Bit and bridle

A bit and bridle was an essential piece of tack, consisting of a mouthpiece and a head harness to control a mount. "Any horseman will tell you that the difference between a good bit and bridle and a poor one is a stiff neck, an aching back, and a bad temper."

- Advertisement from Aurora's Whole Realms Catalogue.

Description
These coupled items were often essential for riding mounts, particularly horses. The bridle was a large set of leather straps or a rope set around a mount's lower jaw. Bits came in many types. A bit could be inserted into a horse's mouth and attached to the bridle.

Bits and bridles were sold all over Faerûn, Zakhara, and Kara-Tur. Aurora's Whole Realms Catalogue sold bits and bridles, and were suitable for those embarking on a lengthy journey or participating in a race.

The phantom steed spell summoned a spectral mount with both bit and bridle and a saddle.

History
When the beloved Zakharan horse, Edimu, passed from the world, a mausoleum was constructed for him in Sokkar. Edimu's golden bit and bridle were buried alongside him. However, ghouls later looted the chambers, stealing the valuable gem-studded bit and bridle and breaking the ka figure it rested upon, thus bringing Edimu's spirit back from the afterlife. In 1367 DR, the legendary spirit horse asked a group of adventurers to recover his bit and bridle. The heroes were successful in their task, and Edimu's spirit was finally laid to rest.

Notable Bits and Bridles
"He lavished priceless gifts on the horse, such as a bit and bridle of wrought gold, studded with diamonds and sapphires."

- Kharau telling the story of a man passionate about the mount known as Edimu.


 * Edimu's golden bit and bridle were embedded with several gems, and was worth over 1,000 gp.
 * A bit and bridle of griffonriding, a magical bit and bridle used for riding griffons with great security and control.
 * The priceless antique bridle, studded with star sapphires, was a family heirloom of House Toporello, one of the noble families and members of the Blade Council of Sumbria in the Blade Kingdoms.

Appearances

 * Adventures
 * Swords of the Daimyo • Ochimo: The Spirit Warrior • Mad Monkey vs the Dragon Claw • Test of the Samurai • Ronin Challenge • Caravans • Cities of Bone • Shadowdale: The Scouring of the Land
 * Novels
 * The Council of Blades • The Glass Prison