The full cheek snaffle is characterized, as the name suggests, by its stable side cheeks. These cheeks offer various advantages and have a specific effect on the horse. They apply lateral pressure to the horse's cheeks, which supports lateral guidance and limitation, making it especially useful for training young horses. Additionally, they provide the rider with more stable control and help maintain an even connection to the horse’s mouth.
Since the cheeks stabilize the bit, the pressure on the horse's mouth is distributed more evenly and gently. This promotes softer communication between rider and horse and can contribute to better acceptance of the bit by the horse and a more relaxed movement.
The pressure on the outside of the bit aids in bending and helps the horse understand the rider's aids. The double-jointed mouthpiece distributes pressure evenly over the tongue and bars. The cheeks provide clear lateral stabilization and guidance, ensuring a steady position of the bit in the horse’s mouth. The small bit rings result in a more direct action with this bit.
Effect:
- Steady position in the horse’s mouth
- Even pressure on the tongue and bars
Which horses are particularly suited for this bit?
- Horses that are still in training
- Horses that need lateral guidance
Association Approvals:
- Dressage: FEI, USEF, USDF, USEA
- Eventing: FEI, USEF, USEA
- Jumping: FEI, USEF, USEA
These approvals are the best information we have at this time, but correctness standards are ever evolving. Competitors are reminded that they are responsible for the correctness of their tack. If a rider is unsure of the correctness of any tack, it is the rider’s responsibility to confirm their equipment with the steward or technical delegate.
