Western Snaffle Bits

Western snaffle bits – the bit of training

A snaffle acts directly: rein pressure reaches the mouth without leverage, one to one. That makes it the bit for starting young horses and for corrective work, and the bit ridden two-handed. We carry 26 models from 22 to 185 euro.

Ring shapes

The D-ring snaffle has straight sides that cannot pull through the mouth and give the horse a clear lateral boundary – the most common shape in western riding, here from 29 euro. O-ring snaffles move more freely and act a little more softly. For the show pen we carry show snaffles with tooling, points, stars or engraving from 49 euro.

Mouthpieces

The Billy Allen mouthpiece has a centre barrel with limited movement – it takes the nutcracker action out of a single-jointed bit and lies more quietly on the tongue. The dogbone is three-piece and distributes pressure in a similar way. Twisted wire is noticeably sharper and belongs in experienced hands, not on a young horse. Many models have copper inlays or are made of sweet iron.

A note on the term

Here, as throughout the western market, you will find items called "snaffle bit with shanks". That is trade language: as soon as a bit has shanks it works through leverage and is strictly speaking no longer a snaffle but a curb bit, even when the mouthpiece is jointed. If you specifically want to ride without leverage, choose a snaffle with rings and no shanks. Bits with shanks are in western shank bits.

Brands

Alongside our own models we carry Myler (Toklat), built around tongue relief and independently moving sides – the Billy Allen MS.02 and the Dee MS.09, in black and plain – as well as Classic Equine by Equibrand with D-ring and dogbone models.

Size and accessories

Most Quarter Horses take 12.7 cm. Matching curb chains from 6 euro and curb straps from 7 euro are held in this category; headstalls are in bridles and reins.

Frequently asked questions

What is a snaffle bit?
A bit with rings and no shanks. It acts directly, without leverage, and is ridden two-handed.

D-ring or O-ring?
The D-ring gives more lateral guidance and cannot slide through the mouth. The O-ring moves more freely and acts a little more softly.

What is a Billy Allen mouthpiece?
A mouthpiece with a centre barrel of limited movement. It prevents the nutcracker action of a single-jointed bit and lies more quietly on the tongue.

Is a twisted wire snaffle severe?
Yes, noticeably sharper than a smooth mouthpiece. It belongs in experienced hands, not on young or uncertain horses.

What size do I need?
Most Quarter Horses take 12.7 cm (5 inches). The bit should protrude slightly on both sides without pinching.