As with the Pelham, the action of the Kimblewick is dependent upon the position of the riders hands. The rein slides on the Dee shaped bit ring.
If the hands are lowered prior to pressure being applied to the reins, the rein will slide about an inch and the bit will assume roughly a 45° angle in the mouth. Causing the mouthpiece to act in a downward and backward motion on the lower jaw, this is complemented by a downward pressure on the poll, giving the bit a lowering action.
It is supplied with nylon backstrap.
The Happy Tongue is a solid mouth piece. It is curved and ported to give tongue relief. The Happy Tongue would be a good place to start if your horse is:
Shaking its head
Sticking its tongue out
Sucking its tongue back and as a result making an intermittent coughing noise
Trying to put its tongue over the bit
Going behind the bit to avoid the contact
Snatching the reins forward and down
The rider will know immediately if this is the correct bit, as a horse with a sensitive tongue will finally begin to work into, and accept the contact. Changing the cheekpieces would then allow the rider to adjust the level of control.
