A high-quality Waterford bit with full cheek bars. Made of stainless steel.
A Waterford bit consists of several ball-shaped links — in this case three — that create multiple flexible joints along the entire mouthpiece. This design allows the bit to conform freely to the horse’s mouth and distribute pressure across several points. It makes it more difficult for the horse to lean or hang on the bit. Waterford bits are often used on strong or heavy horses but should be used with a soft and responsive hand, as the bit can become sharper with harsh rein contact.
Bits with fixed rings are more stable in the horse’s mouth than loose ring bits, which offer more flexibility and allow the horse to adjust the position slightly. Fixed ring bits are often recommended for young horses, horses in training, or horses that have difficulty accepting the bit. They generally provide more consistent contact. More experienced horses may benefit from loose ring bits, which allow for quicker release of pressure and are therefore also suitable for novice riders.
The full cheek bars help relieve pressure on the mouth by distributing some of it to the sides of the face, making the bit even more stable. The design also enhances leading rein aids by gently pushing the horse’s head sideways, similar to the effect of a sidepull. The cheek bars also reduce the risk of pinching at the corners of the mouth.
The thickness of the bit is 18mm.