Snaffle Bit

late 16th century
Not on view
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 triangular extensions would to help to hold the mouthpiece in place and would press the sides of the mouth when reins are pulled, helping indicating direction to the horse.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Snaffle Bit
  • Date: late 16th century
  • Culture: German
  • Medium: Iron alloy
  • Dimensions: H. 7 1/4 in. (18.42 cm); W. 9 5/16 in. (23.65 cm).
  • Classification: Equestrian Equipment-Bits
  • Credit Line: Bashford Dean Memorial Collection, Bequest of Bashford Dean, 1928
  • Object Number: 29.150.155
  • Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

More Artwork

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.