Know your horse bits – The Eggbutt Snaffle Bits
Eggbutt snaffle bits get their name from the fixed ‘egg shaped’ cheek pieces on each end of the mouthpiece. The oval shaped bit rings are attached to these cheek pieces via flush swivel joints.
The shape of the cheek pieces, and the way they’re part of the mouthpiece, avoid 2 of the most common problems with the loose ring snaffle – namely pinching, and less lateral control.
The different types of Eggbutt Snaffle bits
The mouthpiece of an eggbutt snaffle bit can be single or double jointed, a straight bar, or a mullen mouth. These give us the different types of eggbutt snaffle bits, such as…
Single Jointed
This classic Eggbutt Snaffle features a single joint in the middle of the mouthpiece.
Double Jointed
Also known as a French Link Eggbutt Snaffle, this bit has two joints, reducing the nutcracker effect and offering a more comfortable fit for the horse.
Dr Bristol
This bit has a flat, angled plate in the middle of the mouthpiece, creating a more pronounced action on the horse’s tongue and bars.
Waterford
The mouthpiece consists of a series of ball-shaped links, providing a flexible and responsive feel for the horse, suitable for those with a tendency to lean or brace against the bit.
Mullen Mouth
This bit has a slightly curved, solid mouthpiece without joints, providing a stable and mild action, suitable for horses with a sensitive mouth.
Straight Bar
Like the Mullen Mouth, this bit has a solid mouthpiece but it is straight rather than curved.
Happy Mouth
Constructed with a soft, flexible, and non-toxic material, this bit is gentle on the horse’s mouth and can be appealing to horses who prefer a softer feel.
Rubber Coated
This Eggbutt Snaffle features a rubber coating over the mouthpiece, offering additional comfort and encouragement for salivation. The mouthpiece can be jointed or solid.
Copper Mouth
The mouthpiece contains copper, which can promote salivation and a more relaxed response from the horse. The mouthpiece can be jointed or solid.
Sweet Iron
Made from sweet iron, this bit develops a pleasant taste that encourages the horse to chew and relax their jaw. The mouthpiece can be jointed or solid.
Twisted Wire
This bit has a mouthpiece with twisted wire, providing a stronger and more precise action on the horse’s mouth. The mouthpiece can be jointed or solid.
Benefits of the Eggbutt Snaffle
Eggbutt snaffle bits are a favourite with horse owners for several reasons…
Direct Action
All eggbutt snaffle bits are direct action bits, meaning the bridle’s cheek straps and reins both attach to the bit rings and apply direct pressure to the mouthpiece when the reins are pulled. There is no poll pressure or leverage.
Less Pinching
Unlike the loose ring snaffle, the way the eggbutt cheek pieces mould into the mouthpiece provide a more comfortable fit for most horses and removes the problem of pinching the horse’s lips.
Better Lateral Control
The cheek pieces prevent the mouthpiece pulling through the horse’s mouth. This is not only better for the horse, it also allows for better ‘steering’ i.e. lateral control.
The Action Of An Eggbutt Snaffle Bit
The way an eggbutt snaffle bit works depends on the type of mouthpiece.
Single jointed mouthpieces have a nutcracker effect in the mouth that puts pressure on the corners of the mouth. Double-jointed mouthpieces reduce this effect a bit because they form a ‘U’ rather than a ‘V’.
However, if the mouthpiece is something like a Dr Bristol, it can have a more severe effect than a normal single or double-jointed mouthpiece due to the angle of the joining plate in the middle of the mouthpiece. This plate is specifically designed to put downward pressure on the tongue with horses that lean into the bit.
If the bit is a mullen mouth or straight-bar, it puts an even pressure across the tongue, bars and lips.
For this reason, many beginner riders, and young horses, use straight bar or mullen mouth eggbutt snaffle bits.
Using An Eggbutt Snaffle Bit
As with all bits, correct fit is essential. The mouthpiece should sit comfortably in the bars in the horse’s mouth, with approximately 3 – 5 mm of space between the lips and the cheek pieces on either side of the mouthpiece. Incorrect fit can cause rubbing, and considerable discomfort for the horse. It also hinders effective communication.
Always apply the rein aids gently and consistently; never jerk or yank on them. Even ‘gentle’ bits like the snaffle bit can cause damage if used incorrectly, and with excessive force. Ideally, light clear rein aids are used in conjunction with seat and leg aids to produce educated responses and quality movement.
Key Takeaways About The Eggbutt Snaffle Bits
The eggbutt snaffle bits remain classic and popular horse bits due to their simple design, the kind and effective cheek pieces that give the bit its name, and its direct action on the horse’s mouth. Depending on the type of mouthpiece, it is a versatile bit with a wide range of applications across many disciplines and suits horses at all stages of training.
It is also a good bit for young riders and pony club mounts
