The fishing rod, one of the parts of which is the snaffle, is a special device with which the rider controls the horse. The device was invented a very, very long time, over time it was modernized, but the principle of its operation remained unchanged.
Description
The snaffle for a horse consists of two half-bent different-sized metal branches. They can be connected using a short rod or small rings. They are fastened in the central part, and at the outer ends there are other rings to which the occasions are fastened. However, there are other types of snaffles, which you will learn about later.
Location
Where the snaffle will be located depends on several factors. First, you need to choose a fishing rod of a suitable size. Secondly, the horse's head should be in the correct position. If these conditions are met, the snaffle will lie on the edges of the gums, where there are no teeth. Through the reins, the gums, tongue and corners of the horse’s mouth are affected.
Dimensions
There are several standard sizes of snaffles. Knowing them, you can correctly and quickly choose the right device. The main factor affecting the size of the fixture is the distance between the rings. Most often it is 12.5-15 cm. Such snaffles are suitable for large horses. But for smaller horses produce more compact devices.
Particular attention should be paid to the thickness of the snaffle. It is measured either at the widest point near the rings, or in the hinge area. For large horses, snaffles are suitable, the thickness of which is 14 mm or more. Too thin snaffles act hard on the gums of the steed, and thick ones, on the contrary, are more “sparing”. But they can cause animal discomfort, as they take up a lot of space in the mouth.
The length of the snaffle is also very important. A correctly selected device should be 1 cm greater than the distance between the corners of the lips, that is, protrude 0.5 cm from each side of the mouth. Too short a snaffle can pinch your lips, and a long snapper will fidget in your mouth.
Material
Trenzel is a device that is made from durable materials. For example, bronze, which has high corrosion resistance. However, the processing of this material is very time-consuming, so the snaffle from it is expensive. In addition, stainless steel, iron, brass, copper, argentan, cuprium and even titanium are widely used for fishing.
How to choose a snaffle?
It is necessary to take a responsible approach to the choice of snaffle and bridle, because they should not cause horse inconvenience. Therefore, these devices are selected individually for each animal. When choosing, consider the anatomical features of the horse, the dynamics of its movement, the sensitivity of the mouth. A large role is played by the character and temperament of the horse, its age. In addition, the degree of understanding and trust between the rider and the horse must be taken into account.
Types of Snaffles
The following types of snaffles are distinguished depending on the structural features:
- An ordinary nibbled. This device consists of several links. Each of them moves independently of the other. This allows you to act separately on the right and left parts of the horse's mouth. This snaffle is a fairly popular device that is widely used in work with horses. However, novice riders must act carefully, as careless control with the help of a nibble can injure the horse.
- Snuffle-Beat is an American type of ordinary nibbled. This device is made of ferrous metal mixed with copper to make it more attractive to the horse. He has twice as many rings, which makes it convenient to use such snaffles. The device does not allow the horse to pull the bit.
- Eight is a three-link snaffle. Thanks to this structure, the device lies better in the horse's mouth. The middle ring can be located vertically, that is, the control will be more rigid. If this part lies horizontally, then the snaffle is used for horses with an overly sensitive jaw.
- One-piece nibble - a device designed for horses with a sensitive shell of the mouth. He has no joints, so you need to have experience in using a single bite. The control must be two-way, otherwise the device will fidget in the mouth.
- Rubber Gnawed Trenzel is an upgraded version of the previous device. The device does not cause the horse inconvenience, but it is not accepted to use it in competitions.
- A gnawed chain snapper consists of several links, their number can vary from 5 to 9 pieces. It lies comfortably in the horse’s mouth, but is not suitable for dressage.
- The English eider is another snaffle obtained as a result of the modernization of the usual nibble. Bridle straps are attached to additional holes in the rings, after which they are attached to the occasion. The reins of the reins can be adjusted independently, depending on the characteristics of the steed. English eider is widely used in eventing and jumping.
- A gnawed-blade snaffle is used if the horse throws his tongue over the bite. The device acts as follows: the shoulder blade makes the horse raise its tongue, but at the same time it does not allow it to throw the tongue. This allows you to wean a horse from a bad habit.
Problems
Inexperienced equestrians may encounter some problems when using the snaffle. This adaptation requires certain skills on the part of the rider. Thus, it is necessary to achieve mutual understanding with the horse. If the horse begins to throw its head back or, conversely, to lower it strongly, then the fishing rod affects only the corners of the mouth. The animal can "bite the bit", which will make it harder to control the horse.
In addition, problems may arise when performing various maneuvers if the horse does not listen to you. The animal can stop abruptly, refuse to jump. A horny horse will constantly “bend its line”, and the rider’s struggle with the horse will cause irritation not only to the one who controls it, but also to the audience.
Another serious problem may arise if the bit is not sized properly. If the distance between the rings is too large, then they can pinch or rub the lips of the horse. Light thin bits may break in the horse’s mouth, which is dangerous for both the steed and the rider. But heavy snaffles, on the contrary, will calmly lie in the horse’s mouth.
However, over time, understanding will come between the horse and the rider. It is necessary to let the horse get used to the snaffle (the photo of the device is presented in our article). In the process of training, you will understand what causes the horse inconvenience, and you can correct mistakes. A horse is a smart animal that quickly learns what actions will cause the rider's discontent.