The Lorina Waterford Loose Ring Snaffle is a moderately strong, highly flexible bit designed for strong horse that tend to lean, set their jaw, or pull hard on the rider's hands. It gives riders extra stopping power during fast-paced work while remaining entirely flexible across the horse's tongue.
Key Specifications:
- High-quality, polished stainless steel.
- Mouthpiece Type: High-quality, polished stainless steel.
- It is highly advised to choose a size up (by 1/4" to 1/2") from your horse's normal bit size. Because the multi-jointed chain curves and moulds around the tongue, it effectively "shortens" in length when inside the mouth. If the bit is too small, the outer links will pinch the corners of the lips.
How it Works:
- Eliminates Leaning: Because the chain-like structure is completely fluid, it bends in every direction. The horse has no rigid or solid piece of metal to clamp down on or freeze against their teeth, effectively shattering their grip
- Conforming Tongue Pressure: When riding with a light contact, the multi-link mouthpiece "drapes" naturally over the curves of the bars and tongue, giving the horse a high degree of mouth freedom.
- Rigid Braking Action: The moment the rider asks for a stop or a half-halt, the links temporarily lock together, causing the bit to behave like a solid bar across the mouth to maximize stopping power.
- Loose Ring Mobility: The moving O-rings slide freely through the mouthpiece. This fluid motion encourages jaw relaxation, chewing, and salivation while providing an instant, clean pressure release the millisecond the rider softens their hands.
This bit is not legal for Dressage under British Dressage (BD) or FEI rules due to its segmented, chain-link structure. However, it is an extremely popular choice for showjumping, eventing, cross country, and hunting.
Waterford mouth bits should be used under supervision or by experienced riders as can have a severe action if used incorrectly.