Tilting Canon Swales bit

Here's an engineering aside worth knowing: the Swales design is, per Jump'In, the only lever-action bit that puts no pressure on the neck, because it acts independently of the bridle cheekpieces. The Tilting Canon Swales captures that distinction with a tilting ported cannon and straightforward stainless steel construction.

How it works: where a Pelham must engage the cheekpieces and poll, the Swales loads its lever through the curb chain and mouthpiece alone, riding with a single pair of reins - less restricting than a Pelham, per Jump'In, because it leaves the head-and-neck angle alone. The tilting cannon lets the tongue settle under the port while keeping the action decisive.

Why we rate it: the format has a following across show jumping because it offers a middle step: more authority than a snaffle, none of the poll lock-in of a double or Pelham. Horses that object to poll pressure but need chin- and jaw-level clarity are the natural clientele. Curb chain setup is everything - take time with it. Stainless steel, rinse after riding. Compare our leverage bits range.

— Sizes: 135 mm (5.25 in) or 145 mm (5.75 in).