The snaffle bridle is used from Intro level to Fourth Level in dressage. The snaffle bridle can be used in the young rider FEI tests.
Fitting the Dressage bridle
The Snaffle bridle
Tips before using the double bridle:
Using a double bridle for the first time should be accompanied by a trainer or an experienced horseperson to help you. Being able to ride with this bridle the rider must have an independent seat and be comfortable having more reins in their hands. I only suggest using the double bridle when the rider has reached fourth level where you have a choice of either competing in a snaffle bridle or a double bridle. My personal feelings is that a snaffle bridle should be used at third level, but I am a little tradional in that way.
For the bridoon rein a weaved rein or a flat rein is used and for the curb rein it is a flat rein. Having the two different feels of the reins is more useful for some riders, and can be helpful when first getting used to having four reins to hold. Working with your trainer so that they can assist you and watch you ride when you are first using the double bridle is the best advice I can give you. You want to be able to understand the mechanics of what the bridle is used for before you hop on and start riding. A theory lesson should be at the beginning of your rides (repetition in knowledge, same thing as teaching a horse a new aid), this will give you and your horse the confidence of using the double bridle.
"The Double Bridle"
A double bridle (also called a full bridle or Weymouth bridle)is a bridle that has two bits and four reins ( or "double reins"). One bit is the bridoon and is a modified snaffle bit that is smaller in diameter and has smaller bit rings than a traditional snaffle, it is adjusted so that it sits above and behind the curb bit. Always check your noseband
( or cavesson) to make sure it sits 1 to 2 fingers width below the horses jawline.
The experienced trainer can help you with the double bridle, as their are many factors in the proper fitting of your horse's mouth. Their are many things to take into consideration such as the size of the horse's mouth, if they have a low palate(roof of horse's mouth) if you will need a low or medium port, the sensitivity of the horse, etc. Having a bit that is too narrow can cause the lips of the horse to be pinched, which will cause pain. The curb bit should not be to wide, or it will slip from one side to the other.
The weymouth should fit exactly the size of the horse's mouth and the bradoon has to be approx 1 cm larger than the weymouth ( the minimum is 0.5 cm-1/5 inch. The part of the mouth where the bradoon lies is wider ( upper part of mouth) The other reason is you need more space on each side of the bradoon. Always take into consideration of how the double bridle lays on your horses face, and the distance between your horse's cheekbone and his/her mouth. Every horse is created different, and the way the bridle and bits fit are very important. The curb chain should lay flat against the horses chin and not be twisted, you should have 1 finger between the chain and the chin of the horse.
Rule of thumb when you are fitting the bradoon bit and the curb bit is the bits should not touch each other. Make sure the bridoon bit isn't hanging over the curb bit. Can you imagine having two pieces of metal in your mouth clanging together? It would downright be annoying, probably give you a headache and would not be comfortable. Check with your trainer on the proper fit, if you do not have a trainer that is close by, ask an experienced horseperson! Once you fit the double bridle and your horse has accepted having two bits in his/her mouth, walk him/her around and let them get adjusted to the new "feel" in their mouth. Try this for a few days in a row(or however long it takes) just walking your horse around to get acquainted with this new feel! You can even apply pressure with the reins to see how your horse will react. Most horses adapt very easily, but it is better to be safe than sorry. Horses have good memories so be fair and give them the time to get acquainted with the new bridle and bits.
Sometimes it is a good idea to have your trainer get on your horse for the first time when you are introducing the double bridle. Their is nothing wrong with doing this, trainers are experienced and know what to do in case a problem should arise.
Crownpiece
Browband
Noseband
Throatlatch
Rein
Snaffle bit
Flashband
Keepers
Crownpiece
Noseband
Browband
Click here to go to usef.org for details on what bits are permitted in competition.
Fitting of the Double Bridle
Again, if you are showing, the diameter of the curb mouthpiece must be minimum 12 mm at the cheeks of the mouthpiece.
If you are showing, the Bridoon mouthpiece must be minimum 10 mm diameter at rings or cheeks of the
mouthpiece
Double jointed snaffle
Jointed snaffle
Eggbutt bit
Click here to go to usef.org for details on what bits are permitted in competition.
The Double bridle is used from 3rd level to the Grand Prix level.
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Once you learn what each piece of the bridle is, you will be able to take it apart to clean it and put it back together correctly!
Dressageforjuniors.com
A fun place to learn about dressage, training tips and much more!
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Tips on fitting the Snaffle bridle
When you adjust the noseband (also called cavesson) it should lie 1 - 2 fingers width below the horses jawbone. You want to have a secure fit, not loose. If the noseband is to tight and you go to a show, the technical deligate will ask you to loosen it before entering the class. The snaffle can come with a cranknoseband (allows you to get the noseband more snug) or a regular noseband.
The mouthpiece is the more important part of the bridle as it controls the severity of the bit. Thinner mouthpieces are more severe, while thicker bits are less severe and can be heavy unless a hollow mouth is used.
A single jointed snaffle bit applies pressure to the tongue, lips, and bars of the horses mouth. This is the most common mouthpiece found on a snaffle.
A Loose ring bit rotates through the mouthpiece. It tends to make the horse relax his jaw and chew the bit. It can pinch the corners of the horse's mouth, so be careful in buying the right size.
An Eggbutt bit does not rotate, and is more fixed in the horse's mouth which some horses prefer. Will not pinch the lips.
The French snaffle bit is a double-jointed mouthpiece with a round or flat shaped link in the middle. It puts pressure on the horses tongue and encourages the horse to relax. A very mild bit.
Fitting a snaffle bit in a horses mouth
Theories as to fitting the snaffle vary between horse owners and you can always check with your trainer or an experienced horseperson in your barn. Rule of thumb for fitting the snaffle bridle is to adjust it so that it creates one or two wrinkles in the lips at each corner of the horse's mouth. Make sure it is not to tight around your horse's ears and that the browband is not to tight. It would be like you putting a hat on your head that was too small, it can be very uncomfortable!
The horse should keep its mouth closed over a properly-fitted bit and hold its head quietly. A bit may need to be adjusted either higher or lower until the horse shows no signs of discomfort. The bit is most effective when properly adjusted. As your horse trains and gets stronger and builds more muscle, take extra precaution as to how the bridle fits your horses head. Nothing worse than something that is to tight, it can be downright uncomfortable so make the necessary adjustments as needed.
Factors that affect the fit of the bit include both the length of the mouth where the bit rests on the bars (gums) of the horse's mouth, the thickness of the horse's tongue and the height of the mouth from tongue to palate(roof of mouth).
Width of the Snaffle
The snaffle should generally be no more than 1/2 inch to 1 inch wider than the horse's mouth. A bit that is too narrow can cause pinching and lead to behavioral problems when the horse experiences the discomfort. A pinching bit will also cause callousing on the lips. Snaffle bits are measured in inches between the two rings of the bit.
Mouthpiece diameter differs with each horse. Check with your trainer or an experienced horseperson at your barn. It is best to start with a size that is medium in width.
If you plan on showing, the Snaffle or bridoon mouthpiece must be minimum 10 mm diameter at rings or cheeks of the
mouthpiece (exception: for ponies, the diameter may be less than 10 mm).
Snaffles used in Young Horse classes must have a minimum diameter of 14 mm
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