Whether you’re building a
house or riding a horse, using the right tools makes any task easier. Two-time
Road to the Horse Champion Chris Cox took this to heart when designing his
signature D-ring snaffle bit.
“Technique and ability are
absolutely important, but you won’t get far without the right equipment,” says
Chris, who rides all his young horses in this bit after they’ve taken their
first few rides in a halter and lead. His signature snaffle has become popular
with novice and advanced riders alike because of its effectiveness and classic
appearance.
Unlike most
snaffles where the round ring or D-ring swivels, Chris made his bit with a fixed
D, and also contoured the mouthpiece. This unique design allows the mouth piece
to put pressure on the bars of the horse’s mouth, not his tongue. This makes the
bit much more effective in picking up the outside of the horse’ s mouth and
offers more direction.
“The bit rests
where it should in the horse’s mouth without pinching the bars of the mouth,”
notes Chris. “The contour makes this bit especially effective for lateral work
as opposed to a straight bit. It also discourages the horse from flipping his
nose out and at the same time, encourages him to soften and bend at the
poll.”
To increase saliva and
keep the horse’s mouth moist, the sweet iron mouthpiece is inlaid with
copper. The bit is offered with a 3/8-inch
mouthpiece, which Chris recommends for most riders, and with a 1/4-inch
mouthpiece when used by experienced riders or as a correction
bit.
Because of the fixed D-ring, a chin
strap is optional with this snaffle. You won’t experience the trouble of the bit
pulling through the horse’s mouth the way a traditional snaffle
can.
If the Chris Cox Signature D-Ring
snaffle wasn’t on your Christmas list, don’t wait until next December. Visit the
website at www.chris-cox.com or call the Chris Cox Horsemanship
Company at 888-81-HORSE to order yours today.