Terms for double jointed snaffle bit?

Question

I want to research double jointed snaffles in an effort to find the best bit for my 4 year old mare.  She is obviously uncomfortable in a single jointed snaffle, I assume the single joint pokes into the roof of her mouth, and obviously more comfortable in a double jointed curb, and the one roller snaffle that I already have.

So far, I have noticed the following terms: french link, Dr. Bristol, and dog-bone (a western term, I think).  I have also seen some Mylers with what looks like a sleeve or covering over the joint.  What are some other terms that I can google to look at more versions of a not single jointed snaffle?  I don't want a Waterford, and I would generally like the bit to be show legal, although I know that different associations have different rules.  TIA

Sabrina · Accepted Answer

French link bits are double jointed bits with link on a flat angle in the center of the bit. The term "dog bone" refers to the flat "dog bone" shape that many french links have.

This is a french link with a "dog bone" link: http://www.horsegroomingsupplies.com/horse-forums/attachments/tack-and-equipment/189105d1383859120-would-you-use-a-dogbone-snaffle-bit-french-link.jpg

A Dr. Bristol is a modification of a french link where the link is turned on an angle. This creates a pressure point on the tongue and makes the bit more severe.

Here is a Dr. Bristol: http://www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk/Upload/Images/bfc140bb-1f22-4dd9-8786-de62757388bc.jpg

Another modification of the fench link is a french link with a lozenge. (This would not be called a "dog bone"). There are different weights and thicknesses to lozenges. They are no more or less severe than the "dog bone" type of french link. Some horses prefer different weights and shapes to the link beyond the flat link, and lozenge type bits offer a range of options.

http://www.happytack.co.uk/ekmps/shops/happytack/images/french-design-feeling-anatomic-loose-ring-french-link-lozenge-snaffle-bit-1392-p.jpg

The Herm Sprenger brand has developed a modification of a lozenge mouth piece that is supposed to be comfortable for horses and offer better mobility for each side of the bit for more precise communication. I don't know first hand if they are as great as I've heard, but they do seem to be in high demand on used tack web sites: http://img.smartpak.com/product/300x300/21189.jpg

Myler sells the bits with the tube in the middle. They are supposed to offer great mobility for communication on each side of the horse, without pinching. A lot of horses do like these. I've used them before. http://www.sustainabledressage.net/tack/bridle/myler_curved3.jpg

The only bits that I know to be potentially illegal in competition are the Dr. Bristol and the Mylers. The Myler bits have only been illegal (as far as I know) if the bit has "hooks". Bits with fixed rein positions create leverage and most show associations do not allow leverage bits without curb chains, but the double jointed Myler mouth piece should be legal, as long as the bit rings are legal. I do know people who use Dr. Bristol mouth pieces, even if they are frowned upon or illegal, but the judge never knows any different because they usually only see the rings and not what's in the horse's mouth. I would not recommend trying this though, and judges can and do ask riders to drop their bits during a class and depending on your show association, a Dr. Bristol may or may not be allowed.

Rosemary · Answer

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Terms for double jointed snaffle bit?

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