4 Ring Continental Waterford Snaffle

The 4 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 whilst 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 correct 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 is easily achieved on the lower setting of the waterford 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 dutch gag involves a series of steel rings, the main snaffle ring with one smaller ring above and two below, enabling a number of different positions for the reins. Correctly, the 4 ring waterford bit should be used with two reins, one on the main snaffle ring, and a second on either of the lower two smaller rings depending how much poll pressure is required. Often this bit is only used with one rein on the lower rings, 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 across 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 3 ring snaffle
• Exerts poll pressure and a limited gag action
• Pony size bits (5") feature a smaller, more appropriately sized cheek
• Bit strength: strong, can be severe if used in a see saw motion by the rider