Bit shank
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The bit shank is the side piece or cheekpiece of a curb bit, part of the bridle, used when riding on horses. The bit shank allows leverage to be added to the pressure of the rider's hands on the bit.
A classic "Santa Barbara" style bit shank, designed for western riding and decorated with silver for use at horse shows
This photo shows all possible elements of a western shanked bit, including loose cheek, "slobber bar," mouthpiece, curb rein ring, snaffle rein slot, and curb chain that applies leverage to the chin groove.
A shank on a spade bit in a horse's mouth.
This photo shows all the elements of an English shanked bit, including cheek, rings for both snaffle and curb reins, a small attachment point for a lip strap, curb hooks for a curb chain, mouthpiece and curb chain
Bit mouthpiece
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The mouthpiece is the part of a horse's bit that goes into the mouth of a horse, resting on the bars of the mouth in the sensitive interdental space where there are no teeth. The mouthpiece is possibl
The rider's use of hands is one of the most important factors when determining the severity of the bit
Straight bar mouthpiece
A medium-height port on a curb bit, offering room for the tongue without acting on the hard palate.