Full Cheek Waterford Snaffle

The Full cheek 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. The full cheek waterford snaffle is a useful bit for green horses, as the full cheek prevents the bit from being able dragged through the horses mouth. This Full cheek snaffle has a rubber covered jointed mouthpiece which cushions the effect of the nutcracker action on the bars. Full cheek bits are often used on young horses to aid steering, as the cheek gives a more positive action against the cheek when the rider asks for a turn. Full cheek snaffles should be used with fulmer loops which secure the top of the bit to the cheekpieces to prevent the bit from rotating and leaving the cheeks pointing out which could pose a hazard. By securing the cheek, it also allows a very small amount of poll pressure to come into play, helping to encourage a lower outline.

• Full cheek applies a tiny bit of poll pressure when the rein aid is applied, and prevents the bit from being dragged through the mouth
• Most horses work better in one size larger than their normal bit size when ridden in a waterford mouthpiece
• Helps steering with green horses
• Bit strength: moderate, can be severe if used in a see saw motion by the rider