Want to buy a French link Dee ring? Read our guide for facts and info on French bits used for controlling horses…
French link dee rings are metal based objects that were developed for the purpose of giving the rider a way to control horses. Basically this metal object has two rings on each side joined by a link and it is placed inside the mouth of the horse with the rings extending from both sides. A bridle is used to keep the rings in place and harnesses are attached to the D’s which are held by the rider on the other hand.
French Link Dee Rings Types
Although the Dee ring was first developed in France for the local riders and the military fleet of horses over the years many different varieties have been created. Dee rings are also known as bits and they are judged according to the leverage that they use.
Amongst the designs is one that applies direct pressure without using any leverage at all. Then there is the snaffle bit which is perhaps the most popular variation of the French link Dee ring. This design features a dee ring for the mouthpiece and when the rider pulls the harness pressure is applied on the corner of the horse’s mouth as well as its tongue.
The curb bit is another popular variety amongst the leverage Dee rings. These bits are attached with a lever known as shank and apply pressure on the chin groove, as well as the mouth.
The Kimberwicke is a relatively newer variety that draws inspiration from both two distinct kinds of dee rings that has a mild curb leverage which is achieved by setting the rein placement on the ring in a particular manner.
There is a third category of French link dee ring known as the non-curb leverage design out of which the prime example is the gag bit. This bit resembles the snaffle in terms of its outward design but featured additional slots and rings with which you can slide the bit inside the horse’s mouth for extra leverage.
French Link Dee Rings Design
The French link dee ring has two main components. One of the components is known as the bit mouthpiece which is meant to be placed inside the mouth of the horse. The other part, depending upon the design is either a snaffle bit, curb bit or shanks which are meant to be attached with the reins and the bridle.
Dee links function according to pressure and leverage. The rider is supposed to apply pressure using the bridle which in turn causes the curb chain to exert pressure on the chin, jaw and face. In other designs the headstall exerts pressure on the poll.
A French link dee ring is not defined according to the kind of mouthpiece that is used. Rather the sidepieces that are on the outside and the kind of leverage that these rings act upon are the elements that determine what kind of dee ring is being used.
