Part of snaffle bit or spur?

[Palmetto]

Found this past weekend at early 1800's site.
Iron and approx. 3.5 inches long and circumference is about size of large pencil.
I thought that it may be quite small for snaffle bit and just about the right size for spur given where it broke. Just didnt know about the loop end.
Any help would be great-thanks.

Palmetto

 

[BosnMate]

Not part of a snaffle, but spur is very possible.

 

[SCdigger]

It appears to be from around the 1830's. By the color of the rust, I'd say it was dug in South Carolina (probably near a river).

G