Snaffle bit
Heavily rusted snaffle. Mouthpiece consists of two horizontal bars of twisted metal with rounded ends and a circular hole through each end. Centre of mouthpiece consists of a ring that feeds through a hole in each twisted piece of metal, connecting the two. Hanging down from this ring is a flat, semi-circular piece of metal with three circular holes. Looped through each hole is a short length of metal with a curved surface and bottom. At each end of the mouthpiece, a bar with a curved surface passes through the circular hole, perpendicular to the mouthpiece. At the point where it passes through the hole, this section extends into a ring.
This looks like a standard horse bit, with one extra detail – three 'keys' hanging from the mouthpiece. Although now outdated, these ‘mouthing bits’ provided young horses a distraction whilst they became accustomed to the feel of a bit; however, as they encouraged a horse to fidget and ‘play’ with them, they were seen as purely introductory. Nowadays, the simpler a first bit for a young horse, the better.
Details
Details
Acquired via the original bequest of Lew Whiteman.
