Why use a liverpool driving bit on a pony?

[HP]

Does does one know why you use a liverpool bit to drive a pony in? Also why are blinkers needed and how important are they?

[campbellking]

Historically, I think it was claimed that using blinkers would stop the horse from being scared of the motion of the carriage behind it, and distracted by other things alongside. Don't know the other aspects of your question

[b13thy]

The Liverpool is a curb or leverage bit. The further down the shanks the reins are attached the more leverage will be applied. A low port makes room for the horse�s mouth and prevents the horse from putting its tongue over the mouthpiece. A vulcanite mouthpiece is considered milder than a narrower metal mouthpiece. Of course other bits are made which may be more suitable for your horses mouth.

Blinkers are used to keep the horse from being distracted - if they are being driven in built up areas and are prone to being a bit spooky, blinkers can be very helpful.

[Shire]

Historically blinkers were also useful to protect the horse's eyes from being accidentally flicked by the whips of other drivers, especially in the big cities and towns, although I agree with the others in that their main function is to keep the horse's mind on his job.

We use Liverpool bits for our pair of shires when they are on our dray, as it gives a bit more control than the snaffle bits they wear for ploughing.