One of the biggest Bitting myths...

Hanging snaffles are often described as a Bit that has poll pressure, what if I told you it is fact did the opposite? For a bit to have any leverage, the rein must be attached BELOW the mouth piece, another way of thinking about it is that the mouth peice is the 'pivot point' and for the Bit to rotate and apply poll pressure there needs to be an attachment for the reins below the pivot point.

In the ever popular Hanging Snaffle bit, the rein is attached to the same ring as the mouthpiece which means when any slight pressure is taken, the rein will slide up the ring to be in line with the mouthpiece, this allows for the Bit to be still and stable in the mouth since there is not going to be a lot of change in the horse mouth when the rider takes up the reins. An example of a Bit having leverage is a Universal 2 1/2 ring Gag, when the rein is attached to the bottom ring, it is fixed below the mouth piece so does apply poll pressure. As shown in the diagram below (thanks to my forever patient horses), you can see when the rein is taken, the cheekpiece in fact bulges OUT, so actually relieves the horse of the pressure (hence being dressage legal).

The hanging snaffle is a very popular pony Bit, and for very good reason as it gives great stability and helps with turning since the Bit cannot be pulled through the mouth.

If you had been considering using the hanging snaffle for a few more 'brakes' then the Bevel snaffle is a popular alternative as you have the option to attach the rein to the bottom loop for a wee bit of leverage OR have it attached to the main ring, simply acting as a plain old regular snaffle. Remember, often when we fit the correct mouthpiece the horse won't need a stronger cheekpeice but this is something we can work through together.

More questions? Feeling lost with what Bit to now use? Feel free to flick me an email and we can have a chat.