Snaffle Bit

Unknown

late 16th–17th century · Iron alloy, tin · Arms and Armor

This kind of bit was used in the German lands for horses carrying litters and pulling sleighs. The snaffle bit is the simplest type of horse bit, and it has an effect on the bars (part of the horses’ jaw without teeth) and the corners of the lips. The scatches, the flattened triangular elements composing this mouthpiece, were slightly stronger in their effect and more resistant than the traditional conical canons also used at the time. The rings on the sides would serve to hang the bit on the headstall and attach the reins, while the spoon-like extensions would to help to hold the mouthpiece in place and would press the sides of the mouth when reins are pulled.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 16th–17th century

Medium

Iron alloy, tin

Culture

German

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Gift of Stephen V. Grancsay, 1942