Dogon Ring Bit
This old bit was collected in a Dogon village in Mali. Similar bits are still in use in the sub Sahara region by the Dogon, Fulani and Tuareg people.
The metal ring on the bit, attached to the highest point of the mouthpiece is placed in the horse’s mouth so that the ring circles the lower jaw. The ring lies in the chin groove on the outside of the lower jaw.
The bit style originated in Northern Africa and was introduced to the Spaniards by the early Moors. From Spain, the conquistadores carried the bit to the New World, introducing it to the Americas.
This design of ring bit was used in the early American West, however its use died out and most of the old western shank bits used the curb design, with a curb chain fitting onto the horses’ lower jaw. The ring bit style was found in Mexico after it’s popularity declined in the American West.
4" Shanks x 3.25" Width x 6.5" Chains
