Eggbut Bits

An eggbutt snaffle has fixed (non-rotating) connections between mouthpiece and rings, with an "egg" shape at the joint that prevents the horse's lips pinching. The bit sits stable in the mouth and the egg-shaped junction stops the rings catching the corners of the lips. It's one of the oldest and most-used snaffle patterns and a common starting point for most horses.

An eggbutt suits everyday flatwork and jumping, particularly horses that prefer stability in the mouth over the mobility of a loose ring. Common across all disciplines and a popular choice for young horses or horses sensitive at the corners of the mouth.

Measure mouth width at the corners and pick a bit that sits with about 5mm clear on each side. The fixed eggbutt design means the bit moves less in the mouth than a loose ring, so a slightly closer fit (without pinching) often works well.

A loose ring snaffle has rings that rotate freely through the mouthpiece holes, giving more bit movement. An eggbutt fixes the mouthpiece to the rings, giving more stability. A full cheek adds lateral guidance via vertical extensions. A D-ring sits between eggbutt and full cheek for cheek pressure.

Trust Equestrian covers eggbutt patterns extensively - the standard, 2.5 (small), bradoon, and Inno Sense Jointed variants in synthetic, sweet iron and leather, plus a comprehensive 2.5 Eggbutt mouthpiece range covering ported, jointed, French link, cherry roller, brass ring, arched, Dr Bristol and Waterford patterns. Sprenger covers eggbutts in hard carbon. Metalab adds stainless and Cyprium copper-rich options. Poponcini stocks a stainless eggbutt snaffle.

Rinse in warm water after every ride. Stainless needs nothing more; sweet iron's patina is intentional; synthetic mouthpieces clean with a soft brush. The eggbutt joint is fixed and reliable - inspect for any sign of looseness or wear.