A question on full cheek snaffles....?

[JosieToby]

Hello there!

Is a full cheek snaffle only used for young horses?

I am looking for a bit to jump my horse in, open to suggestions.

 

[Governor]

I use a full cheek on my 9 year old, namely because he goes well in it (more the mouthpiece than anything else - I occasionally use a bit with loose rings but the same mouthpiece). I started him in it as a rising 4 year old but don't see any reason to change.

I would assume you are considering it to help with turning? It's difficult to suggest alternatives without a bit more info.

 

[FinkleyGladiator]

Nah my 14 year old goes SO well in his...BEST bit I've ever used!

 

[Ladybird]

My friend does everything in one with her 8/9 year old

 

[JosieToby]

Well he is too difficult to jump in his drop cheek snaffle wich he goes very well in for dressage.

I do have trouble steering him, he tends to get quite flat if I let him and will jump me out of the saddle.

The neue schule trans universal sounds exactly what I need,

I've only ridden in snaffles and I dont really want to go into the complicated bitting side ( I know wimpy) haha

 

[connie1288]

I ride Mary in a full cheek nathe straight bar snaffle for everything, no steering whatsoever with out cheeks!!
My only problem is i have just bought no 2 at £80 a go

 

[CastleMouse]

I mainly compete Ali in a full cheek at the moment, and he's 12

 

[JosieToby]

Why are they £80 a go? Sorry guyes so many questions, I have never used a full cheek before

 

[connie1288]

Just because it is a nathe and i think the company i get it from makes them individually. Unfortunately she says it is very tasty and chews it!!

 

[JosieToby]

Ooook, what about the water ford mouth piece? Or the copper roller which one is better?

 

[MandyMoo]

i used one on my 19yo for a while, he was fab in it...but he leaned so i changed him to a KK universal.

but i dont think they are only for young horses xx

 

[TarrSteps]

They are much more common - along with D rings, which are the standard show hunter bit - in North America and many people use them exclusively. Personally I prefer them and have never had a horse object. I find they provide a much clearer turning aid and hold the bit with more stability in the horse's mouth, which I prefer for the way I ride and train.

However, bits are just as much for riders as for horses and you might not like the slightly different feel if you've not been brought up with it. Might be best to see if you can borrow first. And no, they aren't crazy money. Nathe bits are VERY expensive, standard full cheeks should be more or less the same as the same bit in another cheek.