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Western D-Ring Snaffle Bit
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Dee Ring (D-Ring) Western Bits
D ring western snaffle horse bit and the D-ring snaffle bit are named because of their distinctive D-shaped check piece. Many young horses and colts are started in a loose ring bit or Dee ring snaffle bits also called D Ring snaffle. The snaffle part is referring to the mouthpiece of the bit. The D shape of the cheekpiece keeps giving the horse cues as well as keeping the horse’s lip from becoming pinched as a loose ring can do. Western D-ring horse bits are available with so many mouthpiece options including the simple snaffle mouthpiece. Western Dee Ring bits vary from English Dee RIng bits in that they tend to be black steel, brown steel, or have adornments on the side. The D-Ring attaches to a horse's bridle along with a set of reins. Other than aesthetics the English and Western Dee Ring bits function exactly the same in the horse's mouth.
The D-Ring Cheek Piece Function and Use
D-Ring bits are bits that demonstrate cheek pieces resembling a "D" like shape. The D-Ring cheekpiece is a fixed ring that keeps the mouthpiece more stable in the horse's mouth as compared to other styles of horse bits. The sides of the "D" also prevent the bit from being pulled through the horse's mouth and the cheekpieces help to keep the bit from pinching. The cheekpieces should be inspected before each use to make sure they are not bent or rusted and move easily. If the rings on the D Bit are tight try to clean the bit or spray with Wd 40. D-Ring western bit is a choice amongst western riders as they offer better turning aids, which can be popular for assisting riders in training their horses.
The D Ring Western Horse Bit Explained
Dee Ring (D-Ring) Bit - The D rings are the side pieces of a horse bit shaped in a Dee. The D-Ring cheekpiece helps to keep the mouthpiece from pulling through the horse's mouth. The D-Ring cheekpiece is a fixed bit ring and keeps the bit mouthpiece more stable in the horse's mouth as compared to a loose ring snaffle. D-Ring bits provide better turning aids for the horse. You can find a Dee commonly called a D-ring snaffle bit with a snaffle jointed, twisted wire, copper rollers, double-jointed mouthpiece, ported mouth, happy mouth mouthpiece, straight mullen mouth, port mouthpiece or even a french link. You will also find D-ring western bits with stronger mouthpieces for more control of the faster horse's mouth. A Dee bit has less severity than a shank western bit. It does not create any poll pressure on the horse and the reins attach to each side of the bit. It is not commonly used with a curb strap, however, some western riders do use a western curb strap to keep the bit from being pulled through the horse's mouth. D-Ring horse bits have better turning aids and communication with the rider to their horse due to the fixed position of the cheekpiece, which can be popular for assisting riders in training colts and horses, schooling racehorses, used for Cowboy Dressage, and other western type events. This bit is legal in most cowboy dressage and gymkhana competitions and other western events and in some show ring classes, check your rule book to be sure. It is often a training aid from which a western horse is then moved into a shank bit such as a tom thumb.
Horses Mouth
Fitting a bit for the horse is important. For the bit to be fitted properly the horse should have 1/4" on both sides of their mouth on the outer end of the mouthpiece of the bit. About the size of your finger is the rule of thumb. The bit should fit comfortably between the incisors/premolars (with about 1/4" on either side.) If the bit is too narrow, it will pinch your horse's lips; if it is too wide, it will slide through their mouth. If the bit is too narrow it will apply constant pressure and pinching on the lips of the horse and making them uncomfortable and can produce rubbing sores in their mouths. A good rider will check your horse's mouth and tongue every ride for sores on the bars or corners of the mouth and check their teeth annually to make sure you have no dental issues. The horse's mouth is continually changing and the horses may exhibit behavioral problems that can be fixed by simply addressing a dental visit and having points of hooks on the teeth that develop on their teeth ground down by an experienced veterinarian.
Dee Ring Bit Material
Most Dee bits are made from a variety of metals with either Copper or Stainless Steel being the most popular. The metal is a matter of preference for you and your horse. Some horses do better with a certain type of metals over another so it may take some trial and error to find out what works best for your horse. Copper is an option and has a sweet taste that encourages salivation and encourages the horse to accept the bit and not rust. But depending on the quality of the copper, the bit may be soft and can bend or break. Rubber is another material used to wrap the bit. The wider the rubber the less severe. The rubber on the bit encourages the horse to bite and drop into the bit and is considered friendly on the horse's mouth. Again check the rubber on the bit to determine that it is safe and free from sharp areas that can develop if a horse chews on the material. It also has antimicrobial properties that help keep your horse's mouth healthy. Stainless steel is a harder metal and does not have the copper taste. Some bits are made from blue steel that is meant to rust to encourage salivation as well. Western Sweet Iron D-Ring Snaffle Bit are made to rust as this increases the sensitivity of the horse's mouth and encourages salivation.
D-Ring Horse Bits - Horse Bit Type of Dee Ring
The bit is the rider's connection to their horse using the reins. When buying a d ring bit, it is important to make sure that the mouthpiece is the right size for your horse.
There are many types of d ring bits available, with different mouthpieces and materials. The most common d ring bit is the snaffle bit, which has a simple O-ring or D-ring attached referred to as a “bar” of the horse's mouth.
Dee Ring Competition Bit
The d ring bit is often used in training and competition by inexperienced riders because it gives more control to the rider without being considered a severe bit such as a curb ir shank bit. The D Ring bit does not have shanks so it generally does not have any leverage. With that said a D Ring gag style such as a Myler bit does offer the rider leverage and the gag acts as short shanks on a western bit.
The western dee ring is often used for green horses and is similar to the loose ring snaffle. The Dee is soft on the horse's mouth and gets the horse used to the feel and functionality of bits.
Western Dee Ring Bit Sizes
D-ring horse bits are available in a variety of sizes to fit any horse. The Dee Ring is one of the most common horse bits and is available in sizes that fit a mini horse on up to the largest draft horse breeds. The most important factor in choosing the right D-Ring to fit your horse's mouth. The mouthpiece comes sized from pony to Draft Horse with 4.25", 4.75 being pony-sized and 5", 5.25" being generally horse-sized and 5 1/2", 6" considered the larger warmblood and draft horse-sized bit . The Cheeks of a D-ring generally measure 7".
Brands of Dee Ring Bits
The D ring bit is available with a variety of mouthpieces including the simple snaffle, jointed, twisted wire, copper rollers, double-jointed, ported, rubber, happy mouth, or even a french link. You will also find d ring bits with stronger mouthpieces for more control of the faster horse's mouth such as an eggbutt snaffle. Tack Warehouse carries brand names Dee Ring horse bits from Dutton Bits, Metalab, Myler D Ring, Herm Sprenger, Stubben, Myler, Pessoa, Happy Mouth, and Mikmar, FES, Happy Mouth, Korsteel, Bomber, Reinsman, and more.
Shop and find your next Dee Ring Horse Bit from Tack Warehouse
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