Double-jointed snaffle – lozenge, French link and fit

Short answer: a double-jointed bit has two joints and a centre piece. It can conform around the tongue and bars differently from a single-jointed or unjointed mouthpiece. Centre-piece shape, length and orientation are central to how it feels.

Construction and action

Two outer arms connect to a shorter centre piece, which may be oval, round, flat, rotating or anatomically angled. With rein contact, the mouthpiece acts mainly across the tongue and bars. Two joints provide more mobility than a mullen mouth and allow more independent left and right aids.

This does not guarantee even pressure. A long centre piece lies differently from a short one; a flat plate provides a different contact surface from an oval piece. An over-wide bit can also slide unnecessarily.

Is it always milder?

No. Thickness, surface, curvature, cheeks and fit matter as much as joint count. A short, angular or poorly oriented centre piece can concentrate contact. A thick bit is not automatically comfortable when the mouth has limited space.

Lozenge versus French link

A lozenge is generally an oval or rounded centre piece. A French link is a flatter central plate. British and Irish riders do not normally regard them as interchangeable, so ByLynga product copy must only use the term that matches the actual construction.

An anatomical angle can change tongue space. A barrel or roller may control rotation, although manufacturers use these descriptions inconsistently. Copper rollers may encourage tongue activity in some horses, but responses vary.

Suitable horses and fit

It may suit horses that appreciate a mobile mouthpiece, accept tongue contact and benefit from more independent lateral signals. It may be less suitable when movement or the centre piece causes fussiness.

Check that the bit cannot pull through the mouth, does not pinch the corners, and allows the horse to close its mouth comfortably. Irish size content should show both systems, for example 125 mm (5 in) and 145 mm (5¾ in).

Loose ring, eggbutt, D-ring or full cheek?

A loose ring allows movement at the ring connection. An eggbutt gives a steadier frame and reduces the chance of the lip being caught at that joint. D-rings and full cheeks can add lateral guidance. A hanging cheek or Baucher has a separate upper attachment for the cheekpiece and often sits steadily, although its exact action depends on the complete design and fit.

The cheek does not change a lozenge into a French link, but it does change how the mouthpiece is stabilised. Product pages should therefore name both features, for example “loose ring snaffle with lozenge” or “full cheek snaffle with lozenge”.

Common questions

Can a lozenge provide tongue relief?

Its shape and angle can change central tongue contact, but the amount of usable space depends on the entire mouthpiece and the horse’s anatomy.

Is a French link always mild?

No. A flat plate can sit differently according to its size and orientation. Fit and actual construction matter more than the familiar name.

How long should the centre piece be?

There is no single correct length for every horse. It must be assessed against tongue width, bars, overall bit size and current competition rules.

Competition

Material, thickness, centre piece and cheek design may be regulated. Always check the current rules for the exact discipline, class and bit before competing.

Bit sizes in millimetres and inches

Common ByLynga size labels for Ireland are 95 mm (3¾ in), 105 mm (4¼ in), 115 mm (4½ in), 125 mm (5 in), 135 mm (5¼ in) and 145 mm (5¾ in). Measure the mouthpiece itself and check the individual product’s available sizes; inch values are practical rounded equivalents.

Compare with a single-jointed snaffle and a mullen mouth bit, or return to the mouthpiece comparison. Explore loose ring, eggbutt, D-bit, full cheek and Baucher options, or browse all horse bits.

Competition rules

Permitted bits depend on the discipline, class, age category and the complete design. Before competing, check the current Horse Sport Ireland rulebook, the relevant affiliate’s rules and, for international competition, the FEI Rules & Regulations. Links checked 9 September 2026.