A snaffle bit is a type of bit used in agricultural and equestrian work. It is also called a “shoeing bit” or “shoeing bridle bit”. It is used by horse trainers to correct the way a horse moves by applying pressure with the mouth, either by pulling on the reins or by pressing down with the rider's hands. The snaffle bit is the most common type of bit used in Western riding. The name comes from the fact that it is placed in the snaffle (or snag-a-lap) position, which means that it is held diagonally across the horse’s mouth with the reins passing through the ring (or snag) at the side of the bit. A snaffle bit is essentially a short lever that you use to guide the horse’s head and mouth. The snaffle bit works by applying pressure to the horse’s mouth, which forces it to turn its head away from the pressure and towards the bit. This in turn causes the horse to change its pace, walk slower or stop altogether. There are many different types of snaffle bit, each with their own unique design and purpose. The most common types are the curb bit, pelham bit, and the pelham bit with shanks or side reins attached. Let's take a closer look at each one to see which is best for you and your horse:

What is a Curb Bit?

A curb bit is a type of snaffle bit that is used to train a horse to walk, trot and canter. It is also sometimes called a "running bit" or "shoeing bit". The curb bit is a large, wide bit that is held in the middle of the horse's mouth. It is one of the most common types of bit used in Western riding, as it is suitable for both riding and driving. The curb bit is a very old type of bit, believed to have been first used in the 1400s. It is still widely used today, especially in competitive show-jumping. The curb bit works by applying pressure to the horse's mouth, which forces it to turn its head away from the pressure and towards the bit. This in turn causes the horse to change its pace, walk slower or stop altogether. The curb bit is also used for training dressage horses, as it is suitable for using pressure with both hands and legs. It is also used for training hunters, as it is suitable for use in rough and muddy conditions.

What is a Pelham Bit?

A pelham bit is a type of snaffle bit that is used to train a horse to canter. It is also sometimes called a "shoeing bit" or a "shoeing bridle bit". The pelham bit is a short, thick bit that is held in the middle of the horse's mouth. It is one of the most common types of bit used in Western riding, as it is suitable for both riding and driving. The pelham bit works by applying pressure to the horse's mouth, which forces it to turn its head away from the pressure and towards the bit. This in turn causes the horse to change its pace, walk slower or stop altogether. The pelham bit is also used for training hunters, as it is suitable for use in rough and muddy conditions. The pelham bit is a very old type of bit, believed to have been first used in the 1400s. It is still widely used today, especially in competitive show-jumping. The pelham bit works by applying pressure to the horse's mouth, which forces it to turn its head away from the pressure and towards the bit. This in turn causes the horse to change its pace, walk slower or stop altogether. The pelham bit is also used for training dressage horses, as it is suitable for using pressure with both hands and legs. It is also used for training hunters, as it is suitable for use in rough and muddy conditions.

What is a Pelham Bit with Shanks?

A pelham bit with shanks is a type of snaffle bit that is used to train a horse to canter. It is also sometimes called a "shoeing bit" or a "shoeing bridle bit". The pelham bit with shanks is a short, thick bit that is held in the middle of the horse's mouth. It is one of the most common types of bit used in Western riding, as it is suitable for both riding and driving. The pelham bit with shanks works by applying pressure to the horse's mouth, which forces it to turn its head away from the pressure and towards the bit. This in turn causes the horse to change its pace, walk slower or stop altogether. The pelham bit with shanks is also used for training hunters, as it is suitable for use in rough and muddy conditions. The pelham bit with shanks is a very old type of bit, believed to have been first used in the 1400s. It is still widely used today, especially in competitive show-jumping. The pelham bit with shanks works by applying pressure to the horse's mouth, which forces it to turn its head away from the pressure and towards the bit. This in turn causes the horse to change its pace, walk slower or stop altogether. The pelham bit with shanks is also used for training dressage horses, as it is suitable for using pressure with both hands and legs. It is also used for training hunters, as it is suitable for use in rough and muddy conditions.

What is a Side-Reins Pelham Bit?

A side-reins pelham bit is a type of snaffle bit that is used to train a horse to canter. It is also sometimes called a "shoeing bit" or a "shoeing bridle bit". The side-reins pelham bit is a short, thick bit that is held in the middle of the horse's mouth. It is one of the most common types of bit used in Western riding, as it is suitable for both riding and driving. The side-reins pelham bit works by applying pressure to the horse's mouth, which forces it to turn its head away from the pressure and towards the bit. This in turn causes the horse to change its pace, walk slower or stop altogether. The side-reins pelham bit is also used for training hunters, as it is suitable for use in rough and muddy conditions. The side-reins pelham bit is a very old type of bit, believed to have been first used in the 1400s. It is still widely used today, especially in competitive show-jumping. The side-reins pelham bit works by applying pressure to the horse's mouth, which forces it to turn its head away from the pressure and towards the bit. This in turn causes the horse to change its pace, walk slower or stop altogether. The side-reins pelham bit is also used for training dressage horses, as it is suitable for using pressure with both hands and legs. It is also used for training hunters, as it is suitable for use in rough and muddy conditions.

How to Choose a Snaffle Bit

When choosing a snaffle bit, there are a few things to consider. First, you should choose a bit that is suitable for the type of riding you do. If you are just learning to ride, a light, soft bit is best. This will help you to learn how to ride correctly and safely. If you are already an experienced rider, you will know what type of bit suits you. If you want to start using a snaffle bit, you should choose a bit with a thick mouthpiece and a wide ring (or snag). This will provide more leverage and help you to guide the horse more easily. You may also want to consider the type of bit you would prefer to use. There are many different types of snaffle bit, each with their own unique design and purpose. Some types of snaffle bit are better suited to certain types of riding, while others are better suited to certain horse breeds. It is important to choose a bit that is suitable for you and your horse. This will help you to ride more efficiently and safely.

Conclusion

A snaffle bit is a type of bit that is used to train a horse to walk, trot and canter. It is also called a “shoeing bit” or “shoeing bridle bit”. The snaffle bit is the most common type of bit used in Western riding. There are many

Frequently Asked Question

Horse Tack is a piece of equipment that is fitted to a horse or pony, to assist with the riding of a horse or pony.  The term tacking up is used to describe the process of placing the equipment on the horse or pony. Often Horse Tack is kept in a "Tack Room". A room normally in a stable block, where the horse riding equipment is stored ready for use.

 

 

The 5 most important parts of a horse's tack are 
  1. The Saddle
  2. The Girth
  3. The Saddle Pad
  4. The Bridle
  5. The headcollar
If you are leading your horse in from the field or tying it up outside the stable block, the first piece of tack that goes on a horse is the head collar or halter. Once your horse is secure, you can then swap the headcollar for the bridle and once the bridle is in place, you can then proceed with the saddle pad, saddle and finally the girth to secure the saddle and saddle pad in place.
This is purely a tradition thing. Historically soldiers would mount a horse from the left, to stop their swords from hitting the horse. As a result, horses were tacked up on the left and it is a tradition that has just stuck. However, there is no reason why you can tack up on the right and also mount your horse on the right-hand side. In fact it is good practice to get your horse used to both sides.