Full Cheek Snaffle: Lateral Support When Steering Young Horses

Full Cheek Snaffle: a snaffle with long cheeks

The full cheek snaffle has long side pieces above and below the mouthpiece, known as cheeks. They lie against the outside of the horse's face and help with turning. As it has no leverage, it remains a simple snaffle, but it lies more steadily in the mouth. We stock the Waldhausen full cheek snaffle, the BUSSE stainless steel full cheek snaffle and beris full cheek snaffles with Comfort bar, KONNEX ported mouthpiece, single joint and ported bar.

For young horses and those unsure about steering

In early training in particular, the full cheek snaffle helps because the cheeks pass the rein aid on to the side of the face. Horses that like to fall out through the shoulder can also be guided more clearly with it. Many people use it for driving and hacking too. Once your horse turns reliably, you can try out whether it gets on just as well with a plainer snaffle.

Fitting it correctly

The upper cheeks are fixed to the cheekpiece with bit keepers or small leather loops. This keeps the bit upright and the mouthpiece lies quietly on the tongue. Without keepers the snaffle can rotate and press in the wrong places. When tacking up, make sure the cheeks cannot get caught anywhere, for example on a headcollar when your horse is tied up.

Frequently asked questions

Does a full cheek snaffle need keepers?
Yes, they hold the cheeks upright and the mouthpiece in the right position. Without keepers the bit can tip and act differently. You will find suitable loops in our bit accessories.

Is the full cheek snaffle only for young horses?
No, it is popular with young horses but suits any horse that needs more lateral guidance. Drivers and riders who hack out a lot like it too. What matters is whether your horse chews in a relaxed way with it.

Can my horse injure itself on the cheeks?
With a good fit this is rare. It becomes dangerous if the horse is tied up with the bit in its mouth or rubs its head. So always take the bridle off before you tie your horse up.