Equestrian Tack Home
Equestrian Tack – What To Know About Snaffle Bits
Equestrian tack includes a myriad of bits, saddles and other gear. One of the most fascinating aspects of horse training is the list of tools available to you to help communicate with your horse. In fact, see my Equestrian Tack listings below and you'll find prices that can't be beat online or off-line!
In this article, I am going to discuss the most basic of Equestrian tack used by horsemen universally, and that is the snaffle bit.
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 SS D Ring Snaffle Bit 5 Waterford Mouth NEW  US $25.00
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 SS Full Cheek Snaffle Bit 5 Waterford NEW US $25.00
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 Hanging Cheek snaffle Bit 7 inches US $32.95
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 Hanging Cheek snaffle Bit 7 1 4 inches US $32.95
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 Hanging Cheek snaffle Bit 5 1 2 inches US $32.95
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 Hanging Cheek snaffle Bit 5 inches US $32.95
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 Bob Avila Silver Shank Snaffle Mouthpiece Show Bit 5 US $75.00
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 Myler English Dee Triple Barrel Snaffle Bit 5 Level 2 US $89.95
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 Gag Bridle with Snaffle Sliding Bit Weaver US $34.00
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There are many, many different types of snaffles out there, made in different sizes and made of different materials. The common thread among all snaffle bits is that they provide direct contact from the rider’s hands to the horses’ mouth. For this reason, snaffles are the easiest for the horse to understand and for the rider to use.
When looking at different snaffle bits, consider these factors:
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 Civil War Era Horse Tack Guide Military Saddle Bits Etc US $39.95
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 SALVATORE FERRAGAMO Horse Bit Black Shoes Mens 85 D US $139.99
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 Sterling Silver Horse Heavy Snaffle Bit Bracelet 9 1 4 US $99.50
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 Sterling Silver Horse Heavy Snaffle Bit Bracelet 8 US $84.99
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 Mint SEBAGO Gold Horse Bit Lug Sole Loafer 95 US $55.00
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 BEVERLY FELDMAN FINE SUEDE UPPER HORSE BIT DETAIL 85M US $49.99
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 Unusual 1895 Patented Veterinary Horse Bit Pretty Nice US $115.00
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 HERMES Silver Horse Bits Sky Blue Tie 5294 TA NEW US $148.00
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 ESTATE CARTIER 18k GOLD HORSE BIT BRACELET US $1,450.00
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Snaffles have various size mouthpieces, that is, the diameter of the part that extends from one ring to the other and lays on the horse’s tongue. The LARGER around the bit is, the LESS severe it is in your horse’s mouth. You will select a size that suites the sensitivity level of your horse.
Some horses are more sensitive than others. Some older horses who have endured lots of inexperienced riders, may have less sensitive mouths and will require a smaller diameter snaffle.
Well trained show horses,on the other hand, will be much lighter in the mouth and can be ridden with a larger diameter snaffle.
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 Herm Sprenger Flim Flam Weymouth dressage bit US $150.00
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 Sommer Mint Green with Gold Saddle Pad Dressage NWT US $50.00
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 28 Leather Dressage Girth Double Elastic US $50.00
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 Prestige 33 Dressage Girth US $50.00
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 Beautiful Hagen Renaker Dressage Horse Rider US $50.00
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 English Dressage Saddle Martin Kinlet US $50.00
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 Black Leather Dressage Girth 65 cm 255 US $50.00
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 Black Leather Dressage Girth 65 cm 256 US $50.00
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 Used Padded Dressage Girth 28 US $50.00
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Regardless of the bit,it is the riders' hands that really control the severity of the bit. A heavy handed rider with a big fat snaffle could be more severe than a light handed rider with a narrow snaffle.
The mouthpieces are generally made of stainless steel, but can be rubber or plastic-covered. In fact, you can wrap the bit with latex strips to create padding if you want to soften it. Mouthpieces can also be twisted wires, which adds to the severity of the bit. If a horse isn’t used to the feel of a twisted wire, it could scare him.
Whatever snaffle you use, be sure it fits the width of your horse’s mouth. It shouldn’t be so long (measured from ring to ring) that the bars go past the corners of his mouth, or too short such that his mouth is crammed or pinched in the corners.
And, finally, be sure the snaffle bit is adjusted properly in his mouth using the bridle buckles to raise or lower it until it fits. If it hangs too low in his mouth, it is easy for him to get his tongue over the bit, which he will fight and leave you without much control. If it is raised too high in his mouth, it will be uncomfortable and he’ll fight that as well.
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 WESTERN LEATHER CORDURA SADDLE REINSMAN 14 HORSE TACK US $479.99
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 WESTERN LEATHER CORDURA SADDLE REINSMAN 17 HORSE TACK US $479.99
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 WESTERN LEATHER CORDURA SADDLE REINSMAN 15 HORSE TACK US $479.99
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 WESTERN LEATHER CORDURA SADDLE REINSMAN 16 HORSE TACK US $479.99
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 Double T Western 15 Leather Horse Show Saddle Tack US $494.95
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 14 Silver Royal Close Contact Show Saddle Horse Tack US $495.00
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 Double T Western 16 Leather Horse Show Saddle Tack US $497.95
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 USED LITE TAN RANCH WESTERN HORSE SADDLE 16 W TACK US $499.99
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 LITE TAN RANCH WESTERN PLEASURE HORSE SADDLE 16 W TACK US $499.99
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The bit is best placed in his mouth when it is high enough to create one or two mild creases in each corner of his mouth. No higher, no lower.
If you have other horse bridle tips, please feel free to post your thoughts on this blog. Any other ideas about riding tack deals should be posted here too! You never know where you'll find other good ideas and good deals on great horse riding equipment.
Lisa Blackstone
American Horse Association
www.AHA HelpDesk.com/support
Lisa Blackstone is president of the American Horse Association. She has over 40 years experience in the equestrian sport and judges at major national events. For more great information you can go to www.RidingSaddlesGuide.com, www.AmericanHorseAssociation.com and http://www.HorseandRiderClub.com
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