Snaffle Bit

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

According to contemporary equestrian manuals, the mouthpiece of this strong snaffle bit was made for very bad mouths, very thick tongues and low bars (part of the horses’ jaw without teeth). The central pendant, adorned with a pierced interlaced motif, with its small hanging beads, was meant to ‘entertain’ the horse, who, by playing with it with its tongue, would salivate and relax its jaw. Such strong mouthpieces are unusual on snaffles. This one may have been used on a sleigh horse. The snaffle bit is the simplest type of horse bit, and it has an effect on the bars and the corners of the lips. The rings on the sides would serve to hang the bit on the headstall and attach the reins, while the cheekpieces would help to hold the mouthpiece in place and would press the sides of the mouth when the reins are pulled.

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The principal goals of the Arms and Armor Department are to collect, preserve, research, publish, and exhibit distinguished examples representing the art of the armorer, swordsmith, and gunmaker. Arms and armor have been a vital part of virtually all cultures for thousands of years, pivotal not only in conquest and defense, but also in court pageantry and ceremonial events. Throughout time the best armor and weapons have represented the highest artistic and technical capabilities of the society and period in which they were made, forming a unique aspect of both art history and material culture.

Metropolitan Museum of Art