The Effects of a Full-Cheek Snaffle

The bit in a horse's mouth is the main line of communication between horse and rider via the reins, and a full-cheek snaffle is the mildest bit possible for riding or training. Its long arms extending above and below the mouthpiece may look like instruments of torture to the uninitiated, but the experienced horseman understands their benign and constructive purposes. The effect of a full-cheek broken snaffle, used correctly, is good communication and therefore good response.

  1. Snaffle Bit

    • A snaffle is the simplest of bits, consisting of a mouthpiece that fits across the horse's mouth from side to side over the tongue and rests naturally in the bars, which are the spaces between the animal's molar and incisor teeth, with attachment points -- usually plain O-rings -- at the sides that connect to both the headstall and the reins. A "broken" snaffle is one in which the mouthpiece is jointed in one or more places. A snaffle operates by pressing on the corners of the mouth, the tongue and the bars. Even the mildest bit can be misused through ignorance or by intention, so the rider must always be mindful of the sensitivity of the horse's mouth and the pain any bit can cause.

    Cheek Pieces

    • The extensions on the rings of the full-cheek bit protect a horse's mouth by preventing the mouthpiece from sliding across the tongue and bars when the rider applies pressure on one rein or the other to signal a turn. They also help guide the horse in lateral movement by applying light pressure to the sides of the face, giving direct cues that are easily understood.

    Keepers

    • Bit keepers are small leather straps used to keep the bit in the correct position in the horse's mouth so that signals from the bit are consistent in location and the horse does not become confused. They also help prevent the cheek pieces from getting caught if the horse rubs its head on a fence or even a person.

    Disadvantages

    • The major disadvantage of a snaffle bit, even one with cheek pieces, is that if the bit is not fitted correctly, it is fairly easy for the horse to get its tongue over the bit instead of under it. In this unnatural position, the rider's signals are far less effective and the horse is uncomfortable and raises its head and pokes its nose forward, causing undesirable changes in its action.