Snaffle Bit
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.
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
- 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
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Daniel Tachaux
ca. 1500 and later
probably German
ca. 1400–1430
Heinrich Heid von Winterthur
dated 1460
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ca. 1500
Kunz Lochner
dated 1549
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