Correct Way to Attach a Snaffle Bit to a Headstall

A snaffle bit allows you to easily guide your horse by allowing you to pull on reins to apply pressure to the horse's mouth at the bar. The design of the snaffle bit is especially helpful when training your horse to make lateral turns with its neck and throat plate. This helps with control of speed and stopping as well as turning both ways. It is important to know how to properly attach a snaffle bit to the headstall in order to maintain proper control of your horse.

  1. Use The Correct Snaffle

    • Your snaffle bit should be up to 1/2 inch wider than your horse's mouth. The extra play in the bit will prevent pinching. If the bit is too wide, the pressure applied by your reins may be too gentle to guide your horse. Your bit should be smooth, without chew marks or sharp points. Bits with copper inlay or a rubber coating are soft enough for your horse's teeth to damage them. Check the rubber and copper bits each time you fit your horse.

      The type of snaffle bit you will need to use also depends on your horse. If you horse usually pulls a bit forward to chew it, use a full cheek snaffle. The full cheek snaffle has cheek pieces that prevent the horse from moving the bit from its proper place. If you are worried about pinching at the corners of your horse's mouth use an egg butt snaffle, which is designed to be especially gentle. The egg butt snaffle will still allow enough pressure to allow proper control of your horse.

    Attach The Snaffle To The Headstall

    • Use leather strings or Chicago screws to attach the headstall. Both are widely available at tack shops. Leather strings are usually sold in bulk at a discount price. Check each over to be sure it will maintain a proper hold. Adjust your headstall so that the bit is sitting in your horse's mouth just tightly enough to avoid slippage. Avoid over-tightening the headstall to avoid unnecessary pressure on the horse's mouth. Pressure should be applied as you pull the reins, and the horse will not recognize your rein guidance if there is too much pressure to begin with.