Why use a loose ring snaffle?

Loose ring bits help the horse to position the bit where they like it unlike fixed bits such as the eggbutt or hanging cheek snaffle. This helps the horse be more comfortable in the mouth and since the mouthpiece is moveable on the cheek it also helps with horses that are heavy or take hold of the bit.

What is the most comfortable bit for a horse?

A mullen mouth is a plain mouthpiece with a slight curve over the horse's tongue. This makes it more comfortable for the horse to carry than a straight-bar mouthpiece. It's also considered more gentle than a jointed mouthpiece, as there is no pinching effect when the reins are pulled. Continue to 2 of 15 below.

What is the difference between a loose ring and D ring snaffle?

Loose ring snaffles have a smaller area of pressure when a direct rein pull is made. The mouthpiece in a loose ring snaffle slides all the way around the rings. A fixed ring is just that, the mouthpiece is fixed in 1 place on the ring.

Do loose ring snaffles pinch?

Loose ring snaffles need to be fitted with care. The design of this type of bit means that the bit rings move freely within the bit ring grooves (the holes within the mouthpiece), which has the potential to pinch the horse's lips should the bit be a close fit.

What bit for fussy horse?

A bit with a loose lever action, such as a three-ringed gag type bit will give leverage to assist in controlling but by keeping a nice mild mouthpiece you keep her comfy and can easily reward her when she is listening.

How to bit a horse: eggbutt snaffle and loose ring snaffle

Do you 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.

Should I use a curb strap with a snaffle bit?

Skip the curb strap.

The only reason to use a curb strap on a snaffle is if you tend to pull one of the snaffle's rings through your horse's mouth. If you do use a curb, be sure it's a leather one, adjusted loosely in front of your reins—never behind your reins.

What are D ring bits good for?

Named after the shape of the cheek piece, the bit forms a "D" outside the horse's mouth. Affixed to the mouthpiece, the smooth cheek piece protects the horse's sensitive lips from being pinched while also safeguarding against the bit being pulled through the horse's mouth.

Why would you use an Eggbutt snaffle?

Eggbutt Snaffle Uses

One of the most commonly used English snaffle bits is the eggbutt snaffle. It is useful in training a young horse, general riding, and the beginning stages of dressage. Some horses are ridden their whole lives in this type of bit.

Are O ring snaffle bits harsh?

Introduction to Snaffle Bits

The Snaffle configuration by itself is a mild bit and one of the most universally used mouthpieces. It can be thick and mild on the bars and tongue or more severe if it has a thin twisted wire mouthpiece.

What does an Eggbutt snaffle do?

The eggbutt snaffle bit is similar to the loose ring snaffle and prevents the corners of the horse's mouth from being pinched thanks to its curved rings. eggbut bits are available as single or double jointed bits and in a variety of sturdy materials.

What is the softest bit on a horse mouth?

The softest bits are generally snaffle bits made of rubber. Rubber offers a smooth fit on the bars of the horse's mouth, while the snaffle's rings fit softly in the corners of the horse's mouth without pinching.

What is the least harsh bit for a horse?

One of the most common types of snaffle bit is the eggbutt, which is considered to be the gentlest type of snaffle bit because it doesn't pinch the corners of the horse's mouth. It has an egg-shaped connection between the mouthpiece and the bit-ring.

What bit is slightly stronger than a snaffle?

The Bevel provides more brake-power so is ideal for those horse's needing something slightly stronger than a snaffle. This is a great bit for a novice horse at a competition! A great Bevel bit to choose is the Shires Bevel Bit with Jointed Mouth RRP £14.99.

Can you neck rein with a snaffle?

With a snaffle, you can apply lateral (side) and vertical pressure without causing your gelding any pain or discomfort. Some people do switch to a shanked bit once their horses are trained to neck rein, but I've found a smooth snaffle bit can offer great control for the horse's entire life.

What is the purpose of a chin strap on a bridle?

Purpose: The chin strap (or curb strap) works with the bridle to limit how far the purchase of a shanked bit—the upper portion of the cheek that extends from the mouthpiece to the headstall rings—can rise up.

What does a full cheek snaffle do?

Full Cheek (Fixed Cheek)

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 the difference between a Tom Thumb bit and a snaffle bit?

The Tom Thumb Bit – A Bit for the Well-Trained Western Horse

The Tom Thumb snaffle bit starts as a regular snaffle, applying direct pressure to the mouth, lips and to the bars of the horse's mouth. With the addition of shanks however, the Tom Thumb bit moves beyond the regular snaffle motion by adding leverage action.

What is the purpose of a curb chain?

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.

What bit should I use for more control?

In our opinion, the following two horse bits work the best: Best overall: Korsteel French Link Full Cheek Snaffle. Best horse bit for maximum control: Shires Double Jointed Pelham.

How do I stop my horse from running through the bit?

Hold the left rein about six inches from the bit and ask your horse to go forward in small circles around you as you maintain your position. As he moves briskly forward, ask his hindquarters to move two steps away from you to the right by picking up the rein slowly, taking out the slack, and holding steady.