Waterford snaffles

[Leanne_20]

I have recently been looking into the full cheek Waterford snaffle as I have read that they can prevent a horse leaning on the bit and taking a hold? I am not looking to use this bit all the time but more like a training tool.

I currently have my mare in a full cheek French link snaffle. However, now I am asking more of her she’s becoming a handful at times. I end up being pulled around and out of the saddle rather violently and she tends to take a hold and try to evade the bit. I know horses can evade the bit due to discomfort, but I have had her teeth done recently and feel it is more of a learnt habit she does when she doesn’t want to do something I ask.

I would really appreciate anyone’s opinions on the Waterford type of bit and feedback from anyone who has had experience from using them.

 

[Izzwizz]

Personally before you start changing her bit for what is a strong bit, I would get her checked out by a vet and also her saddle. My mare was like this and when she was at the vets for a lameness work up (long story) she was found to have an inflamed tendon sheath in her hind leg which in their opinion, had been "grumbling" for some time. I dont think that horses learn bad behaviour on purpose, its usually for a reason. Do you have a good Instructor who can guide you? Bits dont usually cure problems, she may fight you even more and then where do you go from there? Rule out everything else and if you find nothing then good. It may be that she needs a break from schooling and hacking out for a time may clear her mind.

Good luck!

 

[Maisy]

I had a horse who leaned on the bit and the waterford was great for him, but I think it can be fairly harsh if not in the right hands or on horses with soft mouths.....I tried one when i bought my current horse, and as she has a pink mouth it didnt suit her at all......as with most bits, I think it is something you have to try to see what the result will be with your particular horse.......

 

[Leanne_20]

hmm maybe i should of made a few things clear in the first place. firstly, i believe that my mare has been uncomfortable in her mouth in the past as i know she went for a very long time without her teeth being done before she was mine, which is where my riding instructor and i guess this learnt behaviour has come from. And secondly, I had a brand new saddle fitted last Thursday so I can rule the saddle out, the previous saddle wasn’t a great fit but theres been no change in her behaviour.

 

[duggan]

Connifer, don't take the replies too personally, they are standard responses to any questions! Unfortunately there are still people out there who don't bother to check other factors, they just over bit, and the horse suffers. The forummers here just like to remind folk

FWIW you sound like you are in fairly good control of the situation, waterfords do help prevent the horse 'grawping' at the reins and can be a valuable helping aid. As can roller bits and movable mouthpieces. Certainly worth a try and see if she likes it.
From personal experience, don't assume a brand new fitted saddle will be perfect and eliminate all problems..... they are often fitted wrong and not always due to negligence. Listen to your horse and always be ready to look again

And something else i've found, get beyond the honeymoon period of two weeks before you say the bit works! I tend to vary the mouthpiece on all mine so they always think and don't get so cocky they devise a new trick!
Good luck!

 

[Leanne_20]

oh no i werent taking them personally

, i knows theres alot people out there who dont check for obvious signs of uncomfort first so its great that people suggest these things! i should of just made things abit clearer and that ive had her back, teeth and saddle checked.
ive got to have the saddle checked in three months so hopefully if there are any issues with the fit of the saddle they will be altered then

 

[MegaBeast]

I've got my mare in a full cheek waterford snaffle for jumping and find her canter is much rounder and her steering is better. I still use an NS tranz lozenge snaffle for flat work