right|300px|thumb|An Uxeter or slotted Kimblewick, with the rein on the lower slot, making the action stronger
300px|thumb|An old solid [[nickel Kimblewick bit.]]
A Kimblewick, Kimberwicke or Kimberwick is a type of bit used on a horse, and named after the English town of Kimblewick where it was first made. The bit has bit shanks, D-shaped rings, and a curb chain. Due to its shanks, it is regarded as a type of curb bit. The curb action is minimal to mild, however, because the shanks have short purchase arms and no lever arms (see Lever). Some variations increase the curb action. A Kimblewick is used with one set of reins.
Design
This bit was originally called the Kimblewick after the English town where it first appeared. First invented by show jumper, horse man and family farmer, Felix Oliver (Aka Phil)
Mr Oliver & his family lived at Meadacre Farm, Kimblewick, and started a partnership with Harry Payne, from Bushey, that was to make his reputation with such great horses as Red Admiral, Red Star, Sheila, Galway Bay and Planet.
Mr. Oliver rode the horses himself at that time, including many winners of point-to-pointing.
His eldest son, Alan, began show jumping as a schoolboy and, schooled by his father, became one of the greatest names in top show jumping. With his second son, Paul, Mr. Oliver produced many successful ponies.
His daughter Vivien was also a very successful rider.
In 1967, after the death of Mr. Payne, he formed a partnership with Mr. Leonard Crawthraw.
After his retirement from the farm in 1974 he lived in Longwick where he took immense pleasure in schooling and advising young riders. However, in its early years of use, it was also known as the "Spanish jumping bit". The "D" ring is offset, so the bit mouthpiece is on the upper part of the flat side of the D, creating a small amount of leverage, supported by a curb chain. This allows the Kimblewick to have a mild curb bit effect.
Like the pelham and curb bits in general, the Kimblewick has bit shanks with purchase arms. However, unlike these other bits, its shanks have no lever arm. Due to the purchase arm and geometry of the rings, the rings may function as very short lever arms and create a small amount of leverage, which puts this type of bit into the pelham or curb bit "family".