Know your horse bits – the French Link or Double Jointed Snaffle
French Link or double-jointed snaffle bits have a French link, Lozenge, or double-jointed mouthpiece in combination with various snaffle arrangements of cheek pieces and bit rings.
These combinations produce many different types of French Link or double-jointed bits.
The different types of French Link Snaffle bits
Loose Ring
This bit features loose rings that allow for independent movement of the mouthpiece.
D-Ring
Similar to the loose ring version, this bit is equipped with D-ring cheek pieces that avoid pinching and provide additional lateral stability.
Eggbutt
The eggbutt style has cheek pieces that reduce the risk of pinching.
Baucher
There are fixed hanging cheek pieces for stable contact with the horse’s mouth.
Full Cheek
This bit incorporates the lateral stability of those full cheek pieces, making it ideal for horses that require additional steering aids.
Half Cheek
A variation of the full cheek but has shorter cheek pieces, providing less lateral guiding effect but also less chance of the cheek pieces snagging on things.
Design and Function
The unique design that has a flat, peanut-shaped link in the center of the mouthpiece, which creates a double joint that produces a ‘U’ shape in the horse’s mouth instead of the ‘V’ shape of a single jointed mouthpiece. This reduces the nutcracker effect of single-jointed bits, and allows the bit to lay flatter on the horse’s tongue, reducing the pressure on the palate.
Benefits of French Link Snaffle bits
There are several benefits…
Enhanced Comfort
As mentioned, the double-jointed mouthpiece design minimises the nutcracker effect, reducing the risk of palate and bar pressure, promoting comfort for your horse.
Versatility
It is suitable for a wide range of horses and riders across various disciplines and levels of training, making it a versatile and popular choice for many riders
Encourages Salivation
The double joint encourages the horse to produce more saliva, promoting a softer and more accepting mouth.
Good For Horses That Don’t Like Single-jointed Mouthpieces
Horses that are sensitive to the nutcracker action of single-jointed bits often work well with this bit.
Using A French Link Snaffle bit
Ensure it fits comfortably in your horse’s mouth without causing pinching or excessive movement. Adjust the bit so that it rests evenly on the tongue and the bars.
Maintain steady but light contact on the reins to communicate effectively with your horse. Avoid pulling or using abrupt rein aids, as it is designed to work with subtle cues.
Key Takeaways About French Link Snaffles Or Double-Jointed Snaffle Bits
French Link snaffle bits are a good option for horses that need a softer mouthpiece than a single-jointed bit, whilst still providing the lightness and responsiveness that can be lacking in a straight or solid-bar mouthpiece. The double joint in the middle of the mouthpiece reduces pressure on the tongue, bars, and lips. This makes it a comfortable bit for the horse.
