Snaffle bits place pressure on the tongue, the corners of the mouth, and the bars of the mouth. The picture in the right is an O-ring snaffle. Ring snaffles apply direct pressure from the reins to the horse's mouth.

On which of the horse's pressure points do bits act?

BITS work on pressure not pain. Bits affect seven pressure points on the head: poll, roof of mouth, nose, tongue, bars, chin groove, corners of lips.

What action does a snaffle bit have?

Action. The snaffle bit works on several parts of the horse's mouth; the mouthpiece of the bit acts on the tongue and bars, the lips of the horse also feel pressure from both the mouthpiece and the rings. The rings also serve to act on the side of the mouth, and, depending on design, the sides of the jawbone.

Why would you use a snaffle bit?

Snaffle bits can be gentle or severe!

The lighter 1:1 pressure is why snaffle bits are commonly used to start young horses or to retrain older horses that need some back to basics work. However, in the wrong hands, any bit can be harsh, including snaffles. Excellent horsemanship requires soft, low hands of the rider.

What bit should I use for trail riding?

A typical colt bit (a mullen-mouth, sweet-iron curb with very short shanks) can be an excellent trail bit if you ride with a loose rein; a mullen-mouth or low-port one-piece snaffle can be an excellent trail bit if you prefer to ride on light contact.

Function of a Bridle with a Snaffle Bit

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Do I need a chin strap with a snaffle bit?

On a snaffle, a chin strap will be very effective in keeping the bit from pulling all the way through the horse's mouth when using one rein. It need not be adjusted tight and is normally placed between the reins and bit. The one exception to the need for a chin strap is with the full cheek snaffle.

Which direction does a snaffle bit go?

If the bit goes together smoothly when bent, you have it facing the right direction. If the bit will not go together, you have it backwards. The bit needs to fold smoothly into itself when it is used in the horse's mouth, otherwise it can be uncomfortable for your horse.

Where should the bit sit in a horses mouth?

The bit goes over the horse's tongue, not under it. There should be about 2-3 wrinkles at the corners of the horse's mouth when the bit is sitting properly. If the horse looks like it's smiling, the bit is too high. Don't let the bit hang too low either.

What is a full cheek snaffle bit used for?

Full Cheek (Fixed Cheek)

The full cheek is a very popular bit for novice riders and novice horses (when combined with a mild mouthpiece). The full cheek snaffle needs to sit snugly in the mouth to prevent lateral movement of the mouthpiece and improves the deliverance of the steering and turning aids.

What is poll pressure on a horse?

Put simply, poll pressure is the force applied to your horse's poll through his bridle. ... “This is simply down to the weight of the bit in your horse's mouth putting tension on the cheek pieces and, in turn, on the headpiece and poll.”

What is the next step up from a snaffle bit?

Transition bits are middle-of-the-road bits used to transition the horse from the snaffle to a regular curb bit. Transition bits are the stepping stones between the green horse and the finished horse.

What is the best bit for a strong horse?

Bitting Cheat Sheet #3- Bits for Strong Horses Jumping

• The Neue Schule Verbindend. The Verbindend is one of Bit Bank's top sellers- it's available in the snaffle (as in the link above), as well as in pony sizes and as a bridoon. ...
• The Pelham. ...
• The Universal. ...
• The Running Gag.

Is a French link snaffle harsh?

Bell says the French link is “old technology”, but it is not a harsh or severe bit at all, and “it certainly does not create any excess pressure on your horse's tongue.” ... “When you take contact in a plate bit, it pushes down in the tongue and creates quite a sharp, forceful tongue pressure, so it is a really severe bit.

What is the mildest snaffle bit?

French Link - mildest of the snaffle bits, the three pieces relieves pressure on bars.

What is the gentlest bit?

The gentlest type of snaffle bit is the Eggbutt snaffle. The name comes from the somewhat egg-shaped connection between the mouthpiece and the bit-ring. The mouthpiece of an eggbutt can be made of a variety of materials (as can any bit), including copper and synthetic (either solid or covered).

How tight should a snaffle bit be?

A snaffle should be snug against the corners of the horse's mouth. It shouldn't be so tight that it causes wrinkles or so loose that it hangs below the corners of the mouth where it can bump the teeth.

Can you use a snaffle bit for Western riding?

Snaffle Bits

As previously mentioned, this design delivers equal, direct pressure to the horse's mouth when the reins are pulled. The simple design of a snaffle bit has made it a popular choice in both English and Western riding.

How tight should a chin strap be on a horse?

Adjust the chin strap so it hangs in the “chin groove,” just behind your horse's chin. Don't adjust it too tight (too far up his jaw) or too loosely where it's just hanging—both mistakes negatively influence the bit's function.

What does a Tom Thumb bit do?

The Uses of a Tom Thumb Bit

Because it is jointed, it has a nutcracker action in the mouth. Combined with the leverage action provided by the shanks, the bit will apply pressure to the horse's head over the poll and under the chin as the curb chain or strap pulls upward.

What does a curb chain do on a bridle?

The curb chain limits the pressure on the upper palate of the horse's mouth as the mouthpiece rotates. The pressure under the chin also pulls the bit down against the bars of the horse's mouth, amplifying the rein aids.