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Learn the Parts of the Snaffle Bit

By Katherine Blocksdorf, About.com

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Parts of the Bit - D - The Mouthpiece

Parts of the Snaffle Bit -A French Link Snaffle Bit

D: The Mouthpiece on a Snaffle Bit

Photo 2008 K. Blocksdorf
D: B and C together make up the mouthpiece of the snaffle bit. If the bit is not jointed, then the straight or slightly curved bar is the mouthpiece. Mouthpieces can be made of many different materials. Metals like copper and sweet iron encourage the horse to salivate and thus make the mouth more sensitive. Rubber, vulcanite and other synthetics—some flavored, are also used.

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