Equestrian tack aimed at softer contact and improved acceptance, the Huxlay Bros HB Loose Ring Snaffle Bit presents a kinder alternative to plain metal snaffles. Riders managing soft-mouthed or large-mouthed horses gain a warmer, cushioned feel that often encourages chewing and relaxation. Is this the right choice for horses that occasionally put their tongue over the bit?
⚡ At a Glance
- • Mouth Comfort: Rubber-covered jointed mouthpiece cushions the bars, warmer and softer than metal
- • Best for: Soft-mouthed horses and large-mouthed horses that occasionally put their tongue over the bit
- • Not ideal for: Horses that require very firm, restrictive control where a stronger metal bit is preferred
A jointed mouthpiece is covered in rubber to soften contact and paired with loose rings to allow more movement. Loose ring action encourages jaw relaxation and chewing for improved acceptance during schooling.
Gentler Contact – With a rubber-covered jointed mouthpiece
A jointed steel mouthpiece is encased in a rubber covering, which cushions contact on the bars and reduces sharp pressure peaks. The rubber retains warmth compared with bare metal.
Softer contact helps horses that react to hard metal bits accept the bit for longer schooling or flatwork sessions.
Encourages Jaw Relaxation and Chewing – Thanks to loose ring action
Loose rings slide through the mouthpiece, allowing lateral movement and rotation when the reins are used. That movement reduces fixed pressure and often prompts a horse to relax its jaw and chew.
More chewing and a softer jaw typically lead to calmer responses and improved acceptance of the bridle during ridden work.
Better for Larger Mouths – With a jointed, cushioned mouthpiece
The jointed mouthpiece creates two pressure points but the rubber covering softens those areas, helping accommodate wider mouths. Loose rings add lateral freedom to suit horses that need extra mouth room.
Suitable for horses with larger mouths that may otherwise try to get the tongue over a plain metal bit, while retaining familiar snaffle action.
✨ The 4 Key Reasons for Huxlay Bros HB Loose Ring Snaffle Bit
- Rubber-covered mouthpiece – Reduces sharp contact, improving relaxation during schooling rides
- Loose ring design – Allows lateral movement, encouraging acceptance and softer jaw
- Jointed mouthpiece geometry – Offers familiar snaffle feel with cushioned pressure points
- Simple, basic design – Easy to use for everyday schooling and routine work
📋 Technical Details at a Glance
- Category: Loose ring snaffle bit
- Material: Rubber-covered jointed mouthpiece
- Mouthpiece type: Jointed mouthpiece
- Ring type: Loose rings
- Size: 5.5 inch
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the snaffle suitable for soft-mouthed horses?
A: Yes, the rubber covering is warmer and softer on the bars, making it more suitable for soft-mouthed horses.
Q: How do the loose rings affect the horse's mouth?
A: Loose rings slide through the mouthpiece and tend to make the horse relax its jaw and chew, allowing more movement than fixed-ring options.
Q: Will it stop a horse getting its tongue over the bit?
A: Designed to be more suitable for horses that occasionally put their tongue over the bit, the cushioned mouthpiece can help, but no specific guarantee can be made.
🏆 Our Verdict
Riders seeking a gentler snaffle for soft-mouthed or large-mouthed horses should consider the rubber-covered loose ring design. Rubber covering combined with loose rings encourages chewing and softens contact while preserving familiar jointed snaffle action. The straightforward, low-maintenance construction delivers good long-term value for daily schooling and sensible progression.
