hanging cheek snaffle

[fleabitten]

I heard today that these bits are only slightly stronger than an eggbutt or loose ring (providing they have same mouthpieces of course).

That the hanging cheek actually just lifts the bit slightly off the bars (which apparently some horses prefer) and only gives a very slight leverage.

I haven't heard this description of the bit before. I had always taken it to be definitely a stronger option if you were having trouble with an eggbutt or loose ring (for example). But of course not as 'severe' as some other bits - sort of a stepping stone.

[zara]

The only real difference is that you get extra poll pressure with a hanging cheek which can help a horse to relax it's jaw; how it acts in the mouth depends on the mouth piece ie double or single jointed, mullen or Myler etc. I ride in a Myler comfort snaffle witha hanging cheek and it extremely useful and mild Zx