Bit question please?

[Taffster]

They jumped Taf for the first time this year today, (he only started last September and we've got winter champs in 4 weeks) They said he was really good as they have put a waterford bit in (he's on production now but my regular rider still competes him).
Jockey is tiny and horse is built like a bull so if he gets strong she really struggles to hold him, I have only ever used snaffles - so what is this bit and is it harsh?
I know the bit is only as harsh as the riders hands but she does have a tendancy to hold him??

 

[MarleyandDarcy]

My mare has a waterford - it look a bit scary when you first see it! But really works for my mare hacking as the many bits to it stop her leaning

I don't think it's a harsh bit - although if you really pulled I could see it might get the sides of the mouth - but then most bits will do damage of you really yank!

http://www.robinsons-uk.com/products/search.asp?keyword=waterford&x=0&y=0#sku.38086

 

[Taffster]

Thanks for that, it doesnt look that bad and if he respects it, then thats great - will have to see what hes like for full course in it then. I do like the idea of no flash or martingale so if he is happy and respects this then perfect solution. It just looks like a snaffle with several links and he is ridden in french link snaffle anyway

 

[YellowBoots]

Waterfords are very useful bits. Horses can lean on them but it's much harder for them to do it. They tend to try it a few times, then stop trying to lean.

My daughter's pony has a thick tounge and a small mouth. A waterford is perfect for him because it conforms to the shape of his mouth.

I wouldn't call it a harsh bit. I think it's softer than a Dr. Bristol say.

 

[Madasmaz]

I had a waterford baucher for my old mare. She had a tendancy to set her jaw against snaffles and tank. If your rider has a tendancy to hold the horses mouth it is the same thing as kicking all the time....eventually the horse ignores it. Take a look at the Neue Schule bitting pdf on their website...it explains all about the different mouth piece types, and also how bauchers, pelhams, jumper and universal bits work.

 

[jumptoit]

Waterfords are very useful for larger horses with smaller jockeys imo.

 

[jens]

I use a waterford as it sits nicely in my horse with a very fleshy mouth and tongue. It stops him taking off and holding the bit as it is fluid in the mouth.
I think the only potential for the bit to be harsh would be if it was used with a 'sawing' motion.