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Equestrian Tack Guide ” The Basics of Snaffle Bits
Posted by Lisa Blackstone at Mar 23rd, 2009 in Horses
One of the most common bits used by horsemen is a snaffle - horse training. This is the topic I will discuss in horse training today.
Snaffles have different sizes, types, shapes and also made from different materials. A snaffle gives direct contact from the riders hand to the horses mouth.
Snaffles are tools that can be understood by horses easily and you can use them conveniently.
You will also find it easy to use. Here are the factors to consider when choosing a snaffle.
In horse training , snaffles have different mouthpiece sizes.
The rule of thumb is: if the snaffle is larger around the bit, then it is less severe for your horse.
You need to consider the sensitivity level of your horse when choosing the size of the snaffles in horse training. That is because each horse has a different sensitivity level. Older horses which were probably handled by lots of inexperienced riders could have less sensitive mouth.
Usually, horses that endured riders with scant experience have less sensitive mouths so better use smaller diameter snaffles.
Show horses that are trained well have very sensitive mouth so you can use large snaffles when riding them. In horse training , take note though that your hands are really the ones controlling the severity of the bit.
If you are too heavy handed, a large bit will be severe on the horse. A narrow snuffle on the other hand could be less severe on a horse if the rider is light handed.
You can still soften the mouthpiece by wrapping it with latex strips which could serve as padding.
There are mouthpieces made from twisted wires which could add severity to the bit for horse training.
In horse training, remember that your horse can be spooked by the twisted wire if he is not used to it.
Remember that in horse training , it is critical that the width of the snaffle will fit perfectly on your horses mouth.
If the bars go past the corners of his mouth, then it is too long.
If it is cramming or pinching the corner of the mouth, your snaffle is too short.
To achieve a best fit, you have to ensure that it should be high enough just to create two mild creases at the corner of your horses mouth. This is a perfect fit.
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