Waterford Bit

it's used for horses that lean on the bit, there are lots of loose links so that the horse has nothing to grab hold of as such. useful for strong pullers in the right hands.
 
Despite its outward appearance it is actually a comfortable bit for horse as it conforms perfectly to their mouth shape. I like them - as already said very good for those that lean!
 
they are not as severe as people think as they have no nutcracker action hence no pallet pressure. It also depends on the make of waterford - they were originally designed to have different sizes/shapes of link to place irregular pressure on the tongue, but the majority of them now have smooth, even sized ball links. I wouldn't class it as very severe. Imo they are best used with loose ring cheeks as this maximises the flexibility of the bit and lessens the chance of the horse taking hold of it. You would lose some of the effect with fixed cheeks. Hope that helps!
 
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Also, what are the benifits of full cheek and hanging cheek bits? e.g on a waterford. Thanks Jane

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Full cheeks also aid with steering.

I hunt in a waterford nelson gag. Which is like a cheltenham gag (running cheeks) but has full cheeks at the side to aid with turning, then the waterford mouth piee to stop him leaning on. Works a treat!
The cheeks do not fix the bit in anyway.
 
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