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   Preservation Virginia > Jamestown Rediscovery > Exhibit > Jamestown Fort: Rediscovered > The Things > Status > Horse Bridle Bit

Horse Bridle Bit

Horse Bridle Bit This elaborate snaffle bit from Pit 3 has a port and rollers, which are elements used to control a high-strung animal such as a battle stallion. Only gentlemen would have horses in the colony during the first few years. When John Smith left for England in the fall of 1609 there were "six Mares and a Horse" at Jamestown. They were eaten by the colonists that winter during the Starving Time.




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