The Difference Between a D-Ring & Full Cheek Snaffle

Both D-ring and full cheek snaffles are relatively gentle bits that are suitable for use with young and green horses, or by beginning riders on school horses. They differ in the design of the bit rings, but both spread pressure over a wide area of the horse's mouth and face. Both D-ring and full cheek snaffles come with a wide variety of mouthpieces.

  1. D-Ring Snaffle

    • The D-ring snaffle is named for the shape formed by the rings on either end of the mouthpiece, to which the reins are attached. The mouthpiece forms a hinged joint in the center of the straight part of the "D." Like all snaffle bits, D-rings are designed to be effective when one rein is used at a time for lateral flexion. Pulling on one rein puts pressure on the bars, or gums, on that side of the mouth, while also pulling the straight part of the D-ring against the outside of the mouth on the opposite side.

    Full Cheek Snaffle

    • The full cheek snaffle is designed similarly to the D-ring snaffle, except the ring itself is rounder and, instead of the straight side of the "D," there is a straight, rigid metal arm extending a few inches above and below the mouthpiece hinge on either side. To sit properly in the horse's mouth, the top of the arms must be attached to the cheekpiece of the bridle with a leather figure-of-eight called a keeper. This keeps the arms in position against the outside of the horse's mouth, where they apply pressure when the opposite rein is used.

    Mouthpieces

    • In the case of both D-ring and full cheek snaffles, it is the mouthpiece that determines the severity of the bit. Mouthpieces can be solid (called a mullen mouth), single-jointed or double-jointed. Single-jointed bits apply a nutcracker effect that can be quite severe when used roughly, while mullen-mouthed bits apply quite a bit of pressure directly to the tongue. Double-jointed bits are the mildest. Thicker mouthpieces are less severe than thinner ones, and smooth mouthpieces are less severe than twisted ones.

    Choosing the Right Bit

    • Full cheek snaffles are designed to prevent the bit from being pulled through the horse's mouth when a strong, one-rein aid is used. They are therefore most suitable for very green horses who may resist a rein aid strongly because of confusion or disobedience. D-ring snaffles are also somewhat resistant to being pulled through the mouth, but are also more acceptable for fully trained horses, making them a more versatile choice. For a horse that pulls against the rein very strongly, using a curb strap will ensure that a D-ring snaffle stays in place.