Anybody have any spare snaffle bits they could donate..?

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itsonlyme

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This is an example of a typical bit being used for working horses and donkeys in the Gambia, and they can cause horrific injuries to the mouth and tongue. A UK charity is asking anyone with any spare 4in or 5in snaffle bits to donate them to help alleviate the suffering of horses - visit http://​www.horseandcountry.t...​peal-help-working-horses-g​ambia to find out how you can help.
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Just seen this on facebook and thought i would share it here. If you're anything like me, you'll have a whole heap of spare bits lying around doing nothing. :)



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Our local tack shop has a bit collection bucket for this charity. All mine go there. I would much rather them go there than get a few quid on eBay xx
 
God knows - that's what i thought! :(

Try this one

http://www.horseandcountry.tv/news/...-urgent-bit-appeal-help-working-horses-gambia

If not

A UK-based charity is making an urgent appeal for bits in order to help alleviate the suffering of working horses and donkeys in The Gambia.

Bitting issues
The local bits used in Gambia are made from poor quality metals and, due to their design, can cause horrific tongue and mouth injuries. These injuries can often be so severe that they prevent the animal from eating, leading to weakness and even death.

The Gambian Horse and Donkey Trust aim to replace these with kinder ones from the UK, and the charity is asking for anyone with any spare 4in or 5in snaffle bits to send them to Gambia Horse and Donkey Trust, Bewery Arms Cottage, Stane Street, Ockley, Surrey RH5 5TH.

The charity then ships the bits from the UK to Gambia and exchange them with the dangerous ones.

Making a difference
"The bits that people donate make a huge difference to the lives of working equines in The Gambia. So often the bit the owner has will be cutting into the animals tongue on a daily basis, and the wounds never get the chance to heal," says Heather Armstrong, Charity Director.

"The snaffle bits donated give these animals the relief that they so desperately need, and can literally make the difference between life and death. While we are collecting bits to bring immediate relief, we are also looking into ways of providing bits in the future in a sustainable way, by either making them in The Gambia or importing them at affordable prices."

Jerry's story
Jerry is one of the lucky donkeys who has been helped by the Gambia Horse and Donkey Trust. Jerry and his young owner were spotted by the Gambia Horse and Donkey Trust mobile clinic team when on their way to a village to offer veterinary treatments and advice. As the vehicle passed Jerry the team realised that a rope was being used through his mouth, instead of a bit.

When ropes are tied through horse’s and donkey’s mouths in this way it can cause serious damage to the tongue and lips. Each time the reins are pulled, the knot tightens under the animal’s chin. With no way of loosening, by the end of a hard day’s work on the cart the rope can become so tight that the blood circulation to the tongue and chin can become completely cut off, often leaving lasting damage.

It is not uncommon to see horses and donkeys with tongues almost cut in two from the bits and ropes used in their mouths. Fortunately the Gambia Horse and Donkey team reached Jerry before it got to this stage, and were able to replace the rope with a stainless steel snaffle bit.

For further information visit www.gambiahorseanddonkey.org.uk
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I donated all my spares when the ILPH did a bit drive for working hroses I forget where. They were overwhelmed with bits I heard. Do wonder what that 'link' is all about!
 
I will clear mine out this weekend - I'm sure I have a couple I can send...I will get more satisfaction from knowing I have helped a couple of these poor horses out than get a few quid from ebay...
 
Oh just read that bit, do they have to be snaffles? Surely anything would be better than that contraption? I've got a couple of low ported ones I don't use, but they aren't snaffles.
 
Unfortunately the only bits I have that are that small are ones I have bought 2nd hand to try and prevent other people buying to use - twisted W wire snaffles and the like :rolleyes:

5 1/2 I have loads of :rolleyes:
 
For all of you worried about the size of spare bits you can send out:

They will take any size and type bits. If the can't use them to hand out- they will use them in their education centre! If they can't use them there they will sell them or swap them for medical equipment.

I know Heather (who runs the charity) and I can assure you all that the bits are flown out there and given to the owners they find at markets, at their main center and at more often than not horses, ponies and donkeys they pass on the street!

Also if you have any equipment whatsoever they would love to receive it! Head collars, leadropes, fly masks, vet equipment, old reins!

You need to look for their facbook page to look at the pictures of the work they do! Truely inspirational!
 
I have got four maybe five 41/2 inch bits - due to my little mare being incredibly fussy in the mouth - _ now ride her bitless so shall have a sort out and send them off to the charity. :)
 
The only smaller bits I have are old never rust or similar and I think they are pelhams although there may be a couple of smaller snaffles in there.
If the curb hooks were removed are they likely to be of any use to them as they would still be a lot kinder than that thing thats being used at the moment. I would much rather donate to them than get a couple of £ on ebay for them.
 
crabbymare said:
The only smaller bits I have are old never rust or similar and I think they are pelhams although there may be a couple of smaller snaffles in there.
If the curb hooks were removed are they likely to be of any use to them as they would still be a lot kinder than that thing thats being used at the moment. I would much rather donate to them than get a couple of £ on ebay for them.
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They accept all types of bits, of all sizes- if they can't hand them out, they use them in their education centre!
 
I've got some bits kicking about and loads of leather/woven reins that I don't use so I'll stick these in a box and post them off.

I also have some odds and ends from previous bridles that they may be able to cobble something out of.

What about old saddle cloths etc? I have loads of those too!
 
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