A bit about bits, snaffles....

Katharine from http://http//www.ponytalesblog.com/ asked about fit of a snaffle bit for her little guy, Panama. In the first picture you see an Eggbutt snaffle, the arrow points to the rise of the bit on the outside, my opinion is that the horses lips should stop just about in here, or the bit will be to small. I would give an 1/8th of an inch to the cheek piece, on both sides, or you risk pinching the lips. I like Eggbutts because of the 1/2 inch or so of metal before the joint, they very seldom pinch.

Bridle adjustment as I have been taught, you need to have 1 1/2 wrinkles at the corner of the lips, at least one wrinkle. Katharine if your Eggbutt sticks out much more than this it could be to big for Panama. Eggbutt snaffles are made in 4, 4 1/2, 4 3/4, 5, 5 1/2 inch widths, they have the most sizes I believe of all the bits. Chances are if you just bought your bit off of the shelf it is a 5 inch. Panama may need a 4 3/4inch, which is also a popular Arab size. All of my bits I have shown you today are 5 inch bits, except for the Kimberwicke, it is a 5 1/2 inch, it was Mickeys bit, she has a wide mouth and nose, so a 5 inch rubbed to bad where the bridle attaches.

Where this arrow points you can see the lips stop at the swell or rise of the mouthpiece to the outside, the lips are not bulging over the ring hole of the bit so they wont get pinched. It is the same with the Eggbutt or the D ring. Either of the prior bits is a personal preference for English pursuits, and often used for starting horses, even it ridden western. The round ring snaffle tends to be a western bit.

This is the Eggbutt again, always make sure the arch of the bit is towards the back when you put it in the horses mouth, for tongue room.

Not upside down like this, ouch it would really poke the roof of the horses mouth, and could cause them to flip over from the pain.

And the Kimberwicke, it often gets a bad wrap. I personally think it has its place with beginner riders, like 4-H. It is not used at Hunter Jumper shows and in really frowned upon in English circles. It is esentially an English bit with a short shank. I have it pictured here because I have seen it put on the bridle upside down, yes upside down. Even an accomplished trainer I know put it on a clients horse upside down. So, this shows it right side up like it is supposed to be, this particular bit has a solid curb mouth, not a broken snaffle mouth piece.

Even my nylon wonder bit for Mickey has a slight curve to the inside, so you can tell what direction to put the bit in.

You can see how much curve and tongue relief this round ring snaffle has, also copper inlay in a sweet iron mouth piece, with stainless steel cheek pieces. I have said before that it is my favorite bit, Les Vogt stamped. (which means nothing, I just think its cool LOL)

One more thing I personally want to impress on people is, not to buy cheap bits. Chrome plated bits only start peeling and they end up cutting the horses mouth. There are also cheap stainless bits too, just look for smooth finishing with no pits or burs left on the metal.

I hope I answered Katharines questions, that or I created more LOL Let me know if there are any more questions.

Some of you may have noticed that I have a curb strap on my round ring snaffle. It is to keep the bit from pulling through the horses mouth, I have had that happen, and it isnt fun, it was while leading and a horse spooked. Anyway, also the reins have to go above that curb strap or they interfere with each other (see picture).

Thanks vaquero girl.