The Kimberwicke or kimblewicke is a type of bit with a mouthpiece and D-shaped rings on either side. The "D" ring is offset, so the mouthpiece is on the upper part of the flat side of the D, and the kimberwicke uses a curb chain. This allows the kimberwicke to have a mild curb effect, which does not occur in snaffles. Unlike the pelham bit, the kimberwicke does not have shanks, and is only used with one rein.

The Uxeter kimberwicke has slots in the curved portion of the D, so that the rein is fixed. This increases the curb effect, especially when the rein is placed on the lower of the two slots. The kimberwicke acts very similar to a snaffle, with only a very mild curb effect, when the rein is allowed to slide freely along the curved portion of the D.

The kimberwicke can have the same mouthpieces as the pelham bit.

Kimberwickes are generally not as popular as snaffles and pelhams. However, they do offer the rider a curb effect without the risk of a shank getting caught on something, which is useful for contact sports, such as polo-cross.

Horse tack

Kimberwicke