Full Cheek Snaffle Sweet Iron is a single jointed snaffle bit with cheek pieces, also known as Full Cheek. Made of stainless steel and equipped with a blue, steel-blended Sweet Iron coating whose effect stimulates the chewing process and increases saliva production.
When Sweet Iron material comes into contact with moisture, air, and heat, it undergoes a rust reaction called oxidation. The Sweet Iron coating will then rust, resulting in a sweet taste on the bit's surface, making it easier for many horses to accept. Over time, the blue color of the bit will disappear due to oxidation, but the sweet taste of the surface rust remains.
A single jointed bit has a breakpoint and primarily applies pressure to the bars, the outer part of the tongue, and the palate. However, this bit has a slightly curved shape that reduces pressure on the bars, making it slightly milder than a regular single jointed bit.
Bits with fixed rings are more stable in the horse's mouth than bits with loose rings, which are more flexible, allowing the horse to determine its position to some extent. Bits with fixed rings are usually recommended for young horses, horses in training, or horses having difficulty finding support on the bit. They typically perform better with bits featuring fixed rings, providing more support. Conversely, more seasoned horses are ideally ridden with bits with loose rings, as they offer a quicker release, making them suitable for beginners on horseback as well.
The cheek pieces relieve the pressure on the mouth and shift some of it to the outside, making the bit even more stable. The design also enhances the leading rein effects as the horse's head is "pushed" to the side, similar to the effect of a sidepull. Additionally, the cheek pieces prevent pinching in the corners of the mouth.
The thickness of the bit is 14mm.
Material
Stainless steel, Sweet Iron