3 Ring Continental Waterford Snaffle

The 3 ring continental waterford snaffle can be a comfortable bit for a horse as long as the rider has sympathetic hands. The mouthpiece is made up of a series of rounded links, that is similar to a chain and can be manipulated by the horse allowing him to swallow and move his mouth freely. If the horse pulls whiclst wearing the waterford, the mouthpiece is uncomfortable and usually the horse will not lean on it. The rider should never 'see saw' the hands when using a waterford bit as it can make the bit very severe. The waterford is normally selected one size larger than the horse's usual bit size to allow freedom and corect fit of the bit in the horses mouth. Continental bits work by raising the bit up in the horses mouth in a similar manor to a conventional gag, but there is a limit to the extent this can happen thus lessening the severity. In addition to this, a lot of poll pressure can be achieved with the lower ring of the dutch gag which is why ideally two reins should be used to ensure a correct contact can be maintained on the snaffle rein without poll pressure when necessary. The cheek of the jointed 3 ring dutch gag involves a series of steel rings, the main snaffle ring with one smaller ring above and below, useful for horses that do not need the added poll pressure of a further lower ring as in the 4 ring version of the continental gag. Often this bit is only used with one rein on the lower ring, but ideally if only one rein is to be used the bit should be used with roundings to maintain a better contact with the horses mouth.

• Mouthpiece lays accross the horses tongue, giving lots of freedom but still giving control as it becomes solid when asking for a stop
• Most horses work better in one size larger than their normal bit size when ridden in a waterford mouthpiece.
• Ideally used with two reins or roundings with a single rein for the best effect
• Also know as a dutch gag or 2 ring snaffle
• Exerts poll pressure and a limited gag action
• Pony size bits (5") feature a smaller, more appropriately sized cheek
• Bit strength: moderate/strong, can be severe if used in a see saw motion by the rider