Learn about O-Ring Horse Bits or O-Ring Snaffles
O-ring bits are popular training bits for western horses. O-ring bits get their name from the circular shape of the check pieces. The O-ring check piece is loose and has the ability to slide through the bit mouthpiece.
As a snaffle bit, the o-ring bit’s action is direct pressure, not leveraged, and therefore considered a milder bit. Most o-ring bits have smooth mouth pieces but some are made with twisted wire, making it a bit stronger than then smooth o-ring.
O-ring bits come in single jointed or double jointed version. Single jointed o-ring bits meet and break in one spot in the middle of the mouth. Double jointed o-ring bits have two connections with a french link, or small connecting plate. Double jointed o-rings are sometimes referred to as french link snaffles or dog bone o-ring snaffles.
Sweet iron o-ring bits encourage the horse to salivate and soften into the bit. Sweet iron rusts and tastes sweet to the horse, hense its name.
Copper or copper roller o-ring bit mouthpieces also encourage the horse to salivate and aids in the horse’s acceptance of the bit.
O-ring bits can also combine features like twisted wire and copper making or twisted wire dog bone.