It is important to discuss the different cheeks on bits and how they work when they are in the horse’s mouth. There are many cheek varieties but here we discuss the most popular and frequently used snaffle cheek options.
When we discuss cheek design, it is important to note that bits which have an extension which sits above the mouthpiece apply poll pressure to the horse. These bits often have a head lowering effect. If the bit has an extension which sits beneath the mouthpiece, the bit has a head raising, leverage effect which is why bits with this design are often referred to as levers. In the range of snaffle bits, we only have cheek extensions in the form of a baucher/hanging cheek which offer a head lowering effect. Other combinations of bit extension are classified as gag bits which we will go onto discuss in a further article.
Loose Ring Cheek
The loose ring bit design allows for free movement of the mouthpiece and offers an awful lot more play and movement in the mouthpiece when compared to a fixed cheek bit. This movement allows for movement of the mouthpiece in any direction that the mouthpiece allows.
Loose ring bits are frequently used for horses which lean on the bit or block through the rein as the free moving ring promotes self-carriage in the horse. Loose ring bits are often selected for use in young horses as it allows the youngster to play with the bit and become comfortable with how the bit sits in the mouth (it is important to note that once the young horse starts to progress and performs more ridden work, he may require a fixed cheek such as an eggbutt if he backs off the loose ring bit as some young horses require a little more stability in the mouth until they become confident in taking the rein down and forward).
When fitting loose ring snaffle bits, the horses lip should sit clear of the bit ring grooves to avoid pinching. Traditionally, trainers recommended a fingers width of room either side of the horse’s mouth, between the lip and the bit ring. We tend to find that this often results in too much lateral movement and as such we recommend that the horse’s lips just sit clear of the bit ring groove without too much additional room. This prevents excessive movement but also ensures that the bit does not rub or pinch.
Full Cheek (Fixed Cheek)
The full cheek is a very popular bit for novice riders and novice horses (when combined with a mild mouthpiece). The full cheek snaffle needs to sit snugly in the mouth to prevent lateral movement of the mouthpiece and improves the deliverance of the steering and turning aids. We often find that full cheeks work well with young horses as this design of bit applies pressure not only in the mouth but also to the cheek improving directional control. The snug design of this bit prevents excessive movement of the bit from unstable hands, hence its popularity with novice riders.
One thing to note with full cheek bits is the safety aspect. Horses should never be left unattended with this type of bit (even more so than any other bit) as the cheeks of the bit can quickly get caught on other items of tack and can result in serious damage to the horse’s mouth.
Fulmer loops can be applied to full cheek bits; these loop around the top of the full cheek and fasten to the bridle cheek. This addition results in a small amount of poll pressure offering a head lowering effect. It can also be ideal for horse’s who seem irritated by excessive cheek movement as it will stabilise the bit a little more in the horse’s mouth.
Hanging Cheek/Baucher (Fixed Cheek)
The hanging cheek bit is a very popular bit for horses that have low palates/are evasive to excessive pressure across the bars of the mouth and the tongue. When a contact is taken, the mouthpiece of the bit lifts in the mouth reducing the pressure distributed across the lower jaw. If the rein contact is maintained, poll pressure is applied which can help the horse to soften his frame and often has a head lowering effect.
We tend to find the baucher works very well in horses that hollow in many other snaffles as it employs more poll pressure than other snaffles. Particularly, this bit is ideal for Arab types and those that seem very unwilling to lower their head and accept a contact.
The baucher/hanging cheek design is also ideal for horses that go well in gag bits at home when schooling but need something British Dressage legal when competing. What we are trying to say is if you school at home in a Universal but can’t compete using it for BD, a baucher is the most similar in action out of the snaffle range.
Beval Cheek
The bevel cheek (also known as the wilkie) is extremely popular with young riders on show ponies. The action of this bit offers some poll leverage and often helps to get ‘pokey nosed ponies’ to soften and round their frame. Some children lack the connectivity to get ponies to go into a round frame and the bevel cheek helps achieve this whilst remaining acceptable for showing and flatwork.
See our full range of bits here.
