Snaffle Bit

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 mouthpiece of this bit consists of two articulated straight canons passing through one of the eyelets of the cheekpieces. The two other eyelets were originally attached to the bridle, while each extremity of the canons holds a large ring for the reins. When the reins were pulled, the cheekpieces would compress the corners of the lips, forcing the horse to stop. They would also help indicate the direction to the horse and keep the rings from pulling through the mouth.

Horses had a great value among Villanovan and Etruscan societies. They were used for military and leisure purposes, and possessing them was an indicator of high social status. Equestrian objects, like bridles or even chariots, were often deposited in the tombs of the wealthy individuals, the deceased hoping to equip their steeds in the afterlife. Horses are also widely present among the paintings, ceramics and other decorated objects found in the same burials.