Can someone help clarify this please?

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AutumnDays

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A question about fitting a bit. My brain has gone into an overthink, and now I've confused myself! Do you fit a full cheek Waterford the same way you would a loose ring (up to half inch bigger), as I understand it needs to curl around the lips? Thank you
 
Hope this helps...found it on Google....

To fit a Waterford bit, ensure it sits slightly higher in the horse's mouth than a standard bit, allowing the flexible "bumps" to curl around the lips, and should be about ¼" to ½" longer than a typical mouthpiece to maximize its effect; check that the bit is wide enough to clear the lips without causing discomfort, and make sure it's not too low to contact the front teeth or encourage the horse to put its tongue over the mouthpiece; when in doubt, consult a professional horse trainer to ensure proper fit.

Key points about fitting a Waterford bit:
  • Slightly higher placement:
    Position the bit slightly higher in the mouth compared to a standard bit to allow the "bumps" to properly engage with the lips.

  • Length consideration:
    Choose a Waterford bit that is slightly longer (¼" to ½") than a typical mouthpiece to maximize its effect on the horse's mouth.

  • Lip clearance:
    Ensure the bit is wide enough to clear the sides of the horse's lips without pinching or rubbing.

  • Tongue prevention:
    Avoid placing the bit too low in the mouth, which could encourage the horse to put its tongue over the mouthpiece.

  • Flexibility benefit:
    The flexible nature of the Waterford bit allows it to distribute pressure evenly across the horse's mouth, making it a good option for horses that tend to lean on the bit.
 
Also, put 'How to fit a Waterford' into Search on this site. You'll have to then sift through to glean anything relevant as quite a few posts re. their use. Good luck!
 
Op do you mean a fulmer cheek ? or an egg but type cheek. I recently trialled a neule schule fulmer cheek Waterford which now have what neule schule call lipsmart & these are fitted as usual but if you have some other type I would go with an extra 1/2 inch.
 
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