Horse Care For Beginners

 More about horse bits (refer also to previous Posts).

The most common types of bits.

Generally types of horse bits are divided into either Snaffles and Curb bits.  A somewhat simplistic division but in this post we’re looking in more detail at the different types of Snaffle and some of the more exotic features you can find on this, what seems to be just a humble bit. 

Snaffles themselves cover quite a broad category of horse bits however they all feature a single common factor in that they allow you to signal your intention to your horse through direct force by the pulling of one or both reigns.

The basis of a snaffle bit.

For a bit of background a snaffle is made from a bar or mouthpiece and on each side there are rings connected with different amounts of freedom to move at each end. The bit sits in the horse’s mouth resting on the gums not the teeth, in the space behind the front incisors and the molars behind often refered to as the “bars”.

For now we’re going to concentrate on just some of the different types of mouthpiece that you can get with your snaffle and what function these different types have. 

The mouthpiece can take many forms but here we’re going to review the following mouthpiece styles:

• one solid piece
• single jointed in the middle
• double jointed in the middle
• multi-link or chain

Solid one piece mouth-pieces may be moulded rubber and sometimes gently curved, called a Mullen.  They tend to be softer and it places even pressure on the mouthpiece, lips, and bars and works well for young horses.  However you must be cautious about describing a bit as mild as the skill of the rider has a big impact on this, however all things being equal and when compared to other types, this is a mild mouthpiece. 

For horses needing a little stronger signalling, the bit designers gave us the “broken” bit. 

When the rider pulls on the reins, the mouthpiece breaks at a central join, forming an angle and applying a “nutcracker” effect on your horses tongue.  Also, and depending on the height of your horses mouth, the “point” of the broken piece may touch the roof of the mouth providing a further “signal”. The mouthpiece can still be made from softer material such as vulcanite.   

Remember, the skilled rider “signals” his intention to the horse so force should not be necessary the majority of the time. Observe how your horse behaves with these bits. If it’s causing discomfort such as spiking the roof of the mouth your horse may not only raise his head up and down but also poke his nose out, as a sign that he is trying to relieve the pain.   If you have one of these you might want to put it over your wrist and close it like a nutcracker, then you’ll get some idea of what your horse is getting ! So learn to be subtle with your use of these bits. Try not to yank hard.

Double jointed mouthpieces.

Where the single jointed bit hits the mouth and causes the horse too much discomfort, double jointed mouthpieces were developed which also give the tongue a bit more room .  Two very popular forms of this style of bit are French Link e.g. french mouth full cheek and the Dr Bristol style e.g. dr bristol full cheek.  The Dr Bristol style compared to the French Link has a longer link  i.e. the middle section .  The link is also angled so that when the bit is pulled , the edge of the link presses into the tongue as a fairly sharp signal. The French Link has a shorter link and is flat or angled differently so that the flat edge of the link contacts the tongue therefore being milder.

The chain style bit.

The chain style of bits often attract a little controversy on their harshness or otherwise. At least in part a bit may be a problem if the rider is a problem so whether a bit is mild or harsh is not specifically down to the bit.  A popular type of chain bit the waterford full cheek comprises a chain of three or more interlinking pieces.  As such, this chain style of bit tends to slide back and forth across the horses mouth with the “nobbly” bits of the chain giving the signal as well as the chain engaging with the sides of the mouth.  These bits are often chosen by owners of bigger horses or excitable horses that might take the bit and run .  The chain style of bit because of its chain feature doesn’t offer the horse anything to fight against, it is too fluid so can work well in controlling such horses.

It pays to seek expert advice.

The effect on the horse of any bit can be drastic and so seek expert advice to ensure the bit will actually help you. 

Remember there is a balance between being too soft on your horse and not firm enough. Going for the soft option can lead to bad habits that are then more difficult to address later on, and being too harsh can cause your horse pain and discomfort and is just bad in every way.

The snaffle offers a surprising amount of flexibility in its features so be sure to do your research to find the right one for you.

A recommended supplier of tack:  Horse Saddle Shop

Related posts:

1. The Snaffle Bit. Simple but effective.
2. The Curb bit. What the horse rider needs to know.
3. What You Need to Know About The Pelham Horse Bit.
4. The bit is the key to the horse.
5. Wintec 2000 – Just One Of An Extensive Range of Saddles For All Riders!

Tags: bit, curb bit, easy horse care, EggButt, Equestrian, Horse, horse bits, horse care for beginners, Horse tack, Snaffle bit

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