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Why would you use an Eggbutt snaffle?

By Sarah Smith

The Eggbutt Snaffle is probably the most widely used snaffle bit. The name comes from the somewhat egg-shaped connection between the mouthpiece and the bit rings. The main benefit of the eggbutt shape is that the chance of the lip being pinched between the mouthpiece and bit ring is lessened.

What’s the difference between an eggbutt and D-ring snaffle?

Eggbutt – this type of cheek keeps the bit stable and prevents rotation. It doesn’t pinch the lips so is tolerated better by some horses. D-ring – similar to the Eggbutt in that it doesn’t slide around, but with straight sides to help with steering.

Are eggbutt bits good?

Eggbutt snaffle bits make an excellent bit choice for almost any discipline. They can be used on your English horses, your western horses, your dressage horses and even endurance horses. It’s the type of bit that is great to have in the barn to just grab and go. They make a great starting point if you buy a new horse.

How do I choose the right bit for my horse?

To start with consider the thickness. The thinner the mouthpiece, the more your horse will feel the effects of rein pressure. Thinner bits should encourage more of a reaction to contact. Thicker bits are often a good option for young or mouth sensitive horses as they can find the pressure of a thin bit to be sharp.

Do you need a curb strap with a snaffle bit?

These aren’t curb bits, so they don’t require a curb strap, and certainly not a curb chain. The curb’s only purpose with a snaffle is to keep the rings in place—there shouldn’t be any contact made with the curb to your horse’s jaw when you pull on your reins.

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.

What is an eggbutt snaffle bit?

The eggbutt is a common multi-discipline style of cheek piece for snaffle bits. The eggbutt snaffle minimizes two problems that can arise with its cousin, the loose ring snaffle, whose rings can pinch the edges of the horse’s mouth, and which doesn’t provide much lateral stabilization.

What is a full cheek on a snaffle?

For horses that need help from the bit in turning, the full cheek is the most extreme type of corrective cheek piece that can commonly be found on a snaffle.

What is a Fulmer snaffle bit?

Full Cheek (Fulmer) Snaffle. For horses that need help from the bit in turning, the full cheek is the most extreme type of corrective cheek piece that can commonly be found on a snaffle. With a small ring fixed to the mouthpiece on a swivel joint, and two arms extending above and below the mouthpiece, the main purpose of this bit is…

What is a full cheek Bit for a horse?

Full Cheek Snaffle Bit — This type of bit makes it easier to turn the horse and ensures the bit isn’t pulled through the horse’s mouth. Half-Cheek Snaffle Bit — The Half Cheek Snaffle Bit (also called Half-Spoon Snaffle) position in the lower check and is primarily used for driving and occasionally in racing.