Proper Bit Fit: Snaffle Bits

One major component of communicating with your horse on a ride is the bridle. The bridle includes the headstall, bit, chin strap, and reins. In order for the bridle to be a complete and effective unit of communication, it is important to ensure that the bridle properly fitted to the horse.

Snaffles are direct pressure bits. When the pressure from the reins reaches the bit, the horse can feel the pressure on the bars of the mouth of that side. Not only this, but it is reinforced by pressure to the opposite side of the mouth. Snaffles are often the first bit that a horse comes into contact with. It is a great training tool as it provides the amount of pressure that the rider puts on the reins. The pressure is quickly alleviated when the rider releases the pressure. This is why it is such a great training tool.

Proper fit of bridles and bits are important for a successful and safe ride. Often times I see people riding with their horse's bridle too loose making the bit hang low in the horse's mouth. This does not allow the bit to properly function in the horse's mouth reducing your ability to effectively communicate with the horse through the bit. Another problem is when the bridle is too tight causing the bit to be hiked up too high in the horse's mouth causing it to hit the horse's molars. This also does not allow the bit to function correctly and causing pain to the horse when the bit makes contact with their teeth.

The first bit we will discuss is the snaffle. The most common snaffle bits in western riding are the O-ring and D-ring. Most popular in English riding are the Eggbutt and D-Ring. The "rings" just refer to the shape of the part of the bit that attaches to the bridle. The mouth pieces all have the similar mouth piece.

O-Ring Snaffle 

         (Please ignore the dirtiness of the bit, just finished riding when I took this picture.)



Often when people are bridling their horses, they think that the proper bit fit is when there are wrinkles in the corners of the horse's mouth. This is not entirely true. The bridle is most effective when you can fit two fingers between the cheek piece and the cheek.

Demonstration of Two Fingers fitting between the cheek and the cheek piece. 

If you have space wider than your two fingers between the cheek piece and the horse's cheek, this allows the bit to hang too low in the horses mouth. When the bit is too low in the horse's mouth, it takes longer for the transfer of pressure from the reins to the bit when cueing for a turn or stop. Not only do you run the risk of the bridle to be more easily pulled off, but quicker response time can mean the difference getting to that cow at a sorting or slowing that horse after a killer plastic bag floats across the trail. (Although, when I start a horse in the snaffle, I allow them to wear the bridle a little looser to teach them to hold the bit in their mouth themselves. When I ride, I want the bridle to fit perfectly.)

Too much space between the cheek piece and cheek.

Here, the horse is having to hold the bit in his mouth because his bit is too loose. 

When the bridle is too tight in the horses mouth, the pressure on the corners of the mouth is never alleviated. This can cause the horse to start ignoring the pressure in the corners of the mouth, and needing to apply more pressure to cue the horse.

Bridle too tight causing excessive wrinkles and displeasure in the mouth. When pressure is applied, this could cause
the bit to hit the molars causing pain. 

When the bridle is properly fitted to the horse's head with the appropriate two finger's width, the bit with lay in the horse's mouth on the bars where the bit is supposed to be. Here the bit is most effective.

Two fingers width between the cheek and cheek piece.

Proper bit fit. Just enough wrinkle but not causing displeasure in the mouth. 

A proper fitting bridle makes for a happy rider and a happy horse.

My lovely model for the evening, Yella. 

Next time: Proper Bit Fit: The Snaffle/Hack Combo bit