Correct Placement of a Snaffle Bit in a Horse's Mouth

Bridles using a snaffle bit can be intimidating for riders used to handling a curb bit. The primary difference between the bit styles has to do with the mouthpiece. A snaffle mouthpiece is broken, meaning it comes in two halves with a joint in the middle. The snaffle bit has less leverage against the horse's tongue than a solid curb bit, allowing softer contact with the horse's mouth.

Things You'll Need

  • Halter
  • Bridle fitted with snaffle bit
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Instructions

    • 1
      Inspect riding gear before leaving the tack room.

      Complete all tasks leading up to bridling the horse. Putting a bridle on is the last step in tacking up a horse.

    • 2
      A horse still has the halter around the neck during bridling.

      Rearrange the halter. Move it back, and buckle it around the horse's neck.

    • 3

      Bring the bridle up to the horse's head, with the snaffle bit at its mouth.

    • 4

      Slide the bit into the horse's mouth, guiding it over the tongue and even with the bars of the mouth. The bit should never rest against the front teeth or molars.

    • 5

      Pull the top of the bridle over the ears and into place.

    • 6
      Bits should rest across the bars of the mouth.

      Adjust the bit as needed for proper placement. The snaffle rings should be completely outside of the mouth, with enough of the mouthpiece showing to allow the hinged joint free movement. The bit should be at the corners of the mouth, creating one to two wrinkles. Make proper headstall and chin strap adjustments as necessary to achieve proper fit of the snaffle bit.

    • 7
      Properly fit tack ensures safer rides.

      Remove the halter from the horse's neck.

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