Different Types of Cheekpieces

The type of bit combinations can seem endless when you think of all the options. That is why it is important to understand how each component of the bit works, independently and together. In this article learn about how different styles of cheekpieces will affect the bit.

Loose Ring Snaffles

Loose Ring Snaffles transmit the pressure of the rein aids directly onto the tongue and the lower jaw without leverage action on the neck. The moveable rings give more pre-signal to the horse as there is movement on the rings as the reins are picked up. The horse may slightly lift the bit in its mouth by stretching the tongue in order to evade too strong pressure from rein aids in the short term. Loose ring snaffles are suitable for all horses of all disciplines and educational levels, including breaking in a horse and familiarize young horses to bit and bridle.

Fixed Ring Snaffles

Eggbutt, D-Ring and Full Cheek snaffles transmit the pressure from the rein aids directly onto the tongue and the lower jaw without leverage action on the neck. Due to the fixed cheeks the rein aids reach the tongue in a more direct way. The fixed cheeks keep the bit steady and calm in the horse’s mouth. The smooth transitions to the sideparts make these bits suitable for horses with sensitive mouth corners. Due to the wider contact surface on the corners of the mouth, these bits support guarding and sideways acting rein aids. The larger the contact surface the higher the lateral influence, which means that the above described effect is even higher with D-Ring and Full Cheek bits. Recommended for horses with sensitive mouth corners, horses that tend to play with the bit and therefore give the rider an unsteady contact and for horses that tend to fall out while riding turns or approaching an obstacle.