Loose ring Snaffles...

[checkmate1]

I've always been told if you have a loose ring snaffle on you need bit rubbers as well to stop the bit pinching. I notice alot of people don't actually do this, and I've just bought my horse a loose ring french link which she is going very well in, with no sign of pinching so do I actually need bit rubbers?! I've never used a loose ring bit before so a little confused. Thanks....

 

[joy]

Forget the rubber rings. I think the real reason for their use was that old flat ring snaffles were made from nickel which is a soft metal and easily damaged. Rough edges and burrs occured where the ring went through the bit, also the wear and rear made the holes bigger, which meant that lips could become trapped.
I use wire ring snaffles and have never had to recourse to rubber rings.

 

[Silverspring]

So long as the bit fits properly it should not pinch, keep an eye out for little pink marks round the crease of the mouth. If any appear then it might be worth checking your bit size is correct. good luck with the new horsey

 

[Sprout]

Never had any pinching, as long as the bit fits correctly there shouldnt be a problem.

 

[carys220]

The rubber are to stop the bit going through the horses mouth. We used to use them on an eggbutt snaffle as my pony would open her mouth when turning and so end up with the rings in her teeth!

As said above, if your loose ring snaffle fits properly then it wont pinch.

 

[hellybelly6]

LR bits need to be 1/4"-1/2" larger than fixed ring bits. This is because the join between the mouthpiece and bit ring can pinch the horse's lips. As long as your bit fits correctly, bit rubbers are not necessary. Also bit rubbers are also not dressage legal if you are planning to compete.

Saying that, my horse's bit fits correctly and I have him in bit rubbers just to be on the safe side. Its a matter of personal choice.

 

[Kenzo]

Depends a few things, firstly the bit should be the correct size, ideally you should be able to fit a little finger between the hole (of the loose ring) and a close fit of the lip, too small and it will pinch, to big and it will also rub as it will slide a little. Care should be taken that the bit be fitted at the correct height in the horses mouth, also depends on your horses lips, some are more sensitive and fleshy than others so in come cases this can also cause irritation. Another point to take into consideration is if your horses 'straightness' as this could also cause slight rubbing to one side of the mouth if using a loose ring snaffle.

You also find that you can get many loose ring snaffles (French link/lozenge) that are comfort shaped, you will see a slight curve to the bit at the corners where lips are in contact for a more comfortable fit.