Know your horse bits – The Dr Bristol Snaffle Bit
Dr Bristol snaffle bits are versatile bits that, as the name suggests, use the Dr Bristol (Doc Bristol) mouthpiece with various types of cheek pieces and bit rings. The name originates from the mouthpiece’s association with renowned horseman Dr. Bristol.
The Dr Bristol mouthpiece is a type of jointed mouthpiece, similar to the French link with a link in the middle. However, the link in the Dr Bristol mouthpiece is angled to put pressure on the horse’s tongue, encouraging the horse to respond by coming down onto the bit.
In terms of severity, the Doc Bristol mouthpiece sits between the French link and the single jointed mouthpieces. As with all bits though – it’s just as much about the rider’s hands as it is about the ‘severity’ of the mouthpiece.
The different types of Dr Bristol Snaffle bits
Here are some of the snaffle bits you can get with a Dr Bristol mouthpiece…
Loose Ring
Combines a Dr Bristol mouthpiece with loose rings.
D-Ring
This bit combines the D-ring cheek pieces and bit rings with a Dr. Bristol mouthpiece. Doing so provides more lateral control than the loose ring version.
Eggbutt
This is one of the most common types of Dr Bristol snaffle bits. The eggbutt combines the eggbutt cheeks and rings with a Dr. Bristol mouthpiece, providing both comfort and lateral control.
Full Cheek
The Dr. Bristol mouthpiece can also be found on a full cheek snaffle. This will add yet more lateral stability and clearer turning cues.
Baucher
A bit that combines the Baucher (hanging cheek) cheeks and bit rings with a Dr. Bristol mouthpiece.
Benefits of the Dr Bristol Snaffle Bit
Dr Bristol mouthpieces are designed for horses with hard mouths, and strong horses that fight leverage bits. They provide more control through the application of tongue pressure without the added aggravation of leverage. Those with cheek pieces, like a D-ring, Eggbutt, or full cheeks, offer lateral control as well.
Using a Dr Bristol Snaffle Bit
Proper fit is essential when using this mouthpiece. Ensure that the mouthpiece sits comfortably in your horse’s mouth, allowing one wrinkle at the corners. Avoid excessive tightness or pulling on the reins to avoid discomfort.
Maintain consistent contact with light rein aids to communicate effectively with your horse. This bit should be used with subtle cues, rewarding your horse’s responses with gentle releases.
Key Takeaways About Dr Bristol Snaffle Bits
The Dr Bristol mouthpiece is a good option for strong-mouthed horses that require stronger bit pressure without the leverage of shanked bits. The mouthpiece has an angled link in the middle that puts pressure on the horse’s tongue without increasing pressure elsewhere in the mouth.
