Contact and the Snaffle Bit

Developing contact: theory and practical use of bits, Part 1  

by Alice Trindle  

In this next series of articles, we will discuss the broad concept of developing "contact," or what some refer to as a "soft feel."  I will endeavor to relay my understanding of the use and theory behind such tools as the snaffle, the bosal, the double bridle, and true bits such as the spade, half-breed, curb, and Salinas. It is important to stress that these are my thoughts based on personal experiences, observations, and my teachers, both human and horse. As I researched this series, it became evident that there are a wide variety of opinions, many stated as fact, on the subject of developing contact and relating that to use of the bit. The bottom line is always the same: do your own reading, observation and listening, and then ask your horse what makes sense and feels right. 

 

What is Contact?

For me, contact is the connection, both mentally and physically, that enables the horse and rider team to feel for one another in self-carriage and with self-confidence. It is more than the horse giving in the jowl; it includes driving the energy up from the hindquarters, in a circular fashion, to a soft feel in the hands that accepts and caresses that energy. I want to feel for the horse's tongue by starting at the hind end and visualizing the wave of energy coming from the back up through the neck and resting with lightness in my hands. Here are some concepts that help me identify the feeling of contact:

•  A Good Dancing Partner is one who does not hold you so close that you cannot move, nor is he one who provides very little guidance. I want to dance with someone who is polite, thinks of me before we get to the dance floor, suggests the direction we may start, and then gently guides me with a supportive feel at the waist and a posture that says he is proud to dance with me. There is contact between us: feeling of, for, and with one another.

•  A Wise Sailor is one who does not pull on the lines to try to control the direction of the boat, nor does a sailor try to let nature take its course by allowing the wind to hit the sails while he maintains no feel on the lines. Rather, a thoughtful sailor will prepare ahead of time, check out the wind direction and place the sail by little manipulations on the lines so that as the wind comes up he can capture the energy and guide the boat effortlessly.

Why is Contact Important?  

Simply put, if I do not have contact, I probably do not have a connection! Think about the last time a friend you hadn’t spoken to for a while called you on the phone. Because of the phone line and shared memories, you have an immediate connection: contact! As you chat for a while, she makes a suggestion to get together: connection with a positive suggestion. As a result of the phone conversation, the two of you go to a fabulous event: the ultimate in contact! Why is contact important?  Because without your friend making the phone call and connecting, you would have never attended the event.

How to Develop Contact

What you do before you place a feel on the reins is critical to your success in truly developing contact. First, go through the Horseman’s Protocol and make sure you are present, have a clear picture in mind, and are willing with a positive attitude. Next, warm up using the gymnastic exercises (see previous article series at www.nwhorsesource.com or www.tnthorsemanship.com/articles). Last, depending on the development of your horse (i.e., age, physical preparation, attitude, and perhaps the jobs you will be asking him to perform), ask him to develop a measure of self-carriage, balance, and rhythm while gathering the energy from behind as you put a feel on the reins.

Ideally, the horse lengthens his neck, softens in the jowl, keeps his poll as the highest point (as if pushing up a feather), and drives from the hindquarters. The reins have a connection to the tongue, and the rider's fingers act, if needed, in slight sponging squeezes to massage away bracing. The rider’s elbows are heavy and legs are approached or connected to the horse but not kicking or bumping him forward into the contact. You are providing a place for the horse to drive up to and to begin to collect his balance underneath. 

The Snaffle Bit 

It has been said that the snaffle bit can be the best bit in the world or it can be the most severe. For too many humans, the bit they choose has more to do with show standards and perceptions rather than having the comfort and progression of the horse at heart. The best bit any of us can invest in is the bit of knowledge, caring, compassion, and grace.

For developing contact, the snaffle bit is an excellent tool. In thoughtful hands, it provides a nice connection to the horse's tongue, bars, and palate to enhance lateral flexion. When combined with balanced and rhythmic aids, the snaffle is a wonderful teaching tool for longitudinal flexion as well.

I am referring to snaffle bits as a general category of bits that are hinged in the middle, sometimes with one or two breaks or a floating roller or frog, and all of which have no shank. Typical shapes are egg-butt or loose-ring on the side portions of the bit. The curb strap is attached loosely and exists primarily to keep the egg-butt or ring from being drawn into the horse’s mouth. Reins are attached directly or through slobber straps, which act as a way to politely attach the mecate, as well as aiding the feel of the fingers. Materials vary from sweet iron to copper inlays to steel and aluminum. Avoid the aluminum or chrome bits, as they cause dryness in the horse’s mouth and are not healthy materials. 

When choosing a snaffle bit, I highly recommend consulting with a veterinarian who specializes in equine dentistry. They can prepare your horse so the bit fits comfortably, remove wolf teeth, and tell you about width, tongue thickness, and other details that will help you find the right fit.

Next month, we will talk about developing contact with both the snaffle and the bosal. Until then, give someone you haven’t spoken to for a while a call. Reconnect! Then try the same principles with your horse: get him "on the phone," create a clear picture for him of where you’d like to go, then go with him–together, with connection and contact!