Bridle VS Snaffle | Something You May Not Have Known

Ryan discusses the differences between a standard bridle and a snaffle bit. Are you making the right bit decision for your horse?
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[@nevaminguez7175]

"The best bit to have is a bit of knowledge." Beautifully said!

[@lorineidtinytoadplot744]

Now I'm going to get picky lol the "bridle" includes both the headstall that holds a bit that goes in the mouth and the reins that are attached to the bit. No matter what type of bit "or chin strap" Is what I have always known. The bit with leverage I call a leverage or shank. Shank or snaffle

[@epona9166]

Now I'm going to get picky. Loosely speaking a bridle (note correct spelling) is comprised of a headstall, a bit and reins. However, bridle means different things to different people. To many western riders, a headstall & snaffle isn't a bridle. It's just a headstall and a snaffle. Only a headstall & shank/leverage bit is appropriately referred to as a bridle. And there may be some people who only consider a headstall w/a spade bit to be a real bridle. But no matter what, comparing a "bridle" and a snaffle makes no sense. The comparison is between a leverage/shank bit and a snaffle bit. I also take exception with calling the strap attached to a snaffle bridle a "chin strap". Chin strap or curb strap implies that there is action under the chin. That's true with a leverage/shank bit, but not with a snaffle bit. The strap attached to the side rings of a snaffle bit are bit hobbles. They simply hold the bit in place; they aren't a mechanism for communicating with the horse like a curb/chin strap.

[@nevaminguez7175]

First of all, bridle, not bridal. Second of all, most people say the bridle is everything that goes on the horse's head, including myself, but not everyone. The biggest example I can think of is vaqueros. They don't use snaffles on their horses, and so any horse that goes in a leverage bit is called a bridle horse. That's just one example, this video is clearly another.

[@outfitr9703]

We always just had either bridles or halters hanging in the tack room. A bridle was a headstall with any kind of a bit and a halter was ...well a halter.

[@VeronicaMist]

I thought it was a snaffle or a curb bit, and the whole setup is the bridle.

[@frankgonzales2462]

Another wanna be horseman!

[@Flutterbyartstudio]

As a previous English rider, the bridle was what held the bit on also known in America as the ‘headstall’ (headstall for us was the halter!) what Ryan calls the chin strap was the curb (I could go on!) However, I have NEVER heard of a bit being called a ‘bridle’. The bit is what’s added to it. Snaffle or shank etc. Talk about confusing things!! 😂

[@equine2020]

This guy is confused.

[@sseeback6754]

That was very informative especially showing the action of the bits when one rein or 2 are used. That was a good visual to try to understand what is going on in their mouth and why they might not respond to one or the other if the rider uses the reins incorrectly. Thanks so much!! 😀😀

[@lydiahodges8648]

Everyone thinks I'm stupid when I ride my horses in a snaffle with a chin strap and they say it doesn't do any thing (cause there is no leverage) and I always say it keeps the bit from being pulled through there mouth. He is the only other person I've seen do it

[@aliciameeks]

I have a chin strap on my snaffle as well. I’ve even heard it called a “snaffle hobble” by some Australian trainers. Everyone has an opinion so as RR says, go with your feel and dismiss the naysayers.

[@bayleeolson8330]

It’s pretty normal in California

[@lesliejacobs3002]

I have seen people ( western)using a chin strap on a snaffle for decades…as an English rider in a hunt bridle…sine the 1960’s… hunt bridles usually have a snaffle, loose ring, egg butt, D ring, there is a cavason no chin strap..apparently English riddlers horses are trained enough there is no occurrence of pulling the bit through the mouth..if that was a concern..they would use a full cheek snaffle.

[@jaelhoward4621]

I'm seeing a lot of people ask about the terminology! So, we all know what a snaffle is, easy peasy. While a bridle is often the general term for the bit that holds the bit, (Haha, yes, I know.) In the western world, you're more likely to hear "headstall" instead. These mean the exact same thing, and it's really not serious enough that we talk about their differences. Here, the term refers to a bit for a horse who is fully bridled, and can ride with one hand. Therefore, that horse can be ridden in a bridle bit. Or, a shank bit for fully bridled horses.

[@RossJacobs]

While you refer to the curb encouraging flexion more than the snaffle is true, it is a false flexion that leads to a broken neck and heaviness on the forehand. True vertical flexion comes from raising the base of the neck, which can only come through softening of the top line through the whole horse. It's a mental letting go, not something imposed by the bit. True vertical flexion is not dependent on which type of bit or even if you use a bit. True vertical flexion comes from a mental and physical softening to the feel of the reins, no matter what they are attached to. The reins are only a communication transponder to convey the rider's intent to the horse's brain. The reins are not there to make anything happen. If you rely on gear to get it done, then you are not eliciting a change of thought in a horse - you are just muscling the horse to submit.

[@RossJacobs]

@@vivrenate3310 thanks for your questions. However, this is Ryan's page and I don't feel comfortable hijacking the discussion on another person's business channel. I'm happy to respond to any comments or questions from Ryan because it's his page. But I am less comfortable taking over the podium on his page - it feels a little like sidelining Ryan, which is neither fair nor respectful (which I know is not your intent). Sorry.

[@vivrenate3310]

@@RossJacobs You are absolutely right, I do apologize.

[@HobbitHomes263]

When I am working with a green horse (the flat hat crowd calls them "snaffle horses) I've made a leather strap that I can add to the snaffle that goes OVER the nose.the reins pull more on that nose strap and can help them with their first tries are vertical flexion and clue me in if they are ready for a leveraged bit or need a bosal or a Hackamore. If I lower my hands It can relieve some pressure on their bars. If I raise my hands it acts more like a plain snaffle but the over-strap still keeps the bit from pressuring their bars a bit when properly adjusted I want the bit to be resting lightly on their bars. It's not something you would use forever on a horse but it is a good cheap way to explore bit choices without buying a whole bunch of bits. JUst a hack from an old cowhand.. I've tried the "vaquero" set up with both a bosal and snaffle but when I am out working and doctoring, messing with ropes and two sets of reins is just a pain in the hindquarters.

[@cchaussee]

Great video Ryan. I’d love to hear more about the other bits you have - the ones on the far right.

[@krystaldaniels7940]

Hard to see on my phone, but those look like correction bits for horses that need tongue relief. They are leverage curb bits though so only for one hand riding/neck rein

[@beatlebailey95]

I had a trainer tell me that bridal bits put more pressure on the bars and can dent their skulls in the long run when you get ahold of them to stop. Then was also told that in order to get my horse soft in turns I needed to put a snaffle bit in my horses mouth and that it would be better for their bars. At 4:09 you say snaffles put more pressure on their bars which is what I was taught first. Grated each bit serves a purpose but I love this!

[@brentonkelly3780]

Love the ideas shared in this video Ryan. Thanks mate

[@ladyfarrier5949]

I disagree with terming it "snaffle vs bridle".... they're ALL bridles. The difference is your choice of bits. Now to say snaffle vs leverage bit, would make much more sense. A bridle is the entire or complete piece which comprises of the headstall, reins and choice of bit/hackamore/bosal. As for snaffles being cracker jack action, it's true. But the anatomy of a horse's mouth, makes all the difference in the world. I had a mare that I'd had trained and I was very specific about wanting a soft mouth and good leg aids. Well, it took a while to figure out what bit she liked. Finally settled on a mullen mouth. But the snaffle she was started in was a problem for her..... mouth gaping and always trying to put her tongue over to of the bit. When you applied enough pressure it would send her soaring. Turned out, she had a very thick tongue and a very low port. No room in her mouth. That's why she did better with a mullen mouth bit. So anatomy of each horse's mouth needs to be taken into consideration. Now, I just don't buy regular snaffles. I tend to start in a copper eggbutt french link with lozenge

[@Conny226]

Thank you for the explanation I thought the snuffle was the most gentle.I don’t have a horse but I am thinking about getting one.

[@freedombeckoing]

I think you need to learn more before you get a horse of your own. There are different types of snaffle bits ranging from gentle to severe and if a rider is heavy handed even a gentle snaffle can be severe. Please google "types of snaffle bit"

[@andreoliveira685]

I believe everyone should start with the snaffle (a comfortable one for the horse) because If u make a mistake with a comfortable snaffle there's less of a chance of hurting badly. Nevertheless the rider must get the feeling of doing stuff so as not to hurt... horses are very tolerant (sometimes) and u will hurt him before he starts complaining

[@mommabearx11]

A bridle is what holds the bit. The bits are a snaffle or a curb. That's the terminology I was taught.

[@silky2204]

Thank you for the information.

[@andrewwinter7843]

confusion on my end. Snaffle vs Bridle? or Snaffle bit versus Curb bit. Man I am confused.

[@virginiamoss7045]

Aren't they all bridles? There are halters and there are bridles and there are ropes around the neck. I'm confused.

[@iylie_eq]

Old comment but I’m still gonna respond. Some people, mainly western riders, consider what we know as a bridle to be a headstall. The snaffle is the same, the bit in the mouth- but only a certain kind as he explains in the video. A headstall with a snaffle bit is simply known as such. Not a bridle. However, a headstall with a leverage bit is known as a bridle. (That is just explaining the terminology in the video, what you are saying in your comment is correct for english riders and some western riders. This video is just a bit different.)

[@virginiamoss7045]

@@iylie_eq Thanks so much.

[@johnjacobs4207]

Remember, Clinton says the key to vertical flexion is lateral flexion. That means you've got to use lateral flexion for years before going to the compression bit. I use my snaffle over the hackamore at all times and I can teach backing and turning with only the principle of bend. AFter the horse can do everything in the snaffle then and only then go to the spade.

[@Razzle_and_Dazzle.]

clinton anderson? didnt he beat a blind horse?

[@slunt3123]

Have never heard leverage bits called ‘bridle’. The term is confusing to me since a ‘bridle’ (the leather parts that attach to the bit) can have either a leverage or snaffle bit on it.

[@TaylorisCool649]

What was the training bit called

[@ElectricHorseman66]

In Europe, riding classical dressage want the horse's pole high and use the snaffle on the corners of the mouth, not on the bars.

[@Beckybirt]

What bit for dead broke QH -great under saddle. Just using for trail riding. Not knowing her history(probably a ranch horse) not sure bit is is best. She responds well to a loose ring snaffle. Is that best for trail riding

[@KeithNorwood-vg2eq]

Bridle refers to the headstall bits and reins it should be snaffle bit vs a shank bit

[@johnnorman1793]

G'day Ryan, really enjoy your video's, hopefully you will read the comment i left for cornelia below.

[@rcwexell]

should you start a horse in a snaffle bit then?

[@lizziegray4212]

I don't have a horse right now, but when I do get one I want to do a little bit of everything. Horses is supposed to be for fun. Tail ride, barrels, western pleasure, cow work what ever... The training bit you showed seem the right bit for all. It seem like I could pull one rein for lateral flexion. But do vertical flexion because of the cub, shank(ok I'm going to say this wrong sry in advance) and not solid bit. Sry but I don't know what to call it. Do could the training bit be use as an around bit fir what I want to do? And it depends on the horse.

[@gipsiesrealm]

What do you do with a horse that grabs the shank? I started to transition my gelding to a bridal from a snaffe and I forgot why I put him back in a the snaffel what can I do about him constantly grabbing the shank?

[@ryanrosehorsemanship]

Good question, usually if they are busy in their mouth they need to move their feet more. I’d try to keep them a little busier. Thanks

[@vanveen8472]

the more I watch your video's the more I feel sorry for the horses I used to have

[@saspinks3001]

Don't beat yourself up too much, just be better going forward!

[@Giobemo]

Why is the training bridle not the standard bridle? If it gives you the leverage of the bridle and the one-rein control capability of the snaffle, why would you not want that all the time? Is it worth the trade off to have better control with one hand on the reins?

[@issnake1109]

You’re telling me. A lot of the shows I ride at have rules against riding in any sort of “training bridle”. So no bosals, no simple snaffles, etc etc. They will have you disqualified for riding in them. It’s stupid. My first year showing I rode with a mechanical hackamore and got disqualified in almost every show, even though my horse was significantly calmer and more well behaved than most of the horses using extreme curb bits and other leverage bits

[@manuelmfontes]

Great video. Appreciate it, but isn't the the whole rig a bridle? A snaffle bit is just part of the bridle for some horses. Anyway, thanks pard and best wishes.

[@marykaywohlert9228]

Do you recommend leather vs chain chin straps?

[@doublec5417]

lol not trying to be rude but the "bridle can have a snaffle bit on it the bridle is the set up its not bridle vs snaffle bit its snaffle bit vs more agresive types of bits

[@carelynnalbrecht7059]

I have a mare that I have pretty much always used a twisted wire snaffle on. But she will pull right through it most of the time, especially when first warming up. She is very high energy as well. My question is what bit would you recommend for her? She isn’t super broke and that has made me hesitant to move to a shanked bit, but at this point I’m not sure what to do. I have tried exercises to soften her up, etc. I just feel I’m always on her mouth and I hate that. Thanks

[@barbarawitt1049]

Hi! Go back to the very beginning and start with plenty of groundwork. There are holes in her training, I'm afraid.

[@kimvaurigaud7406]

what is the best bit to use on a soft mouth for trail riding?

[@ryanrosehorsemanship]

Usually a snaffle is a good choice for trail rides since we’re ideally on a loose rein majority of the time.

[@Wtfisthisshit188]

So i ride a cob horse he has circles almost next to the bit idk how to fix it i dont want it to hurt his mouth idk how to put it idk if its a snaffle idk how to but it so it doesnt pinch his mouth

[@katiec8180]

Bit guards?

[@Wtfisthisshit188]

@@katiec8180 yea probs

[@Wtfisthisshit188]

@@katiec8180 i just checked and im going to ride him today and its not bit gaurds

[@ladyfarrier5949]

Is the bit the correct size? Or is it a slight bit too small or is the bridle a little too tight? Beyond that, ya I'd agree with guards. Is he soft with giving to pressure? Or would he be considered hard mouthed?.... In which case, if hard mouthed, I'd say go back and start doing suppling exercises and teach him to get quieter and to give to pressure better.... soft mouth and good leg aids is what you want.

[@WisdomClarity]

Snaffle is a type of bit dearest. You can have a snaffle bit on most bridles.

[@gabrielfelixmunoz739]

this goes against a lot of what is said by others

[@zoravignjevic6905]

I think you mean curb vs snaffle.

[@equine2020]

What? The bridle is the leather part. The bit is the mouth piece. When did things change.

[@helenboughton9127]

5oz. Of pressure

[@ernestdarquea6378]

You mean curb not “bridle”.

[@ryanrosehorsemanship]

Correct curb in a synonym of bridle. 👍

[@frankgonzales2462]

Bridal is not a mouth piece bridal is the headgear or headstall that holds the bit or snaffle in horse mouth???

[@1sacoyle]

Why are you identifying a bridle as a curb bit? You have confused many people with this video. As I know you know the bridle is the head stall the bit (any type) is attached to.

[@frankgonzales2462]

Another over night expert!!!👎

[@epona9166]

I don't understand you jumping on Ryan AGAIN after three years. His horsemanship skills are amazing calling him an overnight expert after three years makes no sense anyway. This video is unfortunate. I wish he would take it down, because it doesn't add to any conversation about bits and everyone is psychotically fixated on him calling a headstall with a curb bit a "bridle". I find it annoying and confusing as well, I admit, but he's hardly the only person to do that. LOTS of people (I'm guessing just western riders) use the exact same language. If you want to keep trashing RR, I suggest you at least go watch his most recent videos and comment on those -- not this lame old thing.