Shank Bit

Snaffle Bit - An Equestrian Tack Guide– How to Find the Right Snaffle Bit for Your Horse

Snaffle bit is one of the most common sorts of bit, which is that part of the bridle that goes in the mouth of the pony. A bridle consists of a bit, reins and headstall that holds the bit. It is employed by riders to direct the pony when pony riding. Snaffle bits, curb bits and pelham bits are examples of bit used on horses. A snaffle bit is a bit used for horses that's jointed in the middle and has rings on either end where the reigns are attached.

The middle part of the snaffle bit is known as the bit mouthpiece, which goes in the mouth across the gums. The bit mouthpiece is either a straightforward straight bar or a linked set of straight bars. On both sides of the bit mouthpiece are the rings that are either O formed or D shaped. Among the bits employed in pony riding, snaffle bits are the least tough as they have no shanks or bars that extend from the rings along the cheek. And thanks to the absence of shanks or bars, the reigning cues are applied without delay to the mouth. Thought to be the precision tool for creating extreme levels of pony handling, snaffle bits play a crucial role. Snaffle bits aid in the training of the horses. Snaffle bits are useful tools for use in pony riding as it provides direct contact between the rider and the pony. With snaffle bits, it is easier for the pony to understand what the rider directs. Snaffle bits alter in types, sizes and make. One of the factors you need to consider when selecting a snaffle bit for your pony is the size of the bit mouthpiece.

The dimensions of the bit mouthpiece should agree to the sensitivity level of your pony. Take an older pony, that has endured plenty of inexperienced riders, for example. Such pony could have less sensitive mouth, so, it may need a smaller diameter mouthpiece. On the other hand, a trained show pony can be used with a larger diameter snaffle, which is lighter in the mouth.

The concept is, the larger the diameter of the mouthpiece, the less serious it is in your pony. The material employed in the snaffle bit is also another factor to be considered, especially the material employed in the bit mouthpiece. Typically, snaffle bit mouthpieces are made of chrome steel. Some are made with rubber or plastic covering, while others are made of twisted wires.

Twisted wire mouthpieces are not advisable as these add to the seriousness of the bit. Another factor to think about is the width of the snaffle bit, which should fit your pony's mouth accurately. Measure the snaffle bit from ring to ring. If the bars go past the corners of your pony's mouth, it is too long. If your pony's mouth is crammed or pinched in the corners, the snaffle bit is too short for your pony. Having considered the above mentioned factors, the snaffle bit should also be accurately placed in your pony's mouth.

The snaffle bit should be high enough to make one or two mild creases in each corner of your pony's mouth. To adjust the placement of the snaffle bit, raise or lower it using the bridle buckles. The location of the bit is important as it can affect your control on your horse. Ensure that it does not hang too low or raised too high in your horse's mouth. If it hangs too low or raised too high, your pony will fight it.

About the Author

Lisa Blackstone focuses on providing tips on equestrian tack. She owns an Arabian pony coaching and breeding business. For more information on equestrian tack, please go to pony How to Horse Ride and Equestrian Riding Boots

Myler HBT Shank Bit $93.95 Myler HBT Shank Bit. The HBTs are a five inch shank bits with two rings and a fixed mouthpiece attachment.

Myler Parelli Shank Bit B2 $123.95 Parelli Myler Stainless Steel Shank Bit with a sweet iron low ported barrel narrow. Parelli Myler quality western bit with 6 inch shank.

Reinsman Quick Change Short Shank Bit System $139.99 Reinsman Quick Change Short Shank Bit System

Myler Parelli C1 Shank Bit $184.95 Quality Parelli Myler Stainless Steel Cradle C1 Shank Bit with sweet iron low port Comfort Snaffle. Cradle C1 Shank Bit features copper inlay mouth to increase salivation and improve horse's comfort.

Avila Show Shank Correction Bit $84.99 Avila Show Shank Correction Bit The Avila Correction Bit that is great for use on everything from young colts starting in the bridle to older, finished show horses. The shank offers a different feel than others and has a stylish look to it. Port 2", Mouth 5", Cheek 9"

Myler Lynn McKenzie MMB Medium Shank Bit $123.95 Myler Lynn McKenzie MMB Medium Shank Bit is a quality stainless steel medium shank bit designed specifically for barrel and speed horses.

Myler Parelli Myler Shank Bit B3 $123.95 Parelli Myler Stainless Steel Shank Bit B3 with sweet iron ported barrel. Parelli Myler quality western bit with 6 inch shank.

BitLogic 6" Shank Performance Series Bit $49.95 The BitLogic 6" Shank Performance Series Bit is a great training bit. It is perfect for moving a colt from an o-ring to a shank bit or for light, well broke older horses.

BitLogic 6" Professional Series Shank Bit $71.95 The softest of all shank bit styles, the BitLogic 6" Professional Series Shank Bit is perfect for moving a colt from an O Ring to a shank bit or for light, well-broke older horses. This bit applies soft pressure through the curb to the horses chin, the bars, corners of the mouth, and the tongue.

Milwaukee 48-89-4414 5/16-in Shockwave Hex Shank Drill Bit $7.99 5/16-in Shockwave Hex Shank Drill Bit - 48-89-4414

Milwaukee 48-89-4415 3/8-in Shockwave Hex Shank Drill Bit $9.99 3/8-in Shockwave Hex Shank Drill Bit - 48-89-4415

Milwaukee 48-89-4417 1/2-in Shockwave Hex Shank Drill Bit $16.99 1/2-in Shockwave Hex Shank Drill Bit - 48-89-4417

Myler Lynn McKenzie MMB Short Shank Bit $123.95 Myler Lynn McKenzie MMB Short Shank Bit is a quality stainless steel medium shank bit with sweet iron Comfort Snaffle copper roller and copper inlay mouth to promote salivation.

Myler Lynn McKenzie Long Shank Bit (MB43LP) $127.95 Myler Lynn McKenzie Long Shank Bit (MB43LP). This bit features a stainless steel MMB long shank cheek with sweet iron low ported barrel narrow copper inlay mouthpiece.

Classic Equine Rickey Green Shank Chain Bit $59.95 The pinchless mouthpiece of the Classic Equine Green Shank Chain Bit is shaped to lay flat across the mouth and tongue and it attaches to the shank in a manner that softly cues the horse as pressure is applied. This is a great bit for training

Avila MI Signature Shank High Cathedrial Bit $94.99 Avila MI Signature Shank High Cathedrial Bit This bit has lots of feel in a horse's mouth. The shank is a medium leverage shank and this mouthpiece with the fat bars sits nicely in a horse's mouth. This bit is good for an older, more broke horse that can get a tad strong. Port 2 1/4", Mouth 5", Shank 8"

BitLogic 6 Shank Performance Series Bit $49.95 The Classic Equine™ 6" Shank Performance Series Bit is a great training bit.  It is perfect for moving a colt from an o-ring to a shank bit or for light well broke older horses. Snaffle:  this bit applies soft pressure through the curb to the horse's chin the bars and corners of the mouth and the tongue. Short Correction:  this bit applies pressure to the chin bars and corners with added pressure to the tongue.  This is a step up from the snaffle

Cashel 8" Calvery Shank Ported Bit $48.95 The Cashel 8" Calvery Shank Ported Bit has a higher port to increase the degree of contact with the palate while offering while offering tongue relief. This bit is a great collection tool for the finished horse.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, February 7th, 2006 at 7:00 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.