The Hanging Cheek Waterford snaffle can be a comfortable bit for a horse as long as the rider has sympathetic hands. It is considered a severe bit as the pressure is distributed over the tongue and bars of the mouth.
The mouthpiece is made up of a series of ball shaped links, that is similar to a chain and can be manipulated by the horse allowing him to swallow and move his mouth freely.
If the horse pulls whilst wearing the Waterford, the mouthpiece is uncomfortable and usually the horse will not lean on it, the bit is fully moveable and collapses if the horse tries to lean on it. A good bit for horses that like to take hold at speed, with the added extra help from the Hanging Cheek's poll pressure.
The Hanging Cheek exerts a small amount of poll pressure making it easier for the Rider to ask the horse for flexion and softness at the poll.