11 best snaffle bit for horses

A snaffle bit is a common type of horse bit used in equestrian sports and riding. It's a simple bit design, consisting of a bit mouthpiece, usually made of metal, and a pair of rings on either side. The mouthpiece is typically jointed or smooth, and it applies direct pressure to the horse's mouth and tongue when the rider applies rein aids.

The rings of a snaffle bit are loose and move freely, allowing the bit to move within the horse's mouth. When the rider pulls on the reins, the bit applies pressure to the corners of the horse's mouth, the bars of the mouth, and the tongue, depending on the design of the mouthpiece.

The snaffle bit is known for its mild action, making it suitable for young or inexperienced horses, as well as those with sensitive mouths. It provides clear communication to the horse and is often used for basic training, schooling, and general riding. Riders can use gentle or firm rein pressure, depending on the horse's response and the level of training.

There are variations of snaffle bits, including the single-jointed snaffle, double-jointed snaffle (also known as a French link), and variations in mouthpiece thickness and ring design.Each variation can have slightly different effects and levels of pressure on the horse's mouth.

It's important for riders to use the appropriate bit for their horse's needs and training level, considering the horse's individual mouth conformation and sensitivities. Proper fitting and adjustment of the snaffle bit are crucial to ensure the horse's comfort and effectiveness of communication between rider and horse.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best snaffle bit for horses on the market
  

Weaver Leather All Purpose Ring Snaffle Bit

Weaver Leather

Based on 502 reviews Check latest price
  • Nickel Plated/Malleable Iron
  • Ring Snaffle Bit
  • 5" Mouth Piece
  • 2-1/2" Ring

User questions & answers

Question: will this fit a Frisian stallion
Answer: Just about an inch if not a little less. Nice pad doesn’t slip I put the waffle side down on the horses fur and it doesn’t irritate him or pull the fur that I can tell. He sweats very evenly under it.
Question: Will this fit a larger yearling
Answer: I would not use it at all. It's gummy and sticky and would not be comfortable for the horse if it touched him, nor good for your saddle to touch it. Skip it and get something better.
Question: Will this fit an arabian
Answer: Works with any saddle, but it doesn't do much
Question: will this fit a percheron
Answer: My trainer says it doesn't matter, but I do smooth side towards the horse.

Professional Equine Stainless Steel 5" Mouth D-Ring Comfort Snaffle Horse Bit Copper Rollers 35515B

Based on 18 reviews Check latest price
  • 5" Mouth, Roller diameter is 0.63"
  • Stainless Steel with Copper Ring
  • 5" Mouth, 3" Cheeks, Roller diameter is 0.63"
  • Hinged at the center
  • Satisfaction Guaranteed.

User questions & answers

Question: What is the ring size
Answer: I don't see why it wouldn't, I would recommend it for all types of riding or competitions.
Question: How big are the D’s/ring size
Answer: I still use a small filler pad for my twh
Question: Does this break in the middle like a traditional snaffle bit
Answer: No, it's 100% wool inside and outside
Question: Is this a good bit to start a young horse in
Answer: Yes, underneath the wear leather there is a cinch cut out.

Professional Equine Horse 5.5" Mouth Studded Dee Ring Sweet Iron Snaffle Horse Bit 35327C

Check latest price
  • 5" Mouth
  • SS/Copper
  • Satisfaction Guaranteed.

CHALLENGER 5" Mouth Twisted Wire D-Ring Snaffle Horse Bit 35504

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price
  • Mouth: 5" Ring: 3"
  • Reverse spiral works nicely for achieving the proper bend and flex
  • Can help soften harder mouths , Ring Diameter 2-3/4
  • Satisfaction Guaranteed.

User questions & answers

Question: Is this bit stainless steel
Answer: No, this bit has a 5" mouth piece. Draft horses would need where between a 6" to 7" mouth piece

Reinsman Josey Million Dollar Bit for Horse - 3-Piece Twisted Wire Dog Bone Snaffle Mouthpiece - Rope Noseband - Stage D

Circle Y

Based on 122 reviews Check latest price
  • JOSEY MILLION DOLLAR BIT - The Million Dollar bit has won a lot of money for many riders; Use this bit for achieving the all-important flex you need from a well-balanced bit
  • FEATURES - This Reinsman's bit features a stainless steel 3-piece twisted wire dog bone snaffle mouthpiece and a rope noseband
  • IDEAL BIT - Equipped with a 5" shank, the Million Dollar bit is ideal because the pressure is evenly distributed on the nose, bars, corners of the mouth, curb, and poll
  • EXPERT NECK REINING - Josey Million Dollar bit is Stage D; This stage is about refinement, subtle cues, and quick communication; Characteristics include increased leverage, more sophisticated mouthpieces, and may also incorporate higher ports
  • SPECIFICATIONS - Bit Style: Combination; Bit Stage: Stage D (Expert Neck Reining - Subtle, quick communication); Mouth Size: 5"; Mouth Diameter: 5/8"; Mouth Type: 3-Piece, Dogbone, Twisted; Nose Type: Rope Nose; Horse Size: Horse

User questions & answers

Question: Does this bit come in a 4 1/2" for a large pony
Answer: We sell this bit a lot. It is a good simple bit to start training.
Question: Can you remove the noseband
Answer: It fit my 16 hand qh gelding and He's a big boy.
Question: Will this bit work well for a horse who needs more brake
Answer: My suggestion is to measure the yearlings bit path first and see you can purchase it now and use it later as he grows in to it if it doesn't fit
Question: This might be a dumb question, but can this bit be used for cattle work like branding and team roping
Answer: It depends on how accepting your Arabian is of a bit, are there any acceptance disuse? What is the age? If there are acceptance issues, from my experience of having Arabians in the past have been that they hate a single jointed bit. I usually used 4" not 5" since their mouths and face are smaller than my quarter horses. I found that after I purchased a Myler brand comfort snaffle, their issues resolved. So back to this 5" bit, it will fit, but he/she may not be accepting of it. I would personally try a 4" first. I hope this helps.

Professional Equine Horse 5.5" Mouth Flat Ring Dog Bone Copper Roller Eggbutt Snaffle Bit 3582C

Check latest price
  • 5.5" Mouth
  • SS/Copper
  • Professional Equine stainless steel eggbut snaffle bit with dog bone copper roller mouth. Copper helps promote salivation for bit acceptance. Available in 5", 5.5", and 6" mouth sizes.
  • Satisfaction Guaranteed.

Weaver Leather Miniature Eggbutt Snaffle Bit, 3.5

Weaver Leather

Based on 29 reviews Check latest price
  • Stainless Steel Miniature Eggbutt Snaffle Bit
  • 3-1/2" Mouth
  • 2 inch Rings
  • Package Dimensions: 0.5" L x 8" W x 2.25" H

User questions & answers

Question: What size Mouth is this
Answer: It does not have a sharp break like a traditional snaffle, so it is mild on the tongue. I has a little play, and the copper is a nice detail to keep your horses mouth engaged/wet. Nice every day bit. Made well.

EGGBUTT Snaffle Horse Bit Lozenge Fat Double Joint Oval Link Silver Polish Stainless Steel Tack Equestrian

Based on 11 reviews Check latest price

User questions & answers

Question: What is the thickness of the mouthpiece
Answer: 2-1/2 to 3 inches is a guess. I don’t have the bit here to measure.

Myler 03 HBT Shank

Based on 21 reviews Check latest price
  • Level 1
  • Independent Side Movement
  • Patented swivel purchase moves independently of both the mouthpiece and shank so that it doesn’t dig into the horse’s cheek when neck reining
  • Degree of leverage is mild

User questions & answers

Question: Do these bits run big or true to size
Answer: The bit is stainless steel.
Question: Is this bit jointed in the middle like a snaffle
Answer: 5"

Weaver Leather Professional Ring Snaffle Bit

Weaver Leather

Based on 28 reviews Check latest price
  • Stainless Steel
  • 5" Copper Mouth
  • 3 inch Rings

Diamond Short Shank O Ring Square Snaffle Bit

Based on 8 reviews Check latest price
  • MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
  • O Ring Square Snaffle Horse Bit

User questions & answers

Question: Is this a 5" mouth or a 5 3/8" mouth? Is the 3/8" the diameter
Answer: This bit works great for when you need more rate and stop. My daughter’s pony works well on barrels when using it.
Question: Is this a gag bit
Answer: It is used for more of a barrel gymkahna bit. It would hit every pressure you can with the rope nose band, plus the gag, plus the chain.

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