Snaffle Bit

Unknown

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

This full-cheek bit has simple articulated canons, arched for giving more comfort to the tongue. The snaffle bit is the simplest type of horse bit, and has an effect on the bars (part of the horses’ jaw without teeth) and the corners of the lips. The rings on the sides would serve to hang the bit on the headstall and attach the reins. The cheekpieces press on the side of the mouth when a rein is pulled, helping indicating the direction to the horse and keeping the rings from pulling through the horse's mouth. According to contemporary equestrian manuals, this bit was probably used as a racing bit. It is virtually identical to some bit used until today.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 16th–early 17th century

Medium

Iron alloy

Culture

German

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Gift of Stephen V. Grancsay, 1942