>>> Interesting that it's just about impossible to find any articles on the use of a shanked, broken, Tom Thumb type bit (like the Icelandic bit) in combination with a flash noseband. Probably because no authors can imagine anyone stupid enough to do it!
I really think that's it, Mic. I've never seen it before. I haven't exactly been thrilled with the direction competitive dressage has gone over the last years, but they don't allow any shanked bit with a dropped noseband, nor do they allow shanks as long as the ones on Icelandic bits. And they don't allow any broken-mouthed curb bits. I think the Icelandic bit with a dropped noseband would be a triple no-no in dressage. Most of the time I've seen western folks use the Tom Thumb "snaffle"-curb type bits, they use them without any nosebands. And...don't I remember that broken-mouthed curbs aren't allowed in many western show classes at all - maybe not in any? Karen Thomas, NC
