Know your horse bits – The Mullen Mouth Snaffle Bit
Mullen Mouth snaffle bits are some of the gentler and kindest bits for horses. They use a Mullen Mouth mouthpiece, which is a solid, curved mouthpiece without any joints. This design provides a smooth and consistent surface inside the horse’s mouth, offering even pressure on the tongue and bars.
The different types of Mullen Mouth Snaffle bits
Many Mullen Mouth bits feature either rubber or rubber-coated mouthpieces. The mouthpieces are attached to the various cheeks and bit rings via holes in the ends of the mouthpiece, much like a loose ring arrangement. However, unlike a true loose ring, the cheeks can only pivot laterally because of the cheeks added above and below the holes.
Rubber Mullen Mouth mouthpieces are the ultimate in soft flexible bits, whilst rubber-coated ones provide the rigidity of steel tempered by a soft rubber coating.
Then there are the steel Mullen Mouth bits with standard one-piece moulded D-ring, Eggbutt, full cheeks etc.
Loose Ring
Available with rubber and steel mouthpieces. Probably one of the plainest looking bits you’ll find, the loose ring bit is a mouthpiece with 2 loose rings at the ends.
Eggbutt
This is available with rubber and steel mouthpieces. The Mullen Mouth eggbutt bit features fixed egg-shaped rings that provide stable and steady contact with the horse’s mouth. It is less likely to pinch compared to loose ring versions.
D-Ring
Available with rubber and steel mouthpieces. This bit combines the Mullen Mouth with D-ring cheeks and bit rings. It provides a bit more lateral control than the eggbutt cheeks.
Full Cheek
Also available with rubber and steel mouthpieces. The Mullen Mouth full cheek bit combines the stability of full cheek cheeks with the mildness of a Mullen Mouthpiece. It helps with steering and is suitable for young or green horses.
Baucher
Available with rubber and steel mouthpieces. Combines a Mullen Mouth mouthpiece with Baucher hanging cheeks.
Benefits of Mullen Mouth Snaffle Bit
Being a solid mouthpiece, Mullen Mouth snaffle bits have a number of benefits for a wide range of horses:
Gentle and Softer Contact
The lack of joints means there are no pressure points or nutcracker effect, providing a gentler contact for your horse.
Stability
The solid and curved mouthpiece offers stability in the horse’s mouth, making it a suitable choice for horses that dislike jointed bits.
Ideal for Sensitive Mouths
Horses with sensitive mouths may find this bit more comfortable, encouraging better acceptance of the bit.
Great for Young Horses
It can be ideal for young and green horses as they begin their training, providing a gentle introduction to the bit.
Trail Riding and Hacking
For leisure riding and trail outings, the Mullen Mouth snaffle can offer a steady and comfortable option for your horse.
Using a Mullen Mouth Snaffle
To use this bit effectively, ensure it fits properly. The mouthpiece should sit comfortably in the horse’s mouth, allowing one to two wrinkles at the corners. Mullen Mouth bits fitted with cheeks and bit rings that attach via holes in the mouthpiece may pinch so ensure you leave enough room between the holes and the horse’s lips to reduce the chances of this happening.
Key Takeaways About The Mullen Mouth Snaffle
Mullen Mouth snaffle bits offer gentle, consistent, and even contact through the horses mouth. Solid-bar bits like the Mullen Mouth are some of the oldest bits in history, so are time-tested to work! The Mullen Mouth, with its curved bar, is ideal for young, sensitive, or bit-selective horses.
