What's the difference between a hanging snaffle and?

thatsmygirl

Well-Known Member
Joined
22 May 2010
Messages
4,341
Visit site
A funny bit, dont know it's name but my mate calls it a cartwheel bit? It's got round ends with 3 sections inside it. Would like to know more about it?? Also she thinks it works like a hanging snaffle which I can't see.
Hopefully you know which bit I mean.
 
Wilkie bit??

http://www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk/P/Loop_Ring_Wilkie_Jointed_Snaffle-(326).aspx

I'm no great bit expert but we changed to a wilkie bit for our sec A and it just gives a little more poll action - it has been brilliant for us and I would think it is pretty similar to a hanging cheek snaffle which I have also used in the past on my mare.

Preparing myself now to be shot down in flames! :D
 
Wilkie's are not dressage legal - for PC or BD. No idea why - I can only presume they are more strong in thier action somehow.
 
Oh yes that's the bit.
What I don't get is, the hanging cheek you have the added bit on top to add the reins on and sort off surpenses the bit in the mouth but that bit doesn't so how does it act the same?
 
Assuming you mean the wilkie above, your friend is wrong.

It is common misconception that a hanging snaffle has poll action. It doesn't - which is why it is dressage legal. It merely acts to elevate the bit in the horses mouth, allowing for a different type of action in the tongue.

A wilkie snaffle is like a little gag, and exerts the same sort of poll pressure. For this reason, they are not dressage legal. You see them often in showing ponies as it is easier to bring the pony's head 'on the bit', though many judges do not like to see first riddens and lead reins in them.
 
http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/horsecare/1370/40804.html

Look at this picture and you will see that the 'leverage' comes because the cheek piece goes through one small loop and the rein through the other. As you apply pressure on the reins, it rotates slightly giving the poll action. (my very laymans description here!!)

ETA In fact I think it was this article several years ago that gave me the idea of trying the bit as my son had problems with the pony evading.
 
Last edited:
Top