Full Cheek Bits
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. The full cheek snaffle is a useful bit for green horses, as the full cheek prevents the bit from being able dragged through the horses mouth.
Single Joint Mouthpiece
The single joint puts pressure on the sides of the tongue, on the lips and on the bars due to the nutcracker. The single jointed bits also may have a head raising action so would be less suitable for your horse if they ride with a high head carriage or above the bit.
Breeds that have particularly large tongues, have less room in the mouth for a single jointed bit as this pushes the bit nearer the roof of the mouth.
Arabs/TB's have a lower palate, both of these examples may not benefit from the single jointed bits as the nutcracker action may cause bruising of the roof of the mouth.
This Full cheek snaffle has a jointed mouthpiece that acts like a nutcracker on the bars, and can also contact with the horses palate.
Waterford Mouthpiece
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.
French Link
Full cheek french link snaffles conform to the shape of the horses mouth more naturally than a single jointed bit, eliminating the nutcracker action.
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.
Available in Stainless Steel in 4.5', 5', 5.5' or 6'.
Please note that bits which have had the tags removed or have been in contact with the horses mouth cannot be returned for health & safety reasons.
We are one of the largest independent retailers of Lorina in the UK and a verified premium stockist giving us access to the entire range. Our sales advisors all use these products on a daily basis so are able to offer you expert advice. If you need any assistance in selecting the right item for you or your horse please don't hesitate to contact us.