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The waterford snaffle
10 November, 2000
The waterford or "chain" snaffle is often regarded with dread by the uninformed because it appears so severe. Resembling a wide chain of metal marbles, it is actually a mild bit because of its flexibility and Cheshire-based rider Mike Florence uses the Waterford on his string of novice show jumpers in the Mellor Vale stable."There is no nutcracker action, so a horse cannot lean on it and, as it isn't a harsh bit, they will go onto it without problems," says Mike. "But equally, it is strong enough for me bring them back off the bit without trouble.
"It's a bit I particularly like for a youngster because it makes him 'mouth' and salivate well, relaxing the jaw and making him more responsive to the rein aids. Because it is not rigid,it is especially useful for a horse that tries to take hold.
"I have at least nine horses who use a Waterford snaffle, which indicates that a lot of horses will go happily in one.
"I've just changed one of my best horses into one from a plain ring snaffle. She tends to run on downhill and I'm now able to keep her balanced and together in a Waterford and stop her digging a hole for herself without over-bitting her."
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