What does a bit like this do differently than a regular snaffle?

Question

why would you use one like this?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jillsahnerphotos/2623549408/in/set-72157605893839437/

Answer 1

the reason the reins come down the cheek is so that when u pull on it, it will pull the horses head down so you have more controle!

Answer 2

It's a gag full cheek snaffle. The rein that goes up the cheek pulls the bit up when you pull back and gags them. The other rein acts just like a full cheek snaffle. It's very harsh

Answer 3

Yes, it looks like a gag-full cheek snaffle. Never will you see me using that. Ever. Gag bits are really nasty bits, they do just like the name says, gags the horse by bringing the bit up in his mouth and pulling on the headstall on the poll when you pull on the reins running through the O-rings.

Answer 4

if your horse won't turn for you than that is why the full cheek is there.

Answer 5

What would be the other bit?? A snaffle bit is used for the horse it thicker a and dose not hurt the horse that much to pull on it s mouth. a snaffle is desighned to give the horse more levrage

Answer 6

I actually blew the picture up and looks like the reins are not attached to the end of the cheeck piece as it looks at first.

Looks to be a regular full cheek snaffle but with the reins attached to the cheeck-piece and pulled through the O-ring, instead of attaching to the O-ring to give it more of a "gag-bit" type effect. Would also apply some pressure to the poll as well like any other gag bit.

Only reason I could guess would be for an older soured horse that tends to lay down on the bit to get his head up and stops laying on it.

Personally I think re-training would better but who knows why they did this...????

Answer 7

Firstly, just because it has a broken mouthpiece, doesn't mean that it is a snaffle and works like a snaffle.  To be a snaffle or work like a snaffle, the reins need to be attached to the ring, next to the mouth, with no leverage.  If you will notice, this bit has a shank and the rein is attached to the end of the shank, not the ring up by the mouth, hence, it is not a snaffle and doesn't work like a snaffle.

Answer 8

I searched with google, looked at English bit websites, and still can't find anything like it.  But as to your second edit, the reins don't go up by the cheeks.  They are attached to the bottom shanks of the bit.  The top portion of the bit looks like a full cheek snaffle.  The bottom part looks like an English curb bit.  Must be a combo of some type?  

I'll check back to read your answers.

Edit:  I think I agree with galloppal...it appears to be a full cheek snaffle, but the reins are not attached to the bit at all.

Edit 2:  Thanks for posting...I learned something today from Yahoo!Answers....whoo-hoo!

Answer 9

Greg B is completely correct. it is a full cheek gag bridle, which is used alot for two things that are almost totally opposite of one another. one use is cross-country, or other jumper classes where it is allowed, to elevate the forehand for an easier and smoother take-off over the jump. it is a strong bridle for strong-running horses like the CC jumpers sometimes are. the second use is for people training their horses for flat hunter classes, like hunter under saddle, equitation, etc. when used as a supplemental bit, (just using it every once in a while to reinforce training), it can lighten the mouth and lower the head for a longer, flatter, more collected and refined stride. again, it is a strong bridle, NOT FOR INEXPERIENCED HANDS.

Answer 10

I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure it's a gag bridle. It pulls up with bit, while at the same time forcing down on the crownpiece. It has a nutcracker effect on the horse's head. It's not allowed in dressage.

In this photo, it's hard to tell becase the horse is dark, but I think the rein goes through the bit all the way up to the top.

It's a very harsh effect that is painful to the horse if not used softly and with extreme caution.

Answer 11

That is a gag bit. The reins go through the bit rings and attach directly to the cheek pieces and hence the crown piece. See how the cheek pieces are round? That is so they can slide through the O's in the bit ring. There is no shank at all. I think what some are mistaking for a shank is actually the full cheek part of the bit. This is not a combination hackamore either. If folks will notice, there is only one set of reins.

The gag bit creates a vise effect as the rider pulls on the reins as the bit will move up in the mouth and the crown piece will tighten around his head. Its a pretty severe piece of equipment and I would never use one. I have seen them used at eventer shows for cross country for horses that are extreme pullers.

Answer 12

This is a combination of full cheek snaffle and bitless bridle...I don't know where anyone see shanks here.  The snaffle is kept placed with leather bit keepers.  The snaffle bit ring is attached to the side of the bitless reins as they feed to the bridle sidepiece going over the poll.  The effect is to exert direct pressure on the poll while lifting the bit when reins are tightened.  What it does differently is to distribute the forces to more areas so the overall effect is less severe on any one point, and also looks to be a clever way to sneak bitless technology into the show arena.  Anyway, that's my guess.

Daisy K...I used a magnifying glass and there are two attachments at the side of the ring.

Well, I learned something on this one.  I always thought a gag bit was some old-time cowboy device...thanks knowledgeable people!  I don't think I've ever seen one used.