What is a rubber snaffle bit used for?

The straight bar snaffle in the picture is called a Rubber Mouth Driving Training Snaffle intended for use when training a young horse. Solid metal straight bar snaffle bits were quite widely used on draft horses, and some straight bar snaffles on the horses used to draw tobacco boats in from the fields.

Click to see full answer

Also asked, what is the purpose of a snaffle bit?

In its various forms, the snaffle is common to nearly every riding discipline, and has been a fundamental horseman's tool for literally thousands of years. The function of a snaffle bit is simple: to apply direct pressure to either side of a horse's mouth as a cue for movement in the same direction.

Also Know, are rubber bits better? While rubber bits seem to be "soft" because of their thickness and plastic bits appealing because of their taste, they can be too thick for many horses and will tug on the skin at the corner of the mouth. Thicker isn't softer, in rubber/plastic or metal, if the horse's mouth inside is relatively small.

Also to know is, what are rubber bit guards for?

Carolyn Henderson replies: Rubber bit guards, also known as biscuits, are useful for protecting the corners of the mouth from pinches or rubs and for keeping the bit central.

Is a snaffle bit harsh?

A snaffle is sometimes mistakenly thought of as "any mild bit". While direct pressure without leverage is milder than pressure with leverage, nonetheless, certain types of snaffle bits can be extremely harsh when manufactured with wire, twisted metal or other "sharp" elements.

32 Related Question Answers Found

What is the most gentle bit for a horse?

One of the most common types of snaffle bit is the eggbutt, which is the considered to be the gentlest type of snaffle bit because it doesn't pinch the corners of the mouth. It has an egg-shaped connection between the mouthpiece and the bit-ring.

What bit is good for a strong horse?

Often seen when the horse is in an exciting situation and is a common evasion with horses prone to being on the forehand. The ideal bit for this is the Myler correctional ported barrel bit. The 33 42 combination version is excellent for strong horses that try to run away with you with their head down/out/tucked in.

How do I choose the right bit for my horse?

Start with a snaffle, which is a mild bit that only applies the amount of pressure that you pull, and then try stronger bits if you're still struggling to control your horse. To measure your horse for a bit, put wooden dowels in its mouth where the bit should sit.

Does a snaffle bit need a chin strap?

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.

What is the softest bit you can use on a horse?

The softest bits are generally snaffle bits made of rubber. Rubber offers a smooth fit on the bars of the horse's mouth, while the snaffle's rings fit softly in the corners of the horse's mouth without pinching.

Is a snaffle bit good?

A good snaffle bit is worth its weight in gold (or copper or sweet iron). You can easily identify a quality snaffle by its smooth, easy pull. It's made to slide across your horse's mouth, without pinching. And it's a go-to for starting young horses and training aged mounts in almost any riding program.

What does a bit do to a horse?

The bit, bridle and reins function together to give control of the horse's head to the rider. The bit applies pressure to the horse's mouth, and reinforces the other control signals from the rider's legs and weight distribution. A well schooled horse needs little pressure on the bit from a skilled rider.

What does a bosal do?

A bosal is a piece of equipment put on a horse's head for riding. When a bosal is used with a hanger and mecate, it becomes part of a hackamore. The three main parts of a hackamore are: The hanger (sometimes called a headstall, this is the part that goes over the horse's head, behind the ears).

Are rubber bit guards dressage legal?

Bit guards are used with loose ring snaffle bits, gag bits, and pelham bits. Bit guards are used more often in jumping events, such as eventing and show jumping, and in polo. They are not permitted in competitive dressage, and are not used in horse show hunt seat competition.

How do you put on rubber bit guards?

Insert the bit ring into the guard.

When the bit guard is on the bit, untie or cut the twine and pull it out of the guard.
Do the same thing for the other bit guard, sliding it on to either side.
To put the bit on the horse, slide the guards to the ends so that there will be one on each side of the horse's mouth.

Are bit guards necessary?

Bit guards are not necessary for a well made bit. I've never used bit guards on a loose ring. If they are pinching then you need to size up. I do however always use a flash noseband or a drop noseband on a loose ring to stabilize the bit in the horse's mouth.

What is a bubble Cheeker?

Aerobatics wrote: Bubble Cheeker - Resembling a bit guard is a bit burr (sometimes burr bit, also bubble cheeker in Australia), which has teeth laid against the horse's cheek - hmmm havent seen this on a racehorse yet!

Are Myler bits harsh?

You can't generalise and say "myler bits are harsh" or that they're all mild. Some of the Mylers are INCREDIBLY harsh (look in the Myler book at things like the twisted snaffle with long shanks) but some are mild. It's a cliche but they really are only as mild or as harsh as your hands.

What is a Myler bit?

Myler Bits. (50 items) Myler bits are designed to use select pressure points for the best communication for that Level. Choose from Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 bits that correspond to your horse's level of training. While Myler bits are suitable for both Western and English riding.

Are Waterford bits Hunter legal?

In the US, this bit is legal for hunter and jumper classes, as long as it is a D-ring.

Are copper bits legal for dressage?

The rules, though not specifically stated, actually mean two metals in the horse's mouth, not in the overall bit! So this bit is legal, since the only metal that will be in the horse's mouth is copper. The reason they don't allow two metals in the mouthpiece is because it encourages the horse to salivate.

Is a Kimberwick bit harsh?

Yes, you'd have to use the chain. A bit is only as harsh as the rider, but a kimberwick is a leverage bit and is much easier to be harsh with. If your horse goes fine in a regular jointed snaffle, I would just get a bigger jointed snaffle. On the bottom hole it is a very mild curb.