A snaffle bit is the most common type of bit used while riding horses. It consists of a bit mouthpiece with a ring on each side and acts with direct pressure. A bridle utilizing only a snaffle bit is often called a "snaffle bridle", particularly in the English riding disciplines. A bridle that carries two bits, a curb bit and a snaffle, or "bradoon", is called a double bridle.
A horse wearing an English bridle with a snaffle bit. Notice it lacks a shank.
A classic D Ring snaffle bit with single jointed mouthpiece
This is a curb bit with a jointed mouthpiece, sometimes called a "cowboy snaffle". However, such bits are not snaffle bits because they have a shank and work with leverage
A French link mouthpiece on D rings
The bit is an item of a horse's tack. It usually refers to the assembly of components that contacts and controls the horse's mouth, and includes the shanks, rings, cheekpads and mullen, all described here below, but it also sometimes simply refers to the mullen, the piece that fits inside the horse's mouth. The mullen extends across the horse's mouth and rests on the bars, the region between the incisors and molars where there are no teeth. The bit is located on the horse's head by the headstall, and which has itself several components to allow the most comfortable adjustment of bit location and control.
A horse wearing an English bridle with a snaffle bit, the end of which can be seen just sticking out of the mouth. The bit is not the metal ring.
Horse skull showing the large gap between the front teeth and the back teeth. The bit sits in this gap, and extends beyond from side to side.
A Luristan bronze horse bit
The bits of a double bridle, showing both a type of snaffle bit called a bradoon and a curb bit
