The hanging cheek waterford snaffle can be a comfortable bit for a horse as long as the rider has sympathetic hands. The mouthpiece is made up of a series of rounded 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 waterford is normally selected one size larger than the horse's usual bit size to allow freedom and correct fit of the bit in the horses mouth. The cheek of a hanging cheek bit is similar to the top section of a pelham, and exerts a little poll pressure which can help reluctant horses to break at the poll and flex more readily.
The filet baucher waterford is often a good step up for horses that go well in a french link baucher but need a little more for jumping or riding across country.
