Mackey Hollow Mouth Eggbutt Snaffle Bit for Horses
Description
Mackey Hollow Mouth Eggbutt Snaffle Bit
The Mackey Hollow Mouth Eggbutt is a classic snaffle bit with a hollow mouthpiece and fixed eggbutt rings, measuring 8.5cm across the rings with a 2.5cm mouthpiece thickness. It is best for everyday riders schooling, hacking or working horses and ponies in a simple snaffle contact who want a lighter, thicker mouthpiece with rings that do not pinch the lips.
Because the mouthpiece is hollow rather than solid, the bit carries less weight in the mouth for its size, while the eggbutt design keeps the rings fixed so they sit flush at the corners of the mouth instead of sliding through.
Key Features
- Hollow mouthpiece: lighter in the mouth than a solid mouthpiece of the same thickness
- Fixed eggbutt rings: help reduce pinching at the corners of the lips
- 2.5cm mouthpiece thickness: spreads pressure across a wider area of the bars and tongue
- 8.5cm ring width: standard proportions for an everyday schooling bit
- Everyday versatility: suited to flatwork, hacking, in-hand work and general schooling
- Easy care: rinses clean after riding and dries quickly
Specifications
| Brand | Mackey |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Eggbutt snaffle bit |
| Mouthpiece | Hollow mouth |
| Ring Width | 8.5cm |
| Bit Thickness | 2.5cm |
| Ring Type | Eggbutt, fixed |
| Suits | Horses and ponies in a snaffle contact |
| Country of Origin | China |
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How to Use
- Measure your horse's mouth with a bit measurer, or measure an existing bit from the inside of one ring to the inside of the other, to confirm the correct size.
- Attach the bit to your bridle cheekpieces, keeping the mouthpiece curve or any maker's stamp facing the correct way up.
- Bridle the horse and check the bit sits comfortably in the mouth without pinching.
- Adjust the cheekpieces so the bit rests lightly at the corners of the lips, with roughly 3-5mm of mouthpiece visible either side.
- Work the horse in quietly at first and watch for signs of comfort or resistance before progressing to schooling.
- Rinse the bit in clean water after every ride and dry it thoroughly before storing.
FAQ
What size is this Mackey eggbutt bit?
The rings measure 8.5cm in width and the mouthpiece is 2.5cm thick. Measure your horse's current bit from the inside of one ring to the inside of the other to compare before ordering.
What does a hollow mouthpiece do?
A hollow mouthpiece is lighter than a solid one of the same dimensions, so the bit carries less weight in the horse's mouth while keeping a thicker, wider bearing surface.
Why choose an eggbutt rather than a loose ring?
Eggbutt rings are fixed to the mouthpiece, so they cannot rotate or slide through the lips. This helps reduce pinching and gives a more stable, steadier feel in the mouth than a loose ring.
Is a thicker bit always kinder?
Not always. A thicker mouthpiece spreads pressure over a larger area, which many horses find comfortable, but horses with a low palate, a fleshy tongue or a small mouth may go better in a slimmer mouthpiece.
Will this bit suit a pony or a cob?
The measurements given are fixed, so check them against your horse's mouth. Ponies typically need a narrower bit than cobs and warmbloods, which is the most common cause of a bit not fitting on arrival.
How do I care for the bit?
Rinse it under clean water after each ride to remove saliva and feed, dry it fully, and inspect the mouthpiece and rings regularly for wear or roughness. Replace the bit if you find any damage.
About Mackey
Mackey produce practical everyday equestrian equipment for riders and working yards, including bits, saddlery and general horse care items designed for regular use rather than occasional outings.