Tack & Apparel Feature


CHOOSING A SNAFFLE BIT


Diameter D-Ring


3/8"


weight or diameter of the ring.


Choose the


Diameter O-Ring


Snaffle bits are the foundation to any bit col- lection and the foundation to preparing a horse to communicate with us through the bit. So it is very important to choose the right snaffle for the job. The first question is, “Should I choose a D Ring


(fixed ring) or an O Ring (loose ring) Snaffle”? Let’s start by examining how each works. D Ring snaffles operate on the premise of indirect or off side pres- sure. In other words, as you pull on the right rein, the horse feels pressure against the left side of his face. The pressure is spread over a large space. The left rein lays on the left side of the neck and we now have the beginnings of neck reining. The O Ring Snaffle works off of a more spe-


cific or direct pressure. This time when we pull on the right rein the horse feels the pressure on the right buckle flap (lip tissue). The pressure is now targeted to a smaller area. Once we have determined which style snaffle we would like to use, the next choice to make is the weight or diameter of the ring. Both types of snaffles come in a variety of ring sizes and weights. The rule of thumb to remember is the lighter the ring say a 1/4” ring, the less severe. And a 3/8” ring which is heavier will be more severe. If you are unsure, we recommend choosing something that is in the mid range of size and weight. A 5/16” diameter ring is not too heavy, but has enough weight to increase the signal.


We are down to our last decision. We have de- cided D Ring vs O Ring, and we have decided the size and weight of the Ring. Next choice will be choosing the appropriate mouthpiece. There are many choices in mouthpieces today. For today’s article, let’s break it down into 3 groups.


• Simple smooth mouthpieces, 5/16"


This 3/8" mouthpiece with copper inlays and copper rings is a favorite for young horses.


• twisted mouthpieces, and • those with additional rings, bars, and copper centers.


Let’s start with the Smooth Snaffle Mouthpiec- es. Unlike our Rings, the larger the diameter of our mouthpiece the less severe. The smaller the diameter the more severe. Again if you are unsure, go with a larger diameter, say a 3/8” smooth, non tapered mouthpiece . Next on our list is the twisted mouth- piece. Twisted mouthpieces are more specific in their points of pressure. So please use these types of mouthpieces with caution and intermittently. Lastly, we can add rings, dog bone and copper rings to the center to name a few. These can redistribute the pres- sure points and change the effect of the mouthpiece. Adding the copper rings and or copper inlays on the bars of the mouthpiece, increases salivation. Increase salivation equals increased relaxation of the tongue and mandible. This in turn supports relaxation at the pole.


Lastly, when purchasing a bit always look for


rough unfinished areas that may rub your horses face and or mouth. Also, check the moving parts making sure they do not pinch inside or outside the mouth. Always remember the most important part of a


bit are the hands pulling on the reins. Take care to preserve your horse’s mouth. Bits are merely tools to improve communication between horse and rider. Learning how bits work, choosing the least severe bit possible and creating slow, quiet hands are a few things we can do to improve our horsemanship skills and communicate more effectively with our partner, the horse. w


Shari works with her husband Greg Darnall. Together they own and


run Greg Darnall Bits. She enjoys helping others learn about the function of bits. The couple conduct clinics together and separately all over the world. In her spare time, she enjoys riding her Quarter Horse, JP and when time permits showing in Reining and Ranch Riding classes.


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Microcord Bootcut Knee Patch Bootcut lines slim and flatter while knee-to-ankle Gripstretch™ Suede frees riders from half chaps or tall boots in a Microcord™ ribbed breech that snugs muscles with more compression than regular breeches, preventing fatigue and smoothing lines with slenderizing coverage. Offered at $109, these can be ordered at www.Kerrits.com or through a dealer near you. w


April 2019 SouthWest Horse Trader 17


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