Fitting a Waterford Snaffle

[hellybelly6]

I am planning to put my horse in a waterford snaffle as he leans. How do I fit this please?

High, low in the mouth or the same as an ordinary snaffle. How do I tell as it is so floppy, thanks.

 

[Mickeymoo]

I have mine higher than the snaffle. I would put the bridle on with bit attached and then pull the bit rings outwards so the mouthpiece is straight, and then you can see where or if the edge of the mouth creases.

If Im hunting or doing fast work I also raise it another hole each side from my normal hacking position.

Hope that makes sense.

 

[hellybelly6]

Great, thanks, you have just answered all my questions. I was wondering how on earth I could check the position in the mouth, problem solved.

2nd question, do they work?

 

[Mickeymoo]

Glad to be a help.

Mick used to get hold of a snaffle and it was wearing his tooth down. I also had no control. He also chomps when he gets excited - think he is trying to grab the bit.

Yes, I think it works, he doesn't lean as he cant get hold of waterford. If he is quite fit and I want an easy ride I use the snaffle version. Also I jump and xc in it. I also have a waterford gag which I only use now if I was going on a hunt. The last hunt I went on I didnt touch the reins once, I just slowed him with my voice and bodyweight.

Also, I have got a good instructor now who has taught me to ride without relying on the bit. This enabled me last year to xc in the W.snaffle rather than the gag.

I also hack in a copper roller which is a Dring jointed bit - if I am going out on my own, it may be worth trying one of these before the waterford as they are not so strong.

 

[monkeybum13]

I was always told to go a size larger for waterfords ie if your horse is a 5 1/2" go for a 5 3/4 or 6"
Not sure about where in the mouth though - I'd guess higher like MickeyMoo has said.

 

[Mickeymoo]

I was always told that they should be a size bigger, but I could't find a 6 so bought 5 1/2 normal size and they are both fine - been using them for 5 years - but then Mick has never been text book anyway.. lol. x

 

[moneypit1]

Yes the Waterford should be 1/4 to 1/2 inch longer than usual as it is designed to wrap around the corners of the mouth.

 

[hellybelly6]

Great thanks, will give it a whirl.

Horse needs a 6 1/2" bit so my options for trying different onces is somewhat limited. I found a 6 1/2" and thought I would give it a try instead of his gag.