December 18, 2007 @ 2:37 pm
Snaffle bits
My bit preference was always a snaffle but I have used a range of snaffle bits over the years for different horses.
I have used rubber or ‘happy mouth” snaffles for horses with very sensitive mouths. The old rubber bits could be quite hard and bulky so I prefer the newer, thinner and softer “happy mouth” versions.
I usually used a loose-ring snaffle rather than a fixed ring eggbutt snaffle, and for some of the stronger ponies and horses, I used a french bridoon which was double jointed with a small central plate. This stopped them leaning on the bit which helped my arms a lot.
I also quite liked a full cheek version which I used on some of the younger horses, particularly if they were a bit difficult to turn.
I remember seeing an old straight twisted metal snaffle when I first started to ride. I can’t believe anyone would use something as painful as this today.
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6 Responses to “Snaffle bits”
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January 11th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
I had a question for you. Have you ever seen a quarter moon kimberwick? My friend/trainer had one that I used in the later stages of breaking my horse but I haven’t been able to find one anywhere. Most tack stores I’ve been to haven’t even heard of one. I don’t really need it anymore as I use a side pull hackamore now but I was curious as to its lack of popularity.
January 13th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
Check out these Robot horses it’s unbelievable http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mu7-zR27MZA
January 15th, 2008 at 10:44 pm
I have never used a kimberwick bit and wasn’t sure what a quarter moon kimberwick looked like until I did some searching on the web after receiving your comment. Even if you can’t find one in a tack shop, I’m sure you’ll be able to find one on the web. I’m not sure on their popularity but would have thought they would be used as an option between a snaffle and pelham bit. If I find out more, I’ll add further comments.
January 24th, 2008 at 5:52 am
Can i post the article to the horse related site http://www.equinemeet.com ?
January 30th, 2008 at 11:26 pm
Eqsingle,
Yes feel free to add this post to your site, but please credit us with a link back to this site at the end of the post text.
Thanks
March 23rd, 2008 at 2:05 am
[...] from 2yrs of age Has done the following Evented - within 4 months of fmyhorseandpony.blogspot.comSnaffle bitsSnaffle bits Posted by Equus Team My bit preference was always a snaffle but I have used a range of [...]