Snaffle Bits
Your guide to snaffle bits. How snaffle bits work, kinds of snaffle bits and buying the right bit.
The snaffle is usually thought of as the simplest and mildest bit. But in fact the name snaffle covers a whole family of bits, which vary in their action on the horse's mouth. All however, consist of a mouthpiece with rings at each end to which the reins and cheekpieces are attached.
How Snaffle Bits Work
Inside the horse's mouth, the snaffle also puts pressure on the horse's tongue. How much pressure depends on the kind of snaffle used.
Overall, the effect is to bring the horse's head up and in, helping you regulate his pace, steer and stop him. Whatever
bit you use, however, your body and legs should be doing most of the work of controlling the horse.
Kind of Snaffle Bits
The mildest form of snaffle has a thick, unjointed, gently curved mouthpiece (often known as a mullen mouth) made of rubber.
The rubber or hardened rubber (vulcanite) makes it even easier on the horse's mouth. This is a good bit for a young horse, or for one with a tender, sensitive mouth. A horse which fidgets and gets upset in a stronger bit often goes quietly in a rubber snaffle.
The plain, jointed snaffle, usually made of uncovered metal, has a two-part mouthpiece with a joint in the middle. This gives the bit a nutcracker action, with more pressure on the horse's tongue. It allows the rider greater control, in theory, at least !
Some snaffles are more severe than others. Harsher types may have a twisted, rather than plain, jointed mouthpiece, or a series of rollers inside or fitted round the mouthpiece. Otherwise there may be two thin mouthpieces, each with a separate joint at a different point across the mouth, for a double nutcracker effect.
Harsher snaffles are used for horses that lean on your hands, pull or are hard to stop and steer. They are not beginners bits !. They should be bought, fitted in horse's mouths, and used only with expert supervision.
Snaffle Measurements
Types of Snaffle Bits
Eggbutt Snaffle
An eggbutt snaffle is one of the kindest bits you can use. The rings are fixed so your horse's mouth does not get pinched, while the wide mouthpieces are comfortable for him. It is an ideal everyday bit.
The Snaffle Rings
The rings on a snaffle stop the bit sliding through the mouth. They may be loose fitted through holes in each outer (butt) end of the mouth piece, or fitted, as in the popular, eggbutt snaffle. The rings, however, can move sideways even with a fixed-ring snaffle.
Older, loose-ring snaffles usually had wide, flat rings. Nowadays, the rings are often rounded as these are less likely to rub the horse's face. And as they only need small holes in the butts of the mouthpiece, there is less risk of pinching the horse's lips.
Snaffle bits in old-fashioned racing prints often had long cheeks (vertical strips) set between mouthpieces and ring. These are a steering aid, as the cheek applies pressure against the side of the horse's face.
Buying The Right Bit
Snaffles today are usually made of stainless steel or vulcanite. They come in half-inch sizes. For safety and comfort, the mouthpieces of the bit must be the right width. If it is too narrow, it pinches the horse's lips, if it is too wide, the bit slips about in the mouth.
It's easy when you are buying a new snaffle for your horse you know his old bit is the right fitting, just measure across the mouthpiece. If you are not sure, ask an expert to help, or explain your problem to the saddler.
From your horse's size and breeding, he probably knows the bit size you need. Then have your expert make sure that the bit is fitted correctly on to the briddle and in the horse's mouth.
A bit can be fitted onto the briddle and reins with buckles or stud billets (like a hook and eye, but less easy to undo). it can be sewn permanently into place, althought this is more appropriate for a showing bridle.
Whatever you choose, clean a bridle and bit thoroughly and regularly. Check for worn places on fastenings, straps, rings and mouthpieces. A bridle or bit that breaks is a frightening experience.
Don't ask your horse to wear a rough, rusty old bit, or one covered with stale froth and grass, but don't give him a mouthful of metal polish either !.
The jointed snaffle is believed to be one of the first bits invented for riding in prehistoric times.
Archaeologists found, preserved in peat bogs, pony sized bits thousands of years old. They are almost identical to the jointed snaffles ponies wear today.