Since there are so many different types of horses, each with their own personality and quirks, there is no "one size fits all" approach when it comes to training or conditioning horses. Therefore, each type of bit has its own purpose. For example, the Loose-ring, or Half-O-Ring, is a great choice for when you want your horse to have a little more independence than a regular bridle gives him. It gives just enough control to get the job done, but allows your horse a small amount of wiggle room. The Full-Cheek or "Buckwheat" bit is designed for very heavy horses. It has a larger, rounder jaw than the other bits, and is extremely effective on animals with thick necks and strong backs. The Pelham or Curb bit is similar to the Full-Cheek bit, except it has a slightly smaller jaw. The Pelham Bit can be used in conjunction with a curb chain, but is not recommended if your horse has a tendency to head up.