different bits for horses

Question
QUESTION: At what age should the knees be totally closed? We had a three year old, whos knees weren't closed yet.He was a big built horse.. maybe that makes a difference. I never really understood "closing of the knees" Are they born open. And also, when should you use a figure eight or sherwin on a horse? I appreciate it Stephanie!!!!

ANSWER: Sandra,
Horse's knees close at their own rate, just as people grow at their own pace.  Usually, a horse's knees have closed by their three year old year, but obviously yours was an exception.  Did you speak to your vet about it?  He or she is probably the best person to explain the physiology of it, but the term "closing" refers to the growth plates of the knee, and not the actual joint itself.  All horses are born with active growth plates in various parts of their skeletal structure that allow the bones to grow and lengthen.  "Closing" refers to when the growth plates in the knee growth plates harden and change from cartilage into bone.
A sure win or figure eight is most often used in a horse that runs with his mouth open, or otherwise avoids the bit, or in a horse with breathing problems.  They both serve to clamp the mouth closed around the bit, and to prevent the horse from breathing through his mouth.

Stephanie Frost
www.AlchemyBloodstock.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I have been a groom/ and or asst. trainer for 30 years; yet, I still don't know why we use a spicer bit,ring bit or a D-bit? I was just told that is what they wear. Can you explain the difference in each?

Answer
Sandra,
Briefly, a D-bit is just a standard basic bit for a horse that listens and responds well to a rider.  It offers a minimum amount of control, and is extremely mild.
A ring bit is a more severe bit, applying more pressure when the rider pulls on the reins, and is used for a puller, or a horse with a tendency to be headstrong on the track.
I'm not familiar with the term "Spicer", but I'm guessing that it similar to a Houghton, or "cage" bit, which is used for a serious puller, or a horse that has steering issues.

Hope this helps,

Stephanie Frost