Eggbutt vs Loose Ring snaffle

[MsM]

I recently noticed some conflicting opinions regarding these two bit types (Shocking, I know :winkgrin:)
One one hand, some claim that the eggbutt sits quieter in the horse’s mouth and tends to filter out a bit of hand “static” from the less-than-perfect rider.
But another source claims that the loose-ring is a better “filter” due to the play of the ring sliding through the mouthpiece.

Of course there are other reasons to choose one over the other, and of course all riders should be working on perfecting their hands. But in your experience and opinion, is there a difference in this regard between the types and what was it?

[Lusoluv]

An eggbutt or any other solid non-sliding ring (D-ring, full cheek, Baucher) is quieter and more stable than a loose-ring.

[MysticOakRanch]

@Lusoluv

An eggbutt or any other solid non-sliding ring (D-ring, full cheek, Baucher) is quieter and more stable than a loose-ring.

Agree! That doesn’t mean it is the “Better” bit - it all depends on the horse and rider. I find some horses are happier in the more stable bit, others are happier in a loose ring.

[TwoTrickPony]

This might help some. https://www.facebook.com/shareenmp/p…55?pnref=story

[pluvinel]

Loose rings can pinch a horse’s lips where the mouthpiece goes thru the holes in the rings and create sores. BTDT.

Especially in an older bit, the holes start to get rough, worn edges.

I prefer the egg-butt.

[Rackonteur]

What pluvinel said, with the proviso that the horse gets a say in my choice!

[Rooty]

I have heard that the eggbutt is easier for them to lean on than the loose ring. Whether that is true or not, I don’t know. My recently retired PSG horse went best in a loose ring French snaffle.

[rjr]

I don’t find really any difference in how they “filter” the rider’s hands. IMO the loose ring gives the horse more to mouth, or “play” with, and is a better choice for most horses as you usually want them to mouth the bit more. However, the eggbutt can be a good choice for the horse who is too “mouthy” and always playing with the bit when you don’t want it, or for the horse that tends to get sores from getting caught in the edge of the bit.

[Juxtapoze]

I’ve ridden a lot of greenies and low level horses. IMHO they’ve always seemed to prefer the eggbutt (or another “fixed” ring snaffle) to a loose ring. Bear in mind I don’t have a super quiet hand yet. I don’t see my GP level trainer working many horses in a loose ring either. For those horses that pull and are heavy on the forehand (usually OTTB re-trains), I HATE a loose ring.

I’m working with several sensitive fussy half Arabs right now (just coming back to work after years off). My pony-sized full cheek snaffle has been more effective than anything else. The bit gives extra stability and pony size fits their delicate mouths better to avoid any side to side slide which seems to reduce fussiness.