Snaffle Bit
The snaffle bit is the simplest type of horse bit, and has an effect on the bars (part of the horses’ jaw without teeth) and the corners of the lips. Here the twisted canons and the central piece add some severity, since by bending over the tongue, they would bring the twisted links in contact with the bars. This bit was originally probably completed by larger metal rings or cheekpieces made of perishable material, like wood or bone. The cheekpieces help indicate the direction to the horse and keep the rings from pulling through the horse's mouth. The headstall would have probably being connected to these missing rings or cheekpieces as well.
This kind of bit is found in burials associated with several populations living and travelling between eastern and central Europe during this period. This example was found in what is today Poděbrady, in Czech Republic
This kind of bit is found in burials associated with several populations living and travelling between eastern and central Europe during this period. This example was found in what is today Poděbrady, in Czech Republic
Artwork Details
- Title: Snaffle Bit
- Date: 1st–4th century
- Geography: Poděbrady
- Culture: European, Bohemia
- Medium: Iron alloy
- Dimensions: W. 6 1/4 in. (15.9 cm); Wt. 1.7 oz. (48.2 g)
- Classification: Equestrian Equipment-Bits
- Credit Line: Gift of Stephen V. Grancsay, 1942
- Object Number: 42.50.482
- Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor
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