Help with fitting a Waterford?

[Foxy girl]

I've decided to give a waterford a try with my heavy on the forehand, take the bit and go, cob. My local tack shop had the right size 3 ring waterford on sale so I bought it but am now just looking for clarification on how to fit it with a single bridle. Do I need to fit roundings, or can I just attack the reins to the middle ring and see how I get on? I can't seem to find a photo anywhere of a 3 ring one using roundings.
Any help/guidance gratefully received!!
p.s. I know I need to be light on the hand with a waterford and will only be using it for more exciting activities! x

 

[Tash88]

I use a fulmer waterford and just fit it like a normal bit, although of course it only has one ring. I don't think you would need to use roundings. Also, it is a good idea to buy a size larger (about 1/4 inch) with a Waterford, because otherwise it could pinch, so be careful with this.

 

[CBFan]

As already said, you need a waterford a 1/4 to half an inch bigger than your normal size, due to the way it sits in the horse's mouth...

Is there any reason (apart from it being on sale!) you went for a 3 ring version rather than a full cheek or more commonly used, loose ring? both are pretty effective when compared to their normal snaffle counterparts!

 

[vicksey]

My horse is usually 5.5inch but in a inch waterford. I have a full cheek for my "heavy on the forehand, take the bit and go, cob" (love that by the way) and dont use roundings. My friend has the 3 ring and doesnt either.

 

[NOISYGIRL]

Do you use a gag bit normally ? I would use double reins with it

 

[Tnavas]

Initially I would use the rein on the top ring as this is a new bit and putting the reins on a lower ring could increase the action more than is needed.

 

[BombayMix]

Both of my horses wear their waterfords in the same size as all of their other bits and have never had a problem!

 

[Foxy girl]

Thanks all - I did buy it in 1/4 size larger so hoping that will be big enough. Interesting about trying it on the top ring - I may try that and then work down depending on how we get on Too frosty to do anything other than tack up and try it for size which I'll do tomorrow on my day off...

Thanks again all.

 

[Luci07]

Definately try the top ring first...the bottom is quite severe

 

[gunnergundog]

Yes, you can use roundings but it will give a different effect to using two separate reins.

As suggested, I would start with a single rein on the top ring in an enclosed arena and then work from there.

Remember you can use a leather curb strap with these bits which helps to keep the mouthpiece in place and slightly changes the action again.