Bit photos and snaffle bit information
Most horses are started off in a snaffle bit, and some never need to wear another bit.
There are many variations of the snaffle with some snaffles being quite harsh.
Your horse will let you know what bit is right for him.
Remember the old saying “if it isn’t broke don’t fix it”
Single jointed snaffle
This bit has more movement in the mouth, often known as a “nut cracker action”.
The bit works on the corners of the lips and bars of the mouth.
Not all horses like the “nutcracker action” and will display this by lifting their head higher when you take contact.
straight bar snaffle bit photos
A straight bar or Mullen mouth has no joints and works best on the bars of the mouth and lips.
If the horse has a large tongue this increases the tongue pressure and can be uncomfortable for some horses.
If the horse has a small tongue this type of bit would exert more pressure on the bars.
Double jointed snaffle
These have no “nutcracker” action and two joints with two arms and a link in the middle.
Dr Bristol snaffle bit pic
This bit can be severe.
It has two arms and a plate with square edges fixed in the middle.
This snaffle bit has no “nutcracker” action.
French link snaffle bit pic
A double-jointed mouthpiece designed to remove the “nut cracker” action.
Magenis snaffle
This bit has lateral rollers, which allow sideways play in the mouth.
It is single jointed with loose rings or fixed.
The sideways play from the rollers can encourage a horse to salivate and can prevent him from crossing his jaw.
Bit pic - Scorrier snaffle bit photos
A single jointed bit that has four rings.
The inside rings are attached to the cheek pieces and outer rings to the reins.
This bit should only be used in knowledgeable hands as it can exert considerable pressure on the horse’s jaw and cheeks applying a pinching action, which is severe.
Wilson snaffle bit photos
A single jointed snaffle like the Scorrier only the inner rings that attach to the headpiece are not fixed allowing them to move along the arms, giving an even greater pinching action.
This bit is harsher than the Scorrier.
W or Y mouth snaffle
This bit is made up of two thin single jointed snaffles with the joints off centred to the right and left of the mouthpiece.
It has loose rings and when pressure is applied it exerts great pressure over a wider area of the tongue.
I am not a fan of this bit as it can cause great pain as the bit pinches the tongue.
Ported fillis snaffle bit pic
This bit allows more room for tongue relief.
It can prevent a horse from putting its tongue over the bit if placed slightly higher in the mouth.
Spoon tongue
This bit is specifically designed to prevent a horse from getting its tongue over the bit.
Hanging cheek snaffle
A good bit to give tongue relief and used on horses that put their tongue over the bit.
Eggbutt snaffle
This bit will prevent rubbing at the corners of the lips. Notice how thick it is at the outer edges.
German loose ring hollow mouth
This bit is a hollow mouth, which makes it a very lightweight bit.
The rings are cylindrical and loose to reduce pinching.
D ring snaffle
This snaffle helps to prevent the bit from being pulled through the mouth.
Large ring snaffle
This is also known as a race snaffle and designed with large rings so it is less likely to be pulled through the mouth when steering.
Full cheek snaffle
Also known as a Fulmer or Australian snaffle.
The horse or pony bit is designed to reinforce the turning aids and is an ideal bit for starting a young horse off, as the bit will not pull through the horse’s mouth when turning left or right.
Keepers are used with this bit to prevent the cheeks from falling forwards.
Twisted wire snaffle
This has a ridged surface and is a severe snaffle bit to use on any horse.
Spoon bit pic
This snaffle bit can be found in full or half cheeks. A half cheek spoon can either be above or below the mouthpiece.
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