Bit, curb bit

Horses were essential to medieval life, and the manufacture of horse equipment was a skilled trade. Various designs of bit were available. This bit, from about 1400, is an early example of what was later called a 'Pelham' bit. It was fitted with two sets of reins, one set attached to the rings on either side of the horse's mouth, one set to the ends of the lower arms of the bit. When the lower reins were pulled, the bit turned in the horse's mouth, the leather strap over its head was pulled tight, and a chain tightened under its chin. This 'curb' action gave the rider firm control - which was particularly necessary on a warhorse in battle.

Specialist smiths made different types of horse equipment. For example loriners made harness bits and stirrups. In 1327 inter-trade disputes in London led to a fight in the streets between loriners, saddlers and others, in which several were killed.