Loose ring snaffle problem?

Question

Okay, so I have this loose ring snaffle bit, and I'm worried about it hitting my horse's teeth. I tried it on him today, and my horse really liked it! He hasn't had a bit in his mouth for almost 3 years and he accepted it like it was nothing! When I first put the bit in, my horse played with it for a little while and then let it settle so I could adjust the headstall. Well I kept messing around with it, and I noticed that if I left it loose enough so there was only 1 wrinkle, the bit touched my horse's upper tooth. When I tightened it to 2 wrinkles, it was decently away and my horse didn't seem to mind any. About the time I tightened it up, my horse dropped his head and almost feel asleep like it wasn't bothering him any. I've just always read you need to keep it to 1 wrinkle, but if I do it touches my horse's upper tooth and I figured that would be painful. Any tips? Also he doesn't need his teeth floated I don't think, he has no sharp parts, and his teeth are perfectly healthy. None missing and all level, they look really good to me.

Answer 1

Each horse has a unique mouth, wrinkles as measurement is a generalization. Your horse might have a longer gap and shorter lip. I had a show horse that rode perfectly with 3 wrinkles and the bridle went on and off fine too. Look in his mouth if he'll let you and see the distance between the corner of the lip and where his back teeth begin. Remeber since his mouth is open the distance will actually be greater.  

Answer 2

Sounds like the bit itself is too big - ie. your horse needs a 5" and you are using a 5 and 1/2 inch.

You are right about one wrinkle being all you should need - and GOOD job paying attention to details!

Your horse is lucky to have you!

Answer 3

i was always told 2 wrinkles, and you said it was fine in his mouth at two, so try it!

you didn't mention if rode with it, but if you do and the bit is too high the horse will make it painfully obvious it isn't right.

But i'd say, put it at 2 wrinkles and have fun riding!

and kudos for the first bit question about snaffles in a LONGGGG time.

Answer 4

Having a wrinkle in the horses mouth is an old wives tail. It is not true. The way you tell is that the bit should set in the gap between he horses wolf teeth, and between the molars. this is where the bit should sit.

Great choice in using a snaffle! Keep riding him in it for sure!  Hope this helps=)

Answer 5

Ensure the horse has had his wolf teeth extracted - if he's had 'em floated routinely chances are if necessary, they've been extracted.  If the bit contacts a wolf tooth, it can be painful.

1- 2 wrinkles is ok but much more is too tight and 1 light wrinkle probably is too loose with a loose ring snaffle.

It sounds like he's a good horse well trained if he's accepted the bit this well and acts nicely.  If the horse avoids the bit whatsoever - sticking it's tongue out, head behind the bit, pushing through it, chomping, basically anything other than holding it quietly awaiting your communication, something isn't right in either the bit itself of the fit of it.

I like Myler's comfort snaffles as they are created to take away any pinch at all.  

Good luck!

Answer 6

Even if the bit doesn't contact the teeth in the shorter headstall position, it may do it when the bit is active in the horse's mouth.  Two wrinkles is not a problem, but be sure it remains away from the teeth.  It sounds like the horse must have wolf teeth for this to be a problem.

Answer 7

um no the rule is two wrinkles...get some bit guards tho to prevent pinching tho