Bridle bit

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A bridle bit is used to control a horse. This bronze example with two attached rings was found at Middlebie in Dumfriesshire. It was part of a hoard of 28 items, mainly objects for use on horse harnesses, deposited sometime in the first two centuries AD.

The bridle bit is of a type known as a 'one-link' bit. Its construction is unique for the period, although it has elements found on other types of bridle bits. There is evidence of wear on the mouthpiece holes.

Leather on early harnesses rarely survives, but the metal fittings, ornaments and components of bridle bits are often preserved. Bridle bits come in a number of forms, sometimes plain, sometimes with ornamented rings and linking pieces.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-036-168-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FA 70
• Date: Deposited between 0 and 200 AD
  
• Material: Plain cheek rings
  
• Dimensions: Rings 2.31" D; mouthpiece 4.00" max L
  
• What:
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• Where: Scotland, Dumfriesshire, Middlebie
  
• Event:
• Description: Bridle bit with plain cheek rings from a moss at Middlebie
  
• References:
  • MacGregor, Morna. Early Celtic art in North Britain. Leicester: Leicester University Press, 1976, vol. 1, pp. 31, 54; vol. 2, no. 11. 
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