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Understanding the Snaffle Bit
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There is probably no bit that is more widely used, regardless of the riding discipline, than the snaffle bit. from Richard Winters Horsemanship
Hanging in your tack room is probably some form or style of snaffle bit. Perhaps you use it everyday. Or maybe it’s unused and gathering dust. There is probably no bit that is more widely
used, regardless of the riding discipline, than the snaffle bit. Even though it is a commonly used piece of equipment, there are still many misunderstandings regarding its use. Here are some of my
thoughts regarding the snaffle bit.
Generally speaking a snaffle bit has a broken mouth piece connected to rings on either side. There are different mouth
pieces such as plain smooth, extra thick, extra thin, twisted wire, and a handful of other variations. The cheek pieces can be a simple ring, egg butt, o-ring, or full cheek. Most snaffles will be
5” to 5½” wide. This size will fit the vast majority of horses. In the last few years some performance horse trainers have been using 6” to 6½” snaffles with extra heavy rings. They believe
there is more “pre-signal” and “feel” with those larger bits.
Snaffle bits are lateral mechanisms and are made to be used laterally - side to side. Pulling back hard on both reins in a
snaffle becomes increasingly less effective in controlling a horse’s movement. However, the snaffle is very effective in teaching a horse to give and yield his head (and thus his feet)
laterally to the left and right. Most horses are started in snaffle bits and can learn to bend and turn as the rider uses each rein independent of the other.
The Snaffle Is A Safe Place To Start - If I am going to ride a horse that I know little about, a
snaffle bit will allow me to evaluate where this particular horse is in his training and understanding. If I use a leverage (or curb) bit initially and the horse has never had one on, I’m probably going to
create confusion and have trouble.
The Value Of A Chin Strap - “Why would I need a chin or curb strap? That’s only for curb bits
where leverage is applied.” This is the perception of many. On a snaffle, a chin strap will be very effective in keeping the bit from pulling all the way through the horse’s mouth when using one rein.
It need not be adjusted tight and is normally placed between the reins and bit. The one exception to the need for a chin strap is with the full cheek snaffle. Its design has two bars on each side of the
ring that keeps it from running through the horse’s mouth.
Adjustments - There are different theories in regard to how tight or loose to adjust the snaffle in a
horse’s mouth. I like my snaffle to hang a little lower than some riders are accustomed to. I adjust it just below where it would cause a wrinkle in the corner or my horse’s mouth. I don’t want
constant pressure against my horse’s mouth that he can’t get away from. You might think that a lower hanging bit will allow the horse to get his tongue over the bit. I’ve found that adjusting it
higher does not prevent a horse from getting his tongue over the bit; however, it does make it harder for him to get it back under. Most horses decide that the most comfortable place for them is
to have their tongue resting under the bit.
Material - Snaffle bit mouth pieces are generally made of sweet iron, stainless steel, copper, or a
combination of these. You’ll often see an iron or stainless steel mouth piece with copper inlaid in the bars. This is believed to promote salivation. A moist mouth is important to creating softness and suppleness.
Back To Basics – Occasionally a horse will be brought to me for remedial training. The owners inform me that
the horse constantly bolts and runs off. They have tried a dozen different bits and he is still out of control. I’d go back to a plain smooth snaffle bit and begin to re
-teach this horse to bend laterally and think down to his feet. This would be done most effectively with a lateral type mechanism such as a snaffle bit.
Some people may characterize a snaffle as a mild bit
and perhaps a spade bit as severe. I don’t think these generalizations are necessarily true. Mildness and severity are in our hands and the feel we apply to the mechanism. The tools we use are important to
understand, yet any bit can be abused by those who lack understanding and horsemanship skills. The snaffle bit is a great tool. As
your horsemanship improves, you’ll find this simple
piece of equipment an invaluable part of your training program.
For footage to compliment this article: Richard Winters Horsemanship Channel
Richard Winters Horsemanship 2011 Schedule of Events
April 9-10
Advancing Horsemanship Clinic with Cows and Obstacles – Cottonwood, CA
Contact: Gail Bloxham 530-347-0212
April 15-17
Midwest Horse Fair - Madison, WI
May 14-15
Advancing Horsemanship Clinic with Obstacles - Clements, CA
Contact: Kathy Stafford 209-747-8636
May 19-22
Light Hands Horsemanship Demonstrations and Cowboy Church – Santa Ynes, CA
May 28-29
Horsemanship Clinic - Galt, CA
Contact: Anita Dayton 916-591-2481 or 209-745-4314
June 10-12
Western States Horse Expo - Sacramento, CA
June 15-July 14
Intern Certificate Program – Ojai, CA
June 17-23
Ultimate Horse Course I – Ojai, CA
June 24-30
Ultimate Horse Course II – Ojai, CA
July 8-11
All Women's Horsemanship Retreat – Ojai, CA
Contact: Cheryl Winters 805-640-0956 for all Ojai Events
July 16-17
Advancing Horsemanship Clinic with Obstacles - Grass Valley, CA
Contact: Jane de”Zell 530-268-8785
July 29-31
Advancing Horsemanship Clinic with Cows - Sturgeon Bay, WI
Contact: Brandon Schopf 920-495-2280
August 13-14
Advancing Horsemanship Clinic with Cows – Chotaeu, MT
Contact: Mike Clough 406-466-3617
August 19-21
Colt Starting and Horsemanship Clinic – Wells, NV
Contact: Kim Smith 208-539-4132
September 2-4
Tack’n togs Extreme Cowboy Race and Equine Expo - Gifford, IL
September 10-11
Advancing Horsemanship Clinic with Cows - Roseville, OH
Contact Amy 740-819-8446
September 17-18
Advancing Horsemanship Clinic - Midland, OH
Contact: Stephanie Phelps 513-616-2106
Contact: Richard or Cheryl Winters
5025 Thacher Road
Ojai, California 93023
Phone: 805 - 640-0956
Email: cwinters@thacher.org
Website: wintersranch.com
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