Types of Full Cheek Snaffle Bits

The snaffle bit, made of a mouthpiece with a ring on either side, is the most used bit for riding horses. Snaffles commonly have jointed mouthpieces, but can have a solid mouthpiece. A full cheek snaffle has long arms above and below the mouthpiece on either side of the lips, attached to the rings, to prevent the bit from sliding through the mouth. This bit provides a lateral guiding effect. Bit keepers can be used with the full cheek snaffle to keep the bit in the correct position and prevent the upper arms from catching on anything.

  1. French Link

    • The French Link full cheek snaffle sports a mouthpiece that is double-jointed, with a flat link shaped like a bone in the middle. It is a very mild mouthpiece because the two joints reduce the "nutcracker" effect found in single-jointed bits. The French Link snaffle encourages relaxation and works by applying pressure to the lips, tongue and bars of the mouth. It is one of the most popular mouthpieces for dressage.

    Dr. Bristol

    • The Dr. Bristol mouthpiece is also double-jointed like the French Link, but the link in the middle is rectangular and longer and set at a slight angle to the rest of the mouthpiece. The thin edge of the rectangle presses into the tongue. When used with bit keepers, the full cheek Dr. Bristol can be rotated so the middle joint lies flat against the tongue. The Dr. Bristol is rarely used in dressage because of its potential severity.

    Slow Twist

    • A slow twist full cheek snaffle has a mouthpiece that is single-jointed with a slight twist. The twist creates edges that act as pressure points in the horse's mouth, increasing pressure on the tongue and bars of the mouth. The slow twist is a strong and fairly severe bit. It is used commonly in English disciplines, but is not permitted in dressage competitions.

    Corkscrew

    • The corkscrew mouthpiece is usually single-jointed and twisted, with many rounded, blunt edges. Like a slow twist, the edges create pressure points, increasing pressure on the tongue and bars of the mouth. The corkscrew is considered severe and is not permitted in dressage competitions.

    Single and Double Twisted Wire

    • A single-jointed mouthpiece made of a thin, the single twisted wire mouthpiece includes a twisted piece of wire for each joint. The double twisted wire mouthpiece has two separate pieces of thin, twisted wire for each joint. These bits are extremely severe because of their thinness and the many twists that cause additional pressure points. They are more common in Western disciplines than English, though they are sometimes seen in jumping. Twisted wire mouthpieces should only be used by skilled, experienced riders with soft hands. They are not permitted in dressage competition.

    Rollers

    • Roller mouthpieces can help a horse relax its jaw and accept the bit. Rollers come with any type of mouthpiece and as the name suggests, parts of the bit are designed to roll. Rollers encourage salivation and provides an outlet for nervous tongue movements, though rollers do not affect the severity of the mouthpiece. Rollers are used in both Western and English disciplines, though they are not permitted in dressage competition.

    Hollow Mouth

    • A hollow mouth full cheek snaffle is usually single-jointed and has a thick, hollow mouthpiece. The thickness of the mouthpiece distributes pressure over a larger area, making it a less sever bit. Because the mouthpiece is hollow, it is also very light.

    Mullen Mouth

    • The Mullen mouth is a non-jointed mouthpiece with a slight curve to allow room for the tongue beneath it. Generally considered a mild bit, it often comes covered in rubber.