Snaffle, pelham, gag or hackamore: what's the difference?

A snaffle works by direct pull: the rein attaches to the ring at the mouthpiece, with no shank. A curb adds leverage, because the rein attaches to a shank. The University of Florida extension specialist Dr. E. L. Johnson notes a common mix-up: a snaffle is a bit that operates off direct pull, whether or not the mouthpiece is jointed. A broken mouthpiece does not make a bit a snaffle. The University of Georgia Extension bulletin on bits says the same.

Pelhams, kimberwickes, gags and elevators sit between the two. Georgia's bulletin calls them combination bits and says their action is not exactly that of a snaffle or a true curb. Hackamores split in two: a true hackamore (a bosal or sidepull) is a direct-pull device, while a mechanical hackamore uses leverage. The table gives the quick version of each, drawn from the sources we read.

A caution before we start. We describe what each design is intended to do, according to makers and independent sources. We don't rank them. Both extension sources say the rider's hands are the most important factor in how any bit works, and that is a theme of this whole page.

Ohio State's English tack page describes it as rings on either side of the mouthpiece where the reins attach. Dr. Johnson of Florida says snaffles typically come in O-ring, D-ring, eggbutt and full cheek configurations, and that the key to identifying one is that there is no leverage involved. The mouthpiece may be solid or jointed, and may or may not have a port.

In USEF dressage, the snaffle family is the permitted bit through the lower levels, and the DR121 rule lists the cheek styles it allows. For what each cheek does, see Loose ring, eggbutt or D-ring; for mouthpiece materials, Copper, sweet iron or rubber; for width, What size bit does my horse need?

EquiSearch's Bit Gallery says it seeks to combine the actions of a curb bit (leverage) and a snaffle, and that the two reins act similarly to the bradoon and curb reins of a double bridle. It also says combining both on one bit muddies the signals somewhat, and that riders who aren't comfortable handling two sets of reins sometimes use roundings, leather loops joining the two rings, which negates the separate actions. Ohio State's page notes the pelham is the most popular leverage bit in hunter and hunt seat equitation.

Makers describe their own versions in similar terms. Korsteel says on two reins its polo pelham's first rein acts as a snaffle and the second adds poll and curb pressure, and that it can also be ridden on single reins with roundings. JP Korsteel's description for its jointed pelham says direct action on the bars and tongue and indirect action on the poll. Nathe describes its long-cheek pelhams as adding curb action, and notes its Weymouth is made to pair with a bradoon. See the notes on our Korsteel page, our JP Korsteel page and our Nathe page.

The kimberwicke is often grouped with it. Georgia's bulletin lists it with the pelham as a combination bit, and JP Korsteel describes its slotted ring kimblewick as giving two rein positions, snaffle or curb, meant to be used with a curb chain. As with any curb, the chain matters: Georgia says a tighter curb strap applies less pressure to the poll.

Anita Marchesani, a bitting specialist interviewed by Horse Nation, says a true gag lifts the head by increasing pressure on the corners of the lips, with the cheekpieces running through holes in the bit rings to the reins. She says its action is almost entirely on the lips, with mild poll pressure. Georgia's bulletin describes gags as allowing the mouthpiece to slide upward on the cheekpieces or rings.

She names several styles. The Balding gag is a loose ring design, the Cheltenham uses an eggbutt ring, and the Nelson is a full cheek. She also says the Dutch gag is really a leverage bit, working to lower the head. Cautions from the same interview: a gag isn't suitable for every horse, poor balance or hands can lead to misuse, and cheeks can be pinched between the teeth and bit. She suggests a second rein on the bit rings so the gag action is used only when needed.

Makers also note who they have in mind. Nathe lists its gags for experienced riders only, and Korsteel says its eggbutt gag gives leverage and poll pressure and encourages a horse to lift off the forehand. Rules are specific. In the USEF Hunter chapter, HU105 says a judge must eliminate a horse in a gag other than the hunter gag, while in USEF eventing's cross-country and jumping phases, gags are permitted at national levels.

Horse & Hound's bitting expert Tricia Nassau-Williams says the English hackamore combines metal shanks with leather straps and sometimes a curb chain, and that as the rein is taken up the shanks rotate and apply pressure to the nose, jaw and poll. She says longer shanks mean more leverage, and that because these bridles can apply a large amount of force to sensitive facial structures, they are not necessarily a softer option than a bit. She adds that the horse needs to be responsive to seat and leg aids, that selection, fitting and use need great care, and to be mindful of competition rules.

Horse Nation's 2014 article on the mechanical hackamore says the nose band should sit across the bony part of the nose, not on cartilage or soft tissue. Georgia's bulletin adds the basic split: true hackamores (bosal or sidepull) are direct-pull; mechanical hackamores use leverage. Korsteel's own range includes a fleece-nosed hackamore that works without a mouthpiece, and Herm Sprenger lists a padded-nose short shank hackamore with an adjustable curb strap.

The rule books treat hackamores in their own way. USEF dressage's DR121 doesn't picture or list one, and we found no hackamore or bitless bridle in it, so ask USEF before you plan on one (see Is this bit legal for dressage?). USEF's eventing annex (v. 12.1.2025) says hackamores are permitted in the cross-country and jumping phases at national levels, while the FEI column of the same table says hackamores must be used with a bit in cross-country, with a shank maximum of 24 cm. USEF hunter rule HU105 lists snaffles, pelhams and full bridles, and hackamores aren't on that list.

Here is what we read in the 2026 USEF chapters for dressage and hunters and the eventing tack annex. Other organizations, breed shows and local shows can differ, so read the rules for your division.

The University of Florida bulletin says what generally makes a bit good or bad are the hands using it, and that in most cases the problems people blame on not having the correct bit are actually training problems. The University of Georgia bulletin says the rider's hands are the most important factor in how a bit works, that inexperienced riders lack the hand control to use more severe bits effectively, and that too much poll pressure too early in a horse's training can make him fight or evade.

Practical steps, with a trainer: check the fit first (see What size bit does my horse need?), check the noseband (see Nosebands explained), and look at schooling, not just tack. If he fusses at the bit with a good fit, ask your vet or equine dentist to check his mouth. Training aids are a separate subject, covered in Chambon, gogue, draw reins and side reins explained, and they're for experienced hands or use with a trainer. If you're curious about a double bridle, we cover that in What is a double bridle?