The Shires Full Cheek French Link Snaffle is a gentle training bit engineered specifically for young, green or sensitive horses that require clear steering guidance but posses a low palate or sensitive tongue. It pairs the structural turning assistance of full cheek shanks with a double-jointed French link mouthpiece. This classical configuration provides a highly stable, pinch-free fit that allows riders to introduce clear lateral aids without causing discomfort in the horse's mouth.
Key Specifications:
- Mouthpiece Thickness: 14mm.
- Cheek Height/ Shank Length: 165mm.
- Mouthpiece Design and Material: Double-jointed with a flat central French link plate in high-polish, solid stainless steel that is durable, tasteless, and rust-resistant.
How it Works:
- Elimination of the Nutcracker Squeeze: The double-jointed French link features a flat, smooth metal plate in the centre that lies completely flat across the horse's tongue. This design removes the sharp, upward "V" squeeze on the palate associated with single-jointed bits, distributing a milder, even pressure across the bars and tongue instead.
- Enhanced Lateral Guidance: The long vertical cheeks rest flush against the outside of the horse's muzzle. When a turning aid is applied, the opposite cheek bar applies gentle pressure against the face, providing a clear structural boundary that pushes the horse's head around and prevents the bit from being dragged through the mouth.
- Fixed Cheek Stability: Because the mouthpiece is attached directly to the fixed full cheek shanks, the bit remains perfectly stable inside the mouth. It cannot slide sideways, ensuring a highly predictable and quiet contact that completely eliminates the risk of pinching the sensitive corners of the lips.
This bit is fully legal for British Dressage (BD) and FEI Competitions.