sign in sign up
<<
Home , Bit ring, Saddle, Snaffle bit, Stable

VOLUME 6 GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTO

BROUGHT TO YOU BY: BITS AND BITTING n Fitting a mouthpiece n How to choose a snaffle n Tack safety check

1 366 MARCH 2008

SELECT THE RIGHT SNAFFLE ost tack rooms have a link or Dr. Bristol snaffles). large collection of snaffle The key feature of the snaffle is bits---and for good reason. its rings: They are positioned on each MThis is the most versatile side of the mouth rather than beneath of mouthpieces, suitable for everyday it. This makes the snaffle a “direct riding, starting young , reschool- pressure” , meaning that it guides ing problem horses and “finishing” an the with a direct aid. When advanced horse’s mouth and . you pull one rein, the snaffle slides Snaffle bits are popular for dres- slightly through the mouth so that the sage, jumping, , and bit presses against the tongue, the lips racing. They are also widely used in and bars, while the ring on the oppo- English and Western pleasure, site side exerts a gentle lateral “push” and work. Snaffles are ideal for against the face to help turn the head. beginner riders because they are rela- The snaffle can also be used for simple tively forgiving and much less compli- backward pressure on one or both cated than a two-reined . Yet an sides of the mouth. expert rider can achieve the heights of The snaffle lacks “force multipliers,” performance with a snaffle alone. shanks that provide leverage or a Snaffles come in a variety of de- that squeezes beneath a signs and materials, each intended to horse’s chin. Apply six ounces of pres- highlight or enhance a particular bit sure to the , and the horse feels action. In fact, the sheer volume of the six ounces of pressure in his mouth. options can make choosing one for This makes the snaffle more forgiving your horse daunting. In this article, than some other bits, and the bit of we’ll provide an overview of snaffles choice when asking the horse to and their many forms to help you iden- reach out and take contact with the tify the one most appropriate for your Whether you’re rider’s hands. horse and riding goals. Next month relying on this That said, I’d like to dismiss the we’ll delve a bit deeper and discuss versatile bit to notion that all snaffle bits are mild or the common methods of riding and “you can’t hurt a horse with a snaffle.” training with the . start a youngster Like any bit, the snaffle is as good or or to “finish” a as bad as the hands at the other end What makes a snaffle veteran, success of the reins. Specifically, a jointed Contrary to popular belief, the snaffle can have a strong pinching or mouthpiece of a snaffle is not neces- will depend on “nutcracker” effect if you apply strong sarily jointed. The mouthpiece may choosing the right pressure on both reins, especially if be solid (often called a straight bar type for your horse. the reins are pulled in a downward snaffle), have a single joint or have direction. In these situations, the bit multiple joints (such as the French By Susan E. Harris “breaks” over the lower jaw, which can DUSTY PERIN

3 EQUUS EXTRA Bits & BItting WWW.ISTOCKPHOTO.COM RING TYPES

loose ring

eggbutt snaffle

dee ring

full cheek

Baucher

snaffles with slots fulmer POWER STEERING: The bar-like cheeks extending from the rings of a full cheek snaffle offer lateral guidance during a turn. The keepers, loops of leather that connect the bit to the , stabilize the mouthpiece and BIT ILLUSTRATIONS place more pressure on the bars. BY CELIA STRAIN DUSTY PERIN

524 EQUUS EQUUS EXTRA 394 Bits & BItting cause the center joint of the bit to hit Snaffles with slots, hooks or lifters the palate or press downward into the fix the position of the rein and headstall tongue, depending on the direction of on the ring instead of allowing these the rein pressure. Snaffles with two or to slide freely. The upper slot or hook more joints and a central link reduce fixes the bit position relative to the

this nutcracker effect and are less likely WWW.ISTOCKPHOTO.COM bridle, with an effect similar to that to bump the palate but put more pres- of a Baucher snaffle. If the reins are sure on the center of the tongue. placed in the lower slots or hooks, this Ring it up allows each side of the bit to act with a The array of snaffle bit styles can be rotating or “lift” effect, like a milder ver- overwhelming and confusing. One easy sion of a . and useful way to categorize them, how- Mild or severe? ever, is by the type of ring they feature. KNOW THE RULES! When choosing a snaffle for your Different rings offer specific advantages horse, start with the mildest bit that and drawbacks. Before you begin snaffle shopping, your horse responds well to and re- Loose ring snaffles have rings that check the rules and requirements for spects. Also consider which type, size slide freely through holes at the ends your discipline. , eventing and and mouthpiece best suits the size, of the bit, making the mouthpiece more Western snaffle bit classes have very shape and sensitivity of his mouth. mobile, which encourages a relaxed, strict specifications regarding bits. If Doing so will preserve the sensitivity responsive mouth and makes it more you are training for these disciplines, it of the horse’s mouth and avoid caus- difficult for a horse to “set” himself makes sense to use only the types of ing pain, which leads to resistance to against it. But its loose rings can pinch mouthpieces allowed in competition. rein aids. Although horses vary in their the corners of the lips if the holes are too large. You can purchase rubber bit small loops of leather that connect the guards to prevent that from happening. bit to the bridle---on the upper cheeks, JOINTED OR SOLID Eggbutt snaffles have “C” shaped the bit is fixed in the mouth with more rings, attached to the mouthpiece pressure on the bars. Half-cheek snaf- with a flattened, slightly oval-shaped fles have bottom cheeks only and are hinged joint that prevents pinching of primarily used for driving and racing. solid mouthpiece the lips. The ends of the mouthpieces Fulmer snaffles are hybrids of sorts. are typically slightly thicker than the They feature full cheeks at the end of rest of the bit for comfort on the edges the mouthpiece, but with loose rings for of the mouth. Eggbutt snaffles tend to rein attachment. This offers the extra be more in the mouth than loose guidance of a cheek while turning but rings, encouraging a quiet mouth. the mobility of a loose ring to prevent Dee ring snaffles have, as you’d the horse from setting his jaw against single-jointed mouthpiece expect, “D” shaped rings. In addition the rein pressure. to preventing pinching of the lips, the Baucher snaffles, also called “hang- straight side exerts some lateral guid- ing cheek” snaffles, have round or egg- ing pressure to aid in turning. Like butt rings for the reins but also a short eggbutt snaffles, they stabilize the bit upper cheek with a small ring, to which in the mouth. the headstall attaches. This makes the mouthpiece with two joints Full cheek snaffles feature a smaller bit very stable in the mouth and applies and a center link ring for the headstall and rein attach- more pressure to the bars than other ment with straight, bar-like “cheeks” snaffles do. Baucher bits also apply extending vertically from the ring. The slight pressure to the poll, although not cheeks exert lateral guiding pressure nearly as much as a leverage bit, such for turning. When used with keepers--- as a curb.

5 EQUUS EXTRA Bits & BItting SHAPE & CONSTRUCTION responsiveness, the most important straight factor in bitting is the hands (and heart and head) at the other end of the reins. Several factors influ- ence a bit’s severity: • Jointed or solid mouth: A solid mouthpiece is usually regarded as curved milder than a jointed snaffle, but some horses may prefer a more flexible bit. Snaffles with two joints and a center link generally have less pinching or “nutcracker” action than single-jointed bits. However, the central link puts more pressure on the tongue. • Mouthpiece shape and construc- tion: A simple mouthpiece that con- forms to the anatomy and shape of the port mouth is the most comfortable and

least severe. Some horses need a bit DUSTY PERIN with more arch in the mouthpiece or MATERIALS one designed for greater tongue relief. SURFACE FEATURES Examine your horse’s mouth and talk to your veterinarian to get an idea of how plastic your horse’s mouth is shaped. Certain smooth mouthpieces are designed to act se- verely or to concentrate pressure in a particular spot. A so-called “correctional mouth- piece” has a high, hinged port in the center, with the ends of the hinges rubber slow twist projecting slightly downward; this is a severe bit designed to be comfortable only when the horse carries his head in a vertical position. • Surface features: A snaffle with a smooth surface is more comfortable than one with edges, ridges or projec- copper double twisted wire tions which bite into the tongue, bars and corners of the lips. The most se- vere mouthpieces include corkscrews, twisted wires and triangle snaffles. Mouthpieces with rollers that spin freely around encourage the horse to “mouth” the bit instead of leaning or stainless steel rollers trying to grip the bit with his teeth. • Thickness: A thick mouthpiece distributes bit pressure over a wider area, while a thin or narrow mouthpiece concentrates the pressure and has more “bite.” However, horses with low palates,

6 EQUUS EXTRA Bits & BItting thick tongues or small mouths may find a thick mouthpiece un- FITTING comfortable. This is an instance CELIA STRAIN where you’ll need to be guided by close observation and a trial-and- error approach. • Mouthpiece materials: Soft or flexible materials such as nylon, plas­tic or rubber are milder than metal bits. Some mouthpieces are made of copper, sweet iron or other alloys intended to encourage saliva production. Many horsemen think that aluminum dries out the mouth, while chrome may flake off, leaving rough spots. Stainless no.24 steel is smooth, durable and chemi- cally neutral. Fitting questions Once you’ve chosen a type of BUTTON UP: A snaffle, you’ll need to determine flash the size of bit your horse needs. discourages a If a bit is too small, it can rub the horse from opening corners of his mouth raw. A bit that his mouth and is too big (or hung too low) might CORRECT: When an English bridle is hit the roof of the mouth and cause getting his tongue properly adjusted, the snaffle usually makes pain; it may also be less effective over the bit. a one or two small wrinkles at the corners of because it slides through a horse’s the horse’s mouth. TONGUE TROUBLES When a horse gets his tongue over the bit, it’s a disaster for comfort and control. This typically happens when the horse pulls his tongue backward to avoid painful pressure. Underneath the tongue, the bit will press into the bars and the tongue stay, the sensitive string of tissue that connects the tongue to the base of the mouth. The horse may come to an abrupt stop, fling his head into the air and work his mouth in distress or even rear. Adjusting the bit slightly higher in the mouth may help, but you may have to change to a mouthpiece that suits the horse better, provides some tongue relief, and doesn’t T00 TIGHT: If the snaffle is provoke him to withdraw his tongue. Some set too high, the horse will riders use a flash or dropped noseband to be uncomfortable. Let down discourage the horse from opening his mouth the bridle’s cheekpieces by

ARND BRONKHORST and getting his tongue over the bit. a notch or two. BOB LANGRISH

7 EQUUS EXTRA Bits & BItting THAT’S NOT Some people cause NOT confusion by labeling A SNAFFLE any bit with a jointed mouthpiece a “snaffle.” And in fact, some bits, such as pelhams, incorporate snaffle features. However, it’s important to understand that any bit with a jointed mouthpiece, shanks and/or a curb chain is actually a jointed curb, a fairly severe type of bit. On the other hand, some trainers use a chin strap on a snaffle bit to prevent the bit from slipping sideways through the mouth, but this is for stability only; it does not act as a curb strap. DUSTY PERIN mouth or under his tongue (see “Tongue so the bit just touches the corners cheekpieces bulge out from the horse’s Troubles,” page 7). of the lips, because they expect the cheeks when you put pressure on both Bit sizes range from 3½ inches to horse to “pick up” the snaffle with reins, the bit is too low. six inches. A properly fitted bit extends his tongue. about a quarter-inch beyond the horse’s The first time you place a new bit ith all the choices, chances are lips on each side. The easy way to deter- in a horse’s mouth, adjust the bridle to Wthere is a snaffle bit out there mine what size bit your horse needs is be slightly larger than you think you’ll that’s perfect for your horse. It will, to measure one you already know fits need, but don’t fully fasten each buckle. however, require a bit of research and him well from the inside of one With the bridle and bit in place, tighten careful thought on your part to find it. across the mouthpiece to the inside of one side of the bridle and then the other And you’ll know you have when your the other. If that’s not an option, slip a to raise the bit slowly and evenly to the horse is happy and compliant---con– wooden dowel into your horse’s mouth desired position. Also keep an eye on nected to your hand with the simplest, and mark it about a quarter-inch from bit position as you ride: If the bridle’s clearest line of communication. the corners of his lips. Then measure the distance between the marks. You About the author: Susan E. Harris is an international clinician and can also use a specialized mouth- author from Cortland, New York. For more than three decades, she measuring device. has taught riders and instructors in equestrian disciplines ranging When the bridle is properly ad- from hunters, jumpers and dressage to Western pleasure. She justed the snaffle lies comfortably at now teaches Centered Riding® clinics and offers her Anatomy in the corners of the horse’s mouth. On Motion™: The Visible Horse presentations around the world. Harris, an English bridle, the snaffle usually makes one or two small wrinkles at who has been honored as a Master Instructor by the American Riding the corners of the lips. Western trainers Instructor Association, is the author of Horse Gaits, Balance and Movement, Grooming to often place a snaffle bit slightly lower, Win and the U.S. Pony Club Manuals of Horsemanship.

8 EQUUS EXTRA Bits & BItting

TACK SAFETY

CHECKJANIS TREMPER By Susan E. Harris Before you start your ride, make sure your tack fits well and is adjusted properly.

10 EQUUS EXTRA Bits & BITTING Before you mount up 3. On an English , make sure the safe- Do a walk-around to check your ty catch on each bar is in the open posi- On a , check the tack. It’s most efficient to start on the right side tion. If the stitching at the buckle of the stirrup security of the off billet or the and finish on the left, where you’ll be ready to leather is broken, so that the edge of the leather latigo knot. If you use a latigo mount up: peels , the leather is not safe to use. knot, the end of the latigo needs 1. Check the fit and placement of the saddle 4. Inspect the or cinch, making sure it is to be long enough to stay tight and saddle pad. The saddletree must sit just straight and smooth. Lift the flap and check the as you ride. If you use the cinch behind the curve of the shoulder blades and fit billets and girth buckles. Cracked, stretched or buckle to fasten your cinch, wrap the contours of the horse’s back without rubbing, elongated holes in billets or stirrup leathers indi- the latigo around twice. Pull the pinching or rocking. When a saddle fits properly cate that the leather is seriously weakened and second (outer) wrap outward to there will be a clear channel over the spine with may break. set the tongue of the buckle se- curely into the hole in the latigo. no pressure on the withers. 5. If your horse wears a breast collar or 2. Make sure the saddle pad or blanket is , check the fit and adjustment, mak- smooth and properly placed. Pull the saddle pad ing sure the center strap is positioned evenly well up into the gullet; this keeps it from bearing between the front legs, rather than pulled up to down on the withers or slipping back as you ride. one side.

On an ,

make sure the safety catch on each HARRIS RHINEHART INSET PHOTOS BY KELLY stirrup bar is in the open position. Also, LACKING: The end of this latigo inspect the stirrup leather: It is not safe is so short it may come loose to use a leather if the stitching during a ride. at the buckle is broken.

2

3

1 5

4

The best protection you can have from liability is a release, a contract that states that one party agrees 11 EQUUS EXTRAto “release” another party from any Bits & BITTING 2

6 KELLY RHINEHART HARRIS RHINEHART KELLY 3 NO TWIST: Make sure the curb chain lies flat against the horse’s jaw.

1

5 4

SLIGHT TUG: The curb bit must rotate 45 degrees to cause a well-adjusted

KELLY RHINEHART HARRIS RHINEHART KELLY curb chain to tighten.

Check the right side of the bridle on the side of the horse’s nose, not in the to make sure: chin groove. 1. You can fit four fingers between the 4. The bit rests in the corners of throatlatch and your horse’s throat. the mouth. Make sure the curb chain 2. The browband or earpiece is lies flat without twisted links and that straight and placed so that it doesn’t rub the shank of the bit moves 45 degrees to or pinch the ears. tighten the curb. 3. The cavesson or noseband rests 5. All buckles, hook studs, Chicago just below the point of the cheekbone screws or other fasteners that attach and allows you to slip one or two fingers the bit to the cheekpieces and the reins underneath. A flash, drop or other mouth- to the bit are intact and fully functional. closing noseband is adjusted to prevent Chicago screws can be treated with Loctite SWEET LIPS: A properly fitted bit the horse from opening his mouth but al- or a similar product to reduce the chances rests at the corner of the mouth lows him to relax his jaw and chew softly of them coming loose and losing a rein.

MANE PHOTO without drooping or pulling. as he responds to the bit. The buckle of 6. The ends of the bridle straps are a flash or drop noseband needs to lie flat secured with keepers or runners.

12 EQUUS EXTRA Bits & BITTING NICE AND EASY: After saddling, gently lift and pull each foreleg forward to smooth and stretch the skin under the girth. BY KELLY RHINEHART HARRIS RHINEHART BY KELLY

IN PLACE: Properly adjusted front and back cinches, shown here with a connector strap in place, need to be snug but not too tight.

JUST RIGHT? To check the tightness of the girth, see if you can easily slip three fingers beneath it.

STARBUCK STUDIO

13 EQUUS EXTRA Bits & BITTING