Shires Full Cheek Snaffle with Keys

The Shires Full Cheek Snaffle with Keys is a useful bit for starting young horses. The full cheek prevents the bit from being dragged through the horse's mouth, and the players or keys in the centre of the mouthing bit encourage the horse to play with them and thus produce a soft, wet mouth. The mouthpiece of the Shires Full Cheek Snaffle with Keys is in effect double jointed, relieving most of the nutcracker action which most horses prefer.

Full cheek bits are often used on green 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.

Cheek Pieces: 165mm

Mouthpiece thickness: 12mm

• 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
• Ideal for youngsters as the players encourage a soft, relaxed mouth
• Helps steering with green horses
• Bit strength: fairly mild
• Cheek Pieces: 165mm
• Mouthpiece thickness: 12mm