12-03-2013, 07:02 PM
As part of my research into Roman cavalry and the three year quest for the perfect saddle, I received a major element to assist with my research today.
A HUGE thank you to Robert Wimmers and his blood, sweat and tears in making these fabulous bits for me. For the smiths amongst you, I am sure Robert will answer any questions you may have on how they were made. For me, even after a few hours of having them in my hands, their relationship - or not - to the saddle design is worth so much more now I can handle them and see how they would work in the horse's mouth.
One of them I am not so sure is a bit at all, which then begs the question what it is. Two of them I firmly believe are driving bits for other equids or even oxen. The final two curb bits, the one from Newstead (which should be well known to cavalry enthusiasts) and the other from Nijmegen may look like severe pieces of kit, but I would remind riders and non riders alike that it is not the bit which is severe, but the hand holding the rein.
A HUGE thank you to Robert Wimmers and his blood, sweat and tears in making these fabulous bits for me. For the smiths amongst you, I am sure Robert will answer any questions you may have on how they were made. For me, even after a few hours of having them in my hands, their relationship - or not - to the saddle design is worth so much more now I can handle them and see how they would work in the horse's mouth.
One of them I am not so sure is a bit at all, which then begs the question what it is. Two of them I firmly believe are driving bits for other equids or even oxen. The final two curb bits, the one from Newstead (which should be well known to cavalry enthusiasts) and the other from Nijmegen may look like severe pieces of kit, but I would remind riders and non riders alike that it is not the bit which is severe, but the hand holding the rein.
Moi Watson
Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, Merlot in one hand, Cigar in the other; body thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and screaming "WOO HOO, what a ride!
Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, Merlot in one hand, Cigar in the other; body thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and screaming "WOO HOO, what a ride!
