Equestrian Tack Guide ” The Basics of Snaffle Bits

by Lisa Blackstone on March 23, 2009

One of the best things about horse training is you have several tools to use as a rider.

Snaffles come in different types, sizes, styles and materials. Your snaffle bits will allow you to establish direct hand contact to your horses mouth.

Snaffles are tools that can be understood by horses easily and you can use them conveniently.

You need to consider the following factors when you are choosing the right snaffle bits in horse training:

In horse training , snaffles have different mouthpiece sizes.

The size refers to the diameter of the part extending from one ring to the other and lies directly on the horses tongue. If it is larger around the bit, the snaffle would be less severe on your horse.

The choice of snaffle depends largely on the sensitivity of your horses mouth.

Usually, horses that endured riders with scant experience have less sensitive mouths so better use smaller diameter snaffles.

Show horses that are trained well have very sensitive mouth so you can use large snaffles when riding them. In horse training , take note though that your hands are really the ones controlling the severity of the bit.

If you are too heavy handed, a large bit will be severe on the horse. A narrow snuffle on the other hand could be less severe on a horse if the rider is light handed.

The mouthpiece is usually made from stainless steel. But you can easily fond a mouthpiece made from plastic or rubber.

There are mouthpieces made from twisted wires which could add severity to the bit for horse training.

There are mouthpieces that are made in twisted wires.

You can use whatever snaffles you like in horse training but make sure it fits perfectly in your horses mouth.

If the bars go past the corners of his mouth, then it is too long.

You can raise or lower the bridle buckles to find the right fit. If the snaffle hangs too low, the horses tongue can go over the bit.

The best way to fit the bit is to place it high enough in his mouth to create one or two creases. Make sure it is no higher or lower in horse training.

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