What does a double jointed snaffle do?

The double-jointed snaffle has an additional center piece which is thought to decrease the tenting effect on the horse’s soft palate as well as decrease the pinching of the tongue while delivering a more precise pressure to the bars of the mouth.

Are Loose Ring Snaffles good?

Loose ring bits help the horse to position the bit where they like it unlike fixed bits such as the eggbutt or hanging cheek snaffle. This helps the horse be more comfortable in the mouth and since the mouthpiece is moveable on the cheek it also helps with horses that are heavy or take hold of the bit.

Why use a loose ring snaffle?

The combination of a double jointed mouthpiece and loose bit rings allow the mouthpiece to move more freely in the horse’s mouth than fixed cheek snaffles. This movement and “play” may be preferred by some horses, helping to encourage acceptance and mouthing.

What is the most gentle snaffle bit?

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

Are double-jointed bits better than single?

Single Jointed Bits The V-shape may cause problems for horses with a flat palate and small oral cavity or if you choose a too large bit size. Double-jointed bits distribute the pressure from rein aids more evenly and over a wider surface onto the tongue, without exerting pressure to the sensitive palate.

What is the nutcracker effect snaffle bit?

A single joint has only one break in the mouthpiece and creates a “nutcracker” effect. This means when the reins are engaged, the bit collapses and rotates down into the tongue, bar, and lips. For this reason, double-jointed bits are typically thought of as being softer than single-jointed ones.

Do loose ring bits pinch?

The ring will also rotate slightly before the bit mouthpiece adds pressure to the mouth, thus allowing it to give more signal than a more fixed bit. Disadvantages: the loose ring may pinch the corners of the lips as it rotates, causing pain to the horse. This is especially a problem if the bit mouthpiece is too small.

Are double jointed bits better?

To prevent exerting uneven pressure in the long term you should turn the bit around periodically. Double-jointed bits distribute the pressure from rein aids more evenly and over a wider surface onto the tongue, without exerting pressure to the sensitive palate.

How should a loose ring snaffle fit?

It’s recommended that there should be an approximate gap between the lips and bit rings of no more than ⅛ inch. If the gap is too big, the mouthpiece will move too much within the mouth as the rider asked for bend and changes of direction.

What is the difference between a loose ring and D ring snaffle?

The most direct line of pressure comes from the 2 fixed ring snaffles; the D-Ring and Egg Butt. These fixed ring snaffles make it slightly easier for a colt to learn to give to the pressure of the pull than a loose ring snaffle does. Loose ring snaffles have a smaller area of pressure when a direct rein pull is made.

Can you neck rein with a snaffle bit?

With a snaffle, you can apply lateral (side) and vertical pressure without causing your gelding any pain or discomfort. Some people do switch to a shanked bit once their horses are trained to neck rein, but I’ve found a smooth snaffle bit can offer great control for the horse’s entire life.