]

Re: Modern Replica Bits

I am completely satisfied with what my blacksmith artisan and put together. It may not be perfect, but it is a lot closer that what I was using and only the most discriminating perfectionist will find fault with it. It works too. I tacked it up and rode him hard with it last night. It's bigger than what he's use to, but he took it. I'm sure as we go down the path, he'll grow ever more accustomed to it.

I haven't got any digital photos yet, but I'll get around to it.

I can get more of these you all. He made two. The first one was a prototype. I paid for the second one. I can get more of these you all. If you're even slightly interested, pitch me a PM and I'll disclose more details.

[Old-South]

Re: Modern Replica Bits

Hey John,
Post some picture here or on Equitatus when you can. All of us cav guys would love to see a hand made item!

[RCR001]

Re: Modern Replica Bits

Hey John,
Post some picture here or on Equitatus when you can. All of us cav guys would love to see a hand made item!

I represent a Trans-Mississippi Theater Rebel early in the War. My kit is a mix of US, CS and Civilian equipment. This may not be completely authentic, but it is a hand made one of a kind original based on the 1859 US Cavalry bit design. I'm betting it is pretty dang'd close to what my old Pap used in Company A, 1st Missouri Cavalry when he attacked the guns at Elk Horn Tavern, Arkansas.





What say you all, is it close enough for Campaigner work?

[Forrestcavalryman]

Re: Modern Replica Bits

WOW! Even if it isn't completly authentic (not a bit expert so I can't say for sure) I can appreciat the workmanship. Nice score! Can't afford any new gear at the moment but what do one of these run?

[RCR001]

Re: Modern Replica Bits

Here's the third photo, you all.



I told that man I'd show it to you all and try to sell some of 'em. I don't want much more than what its worth to bring something to the marketplace. If you reckon its worth your time, send me a PM and I'll see about getting you one or two of these fine pieces of Ironsmith Artwork for your cavalry kit as well.