Snaffle Bit
The snaffle bit is the simplest type of horse bit, and has an effect on the bars (part of the horse’s jaw without teeth) and the corners of the lips. The mouthpiece of this bit consists in two articulated links, square in section and with a serrated ridge on each face, welded with copper. The mouthpiece is flanked on one side by a long vertical cheekpiece, and by a simple link with a ring on the other, probably reused from another bit to replace the missing piece. The remaining original cheekpiece, used to hang the bit from the bridle, is composed of a ribbed vertical bar, with a flat pierced square ornament at the bottom, a decoration characteristic of Visigothic bits. Reins were attached to the ribbed D-shaped rings hanging from each side of the bit.
The serrated ridges on the mouthpiece make it harsh, preventing the horse from grasping the bit with its jaws (the horse needed to have a relaxed jaw for the bit to be effective). When they were pulled, the cheekpieces would compress the corners of the lips, forcing the horse to stop. They would also help indicate the direction to the horse and keep the rings from pulling through the mouth.
The serrated ridges on the mouthpiece make it harsh, preventing the horse from grasping the bit with its jaws (the horse needed to have a relaxed jaw for the bit to be effective). When they were pulled, the cheekpieces would compress the corners of the lips, forcing the horse to stop. They would also help indicate the direction to the horse and keep the rings from pulling through the mouth.
Artwork Details
- Title: Snaffle Bit
- Date: 7th century
- Culture: Visigothic
- Medium: Iron alloy, copper
- Dimensions: H. 5 1/4 in. (13.3 cm); W. 6 5/8 in. (16.8 cm); Wt. 11.8 oz. (334.5 g)
- Classification: Equestrian Equipment-Bits
- Credit Line: Gift of Stephen V. Grancsay, 1942
- Object Number: 42.50.496
- Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Byzantine
6th century
Byzantine or Germanic
6th–7th century
Western European, Langobardic
7th century
On loan to The Met
Germanic or Scandinavian
ca. 850–900
Japanese
6th–7th century
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.