Shall I buy a Dee Ring or an Eggbutt Ring?
That's a question we hear often. The Dee (D) ring and Eggbutt ring are popular choices featuring fixed rings that provide a stable, consistent connection between the reins and the horse's mouth.
What is the difference?
The dee ring has longer shanks above and below the mouthpiece connection, forming a proper "D" shape with the rings. On the other hand, the eggbutt ring has shorter shanks above and below the mouthpiece connection and has a more rounded connection to the rest of the ring. Both types of rings are set on swivel joints above and below the mouthpiece attachment point.
Thanks to its longer and straighter shanks, a dee ring applies more lateral pressure on the horse’s mouth, aiding in steering. If you have a horse that used to take wider turns and is now learning to be neater in their turning, or has become more supple in its body and is more willing to bend through its ribcage, a dee ring could be the next step in their training. Transitioning from a full cheek snaffle to a bit with slightly shorter shanks and a fixed ring? A dee ring, adaptable to horses of various sizes, could be the perfect fit for your horse or pony as you continue to refine their way of going through proper fitness and exercises.
An eggbutt snaffle has a slightly more discreet look, as the ring is smaller in height and width than a traditional dee ring. Being smaller may put less pressure on the side of your horse’s face. It also offers less leverage action since the shanks and ring are smaller than a dee ring, as the cheek pieces and reins are closer to the horse’s mouth.
Both bits offer stability to the mouthpiece for the horse and rider. They are suitable for horses learning to take the contact and useful for a beginner, green, or nervous rider with slightly unsteady hands.
These bits come in various mouthpieces, each serving a specific purpose. The mullen mouth, for instance, is a straight bar without a joint, providing a stable surface for the horse's tongue. The single joint allows for a slight bend, while the double joint provides more flexibility. For the double-jointed bits, the middle of the joints may contain a copper roller, stainless steel roller, sweet iron lozenge, or barrel tube, each serving a different purpose. For instance, a copper roller can encourage salivation, while a sweet iron lozenge can promote relaxation.
The bits, available in sweet iron, titanium, stainless steel, copper, and sweet gold, are designed to cater to your horse’s preference. Understanding and respecting your horse's comfort is key in choosing the right material.
Check out our line of Dee Ring and Eggbutt bits available through Dapper Horse!
This is a gentle reminder always to check the legality of your bit when you’re showing at rated or recognized competitions.