What Is a Snaffle Bit?

 While a snaffle bit may seem like a simple, go-to piece of tack, there's much more to it than meets the eye. First of all, what is commonly referred to as a snaffle bit is actually a direct-pressure bit with a snaffle mouthpiece, and a direct-pressure bit can come in a variety of mouthpiece options. Although there are many options available, the most common is a snaffle or twisted snaffle mouthpiece, which is why most direct pressure bits are usually referred to as a snaffle bit. From this point on in this article, we will be referring to this type of bit as a snaffle as we inform you about its proper uses and the different styles available from NRS. We'll also help you find the best snaffle bit for your needs.

What is a Snaffle Bit?

The snaffle bit is the most routinely used type of bit in the equestrian world. Not only is a snaffle the bit used after horses are started in a loping hackamore or halter, but many horses continue on in a snaffle bit throughout their performance career. A snaffle bit is a direct-pressure, non-leverage bit designed to be used with two hands. A snaffle bit includes a mouthpiece that can be straight or jointed, has rings at both ends that attach directly to the reins, and does not have a shank. The bridle's headstall and the reins attach in the same ring. Their action is relatively mild, and it's made to slide across your horse's mouth without pinching. Snaffle bits always have a 1:1 ratio of pull.

Loose Ring (O-ring) Snaffle vs. Eggbutt (D-ring) Snaffle

The loose ring/O-ring construction allows for easy movement because the cheek rings slide through the connectors on the floating mouthpiece. Because of the free movement, it encourages a relaxed jaw but may pinch the sides of the mouth, so a bit guard might need to be added.

The D-ring/eggbut snaffle has a mouthpiece attached to the ring. The D-ring joint is away from the mouthpiece, which helps to keep the horse's lips from being pinched and doesn’t allow the mouthpiece to float in the horse’s mouth.The eggbutt cheek prevents rotation and keeps the bit stable. Many horses prefer it because it doesn't pinch the lips.

How Does A Snaffle Bit Work?

So now that you know what a snaffle bit is, how does it work? As with all bits, this type of bit works by the application and release of pressure. The difference is that this bit is characterized by a 1:1 ratio, which means that one pound of pressure from the reins equals one pound of pressure to the bit. Pressure is applied equally on the corners of the mouth opposite the rein being pulled, tongue, and bars of the lower jaw, essentially creating an outside “push” on the corner of the mouth when the reins are pulled on. This helps a horse learn to give to pressure, flexing each direction and helping them learn to bridle up and keep a nice round back when both reins are pulled equally at the same time.

The 1:1 pressure is lighter than shanked bits and is one of the reasons that snaffle bits are frequently used when starting young horses or retraining more experienced animals that need some back-to-basics work.

Fit the Bit

It is important to make sure your snaffle bit fits your horse’s mouth. Most of our snaffle bits for full-sized horses are between 5-6” wide. If you need a smaller one, we also have some pony-sized snaffles that are 4-4.5” wide. Since not all horses are the same, it’s good to have several snaffles in your tack room. When learning how to fit a snaffle bit properly, remember that the bit should fit comfortably across the bars of your horse’s mouth, which is the area behind their incisors, allowing the bit to sit comfortably in the corners of the mouth, and not have a lot of mouthpiece out either side of the mouth. All horses have unique mouths, so you always keep the following in mind when measuring a snaffle bit:

• Position - The mouthpiece should be balanced. Adjust the bit according to where it sits in the horse's mouth, making sure it sits in the corners of your horse’s mouth without too much wrinkling of the lips. A slight wrinkle is about as tight as you want the bit to sit in the mouth.
• Width - A bit that is too narrow may pinch the corners of the mouth or impair the ability to close the mouth. A bit that is too big can slide back and forth and not give you the desired result of pressure and release.
• Shape - The width, shape, and thickness of the mouthpiece should also be taken into account, keeping in mind that the smaller the diameter of the mouthpiece, the more bite it will have. 

How To Put A Snaffle Bit On A Headstall

Learning how to put a snaffle bit on a bridle is easy if you remember these three steps:

1. Make sure the bit is facing the right direction. To do so, pick up the snaffle bit in your hands and try pressing the ends together. The bit should fold smoothly onto itself when bent. If the bit doesn't collapse easily, it is backward.
2. Attach the bit to the bridle. Hold your bridle so that it is facing the way the horse will be wearing it. Make sure that the front of the bit is facing the front of the bridle, then attach it to the bit connector loops, being sure that your snaffle bit is securely atached. 
3. Adjust the bit’s position in the horse’s mouth by adjusting the cheek pieces on the bridle to ensure the bit is in the corners of your horse’s mouth. If your bit is too tight or loose, your horse will usually tell you by mouthing the bit and possibly gapping its mouth.

It is generally best to use a snaffle bit with a browband headstall instead of a one-ear or slit-ear headstall, split reins, and a loose leather curb. The throatlatch on a browband headstall keeps young horses from rubbing them off, and the loose curb keeps the rings from flaring out on the snaffle bit. 

If you have any further questions about selecting the right snaffle bit, be sure to give us a call at 800-467-6742!