snake bit - how does it work?

[Horseaholic]

We have a snake bit at work - I of course can not find you a picture because everyone on google comes us as snake bite and not snake bit. It's basically a long chain covered in leather with rings on both ends. It loops twice and either goes in the mouth and under the chin like a curb or in the mouth and over the nose like a hackamore but I still don't understand how it works if I'm assumeing correctly. No one at work including customers are sure on how it works so I'm wondering if any of you guys know.

[Country Girl 43]

I'm sure Tiz will know what you are talking about. ;)

[WashingtonBay]

I don't think it looks like it goes in the mouth at all: It would get chewed up, for starters...

DAVE WILSON HARNESS | HARNESS RACING SUPPLIER | PolyCovered Snake Bit (http://www.davewilsonharness.com/polycovered-snake-bit-277-p.asp)

Says: "Snake Bit Poly covered steel inner snake bit ideal for horses grabbing on used in conjunction with usual bit.

The description indicates maybe you snake the rings through the rings on the bit?

Another one: SNAKE BIT LEATHER-Big Dee's Tack & Vet Supply (http://www.bigdweb.com/SNAKE-BIT-LEATHER/productinfo/957/)

SNAKE BIT YELLOW-Big Dee's Tack & Vet Supply (http://www.bigdweb.com/SNAKE-BIT-YELLOW/productinfo/161/)





Oh - to find them, I over-rode google's suggestion to switch to "snake bite" and I added "tack" - so searched "tack snake bit" and "horse tack snake bit" also tried "horse racing snake bit".

[Horseaholic]

all very similar to the one we have. but it loops twice - looks more like the second one. Someone insist it goes in the mouth but others argue that it would deteriorate but i'm just not sure.

[Horseaholic]

how do you over ride the google suggestion?

[Horseaholic]

http://www.jacksmfg.com/details.asp?product_id=2355 THIS is the one we have

[WashingtonBay]

http://www.jacksmfg.com/details.asp?product_id=2355 THIS is the one we have

Heh - I have NO idea what you would do with that. ;)

[WashingtonBay]

how do you over ride the google suggestion?

You can see it where it gives you suggestions.

I didn't find a lot of info on them, just a few images I could click through to to find the examples I posted. I didn't find any "how to" info or pics of them in use, or anything. - In a quick search, anyway.

[Tiz]

I'm sure Tiz will know what you are talking about. ;)

Never heard of it.;)

[Horseaholic]

Never heard of it.;)

:banghead: you were my biggest hope!

[Tiz]

The Dave Wilson harness horse supply ad says it's used in conjunction with the regular bit for horses that "grab on".

This from a harness horse site Tips page:
"If your horse is: "grabbing on"; trying to "run off"; or wants to buck or kick; try shaking his mouth or see-sawing the bit, this will get his attention, keep him off balance and may change his mind."

I would guess the way the bit is laid out in the photo is how you would put it in the horse's mouth. Kind of like a loop of rope through the mouth and then crossed over under the jaw. Then it would just sit there until you may need it.

Those extra rings on yours, H, must be to hang it from a headstall, and the rings at the ends would be where the extra reins attach.

[WashingtonBay]

Well, if it's a harness racing thing, maybe Grace's sister would know what it is...

[Tiz]

No, I'm wrong. The thing looks like it crosses over itself inside the mouth.

[Tiz]

Snake Bit – a piece of rope or cord off the 2 rings (one each side of the mouth) that is placed around the bottom jaw and over the tongue. This bit is not allowed by racing authorities in some states. It is more commonly used in pacers.

[Horseaholic]

hrmm I'm still slightly confused hahah. I wonder why we carry it :headscratch: if it isn't very common is TB racing because that's the bulk of our customers.

[WashingtonBay]

Do you just have one, or a bunch of them? Could be someone ordered it once, and never picked it up. :)

[Tiz]

Maybe someone goofed, or just thought Thoroughbred people might give it a try.

10166

[mare]

I've never heard of it, either. Amazing what we come up with to do to horses, isn't it? :)

[Horseaholic]

Do you just have one, or a bunch of them? Could be someone ordered it once, and never picked it up. :)

We actually stock them. We've got about 7 and people do buy them I'm just never around when they do!

The owner actually owns racehorses so it def wasn't a mistake on the order haha!

thanks for the drawing tiz! :)

[Tiz]

thanks for the drawing tiz! :)

Haha! I've just remembered the Paint part of my computer. You're welcome, but did it help you visualize how the bit sits in the mouth?