Bitting Method – Cheekpieces
What does a Cheekpiece do?
A cheekpiece connects the horses mouthpiece to the reins which is what the rider uses to give aids. A cheekpiece adds external pressure to the horses face and it also regulates how quickly or slowly pressure is applied and released.
Loose vs Fixed
Loose
A loose type of cheekpiece is determined by the ability of the cheekpiece to slide through the mouthpiece with this cheekpiece there is a risk of pinching if it is fitted too small. We therefore add a little space for a loose type cheekpiece.
Fixed
A fixed cheekpiece has the mouthpiece directly attached to the cheekpiece. There is no chance of pinching and pressure is applied quickly.
Choosing a Cheekpiece
We have divided choosing cheekpieces into Beginners and Racing horses.
Beginners
Bomber’s preferred cheekpiece is the Loose Ring as it has the most benefits and proved successful with majority horses. The Loose Ring is recommended as the cheekpiece to start with.
Step 1
Loose Ring
The Loose Ring cheekpiece allows pressure to be applied slowly, this gives the horse leeway with pressure application resulting in the pressure being applied gradually allowing them to get used to the pressure and responding accordingly. This cheekpiece is favorited due to it’s quick release from pressure, when the rider releases pressure, the pressure relief is felt instantly by the hors. This quick release from pressure is rewarding to the horse and will encourage quicker acceptance of the bit.
If the horse is struggling with turning aids or drifts, a good cheekpiece to try is the Loose Ring T-Bar.
Loose Ring T-Bar
This cheekpiece will help to back up the turning aids, and still give a fast release from pressure. The T-Bar will sit flush against the cheek, preventing the bit from being pulled through the horses mouth. It will also apply some pressure against the horses cheeks to assist in turning aids.
If the horse feels too strong and the rider is struggling to bring the horse back, the Eggbutt cheekpiece is advised.
Step 2
Eggbutt
The Eggbutt is a fixed cheekpiece that will sit flush against the horses’ cheek. This cheekpiece applies pressure quicker than a Loose Ring and has a slower release of pressure. The Eggbutt will apply a slight pressure against the horses’ cheek which will assist in turning aids, similar to the T-Bar Loose Ring.
If the horse is struggling with turning aids or drifting, the Trainer cheekpiece should be considered.
Trainer
The Trainer cheekpiece applies cheek pressure against the horses’ face, this encourages the horse to bend correctly. This cheekpiece allows for srtong guidance when turning and limits the horse from drifting. It applies and releases pressure similar to an Eggbutt.
Racing
Step 1
Loose Ring
The Loose Ring cheekpiece allows pressure to be applied slowly, this gives the horse leeway with pressure application resulting in the pressure being applied gradually allowing them to get used to the pressure and responding accordingly. This cheekpiece is favorited due to it’s quick release from pressure, when the rider releases pressure, the pressure relief is felt instantly by the hors. This quick release from pressure is rewarding to the horse and will encourage quicker acceptance of the bit.
If the horse is struggling with with turning aids, drifting and the rider is struggling to bring the horse back, a stronger cheekpiece such as the Williams can assist with more control.
Williams
The mouth piece is attached on the inner loop on the main ring. This allows the mouth piece to slide and catch, introducing leverage. The bridle attaches to the top ring. The top ring introduces poll pressure. The Williams cheek piece allows for 2 options of rein placement.
– the center ring is closer to a Loose Ring, though some leverage and poll will still be applied.
– the bottom ring brings in more leverage and poll pressure.
This cheekpiece applies more external pressure than an Eggbutt at a slower rate and releases pressure as quick as a Loose Ring. This cheekpiece encourages a quick reaction from the horse and due to the pressure on the side of the horses’ face, it also has strong guiding abilities assisting horses that struggling with turning or that drift.
Step 2
Eggbutt
The Eggbutt is a fixed cheekpiece that will sit flush against the horses’ cheek. This cheekpiece applies pressure quicker than a Loose Ring and has a slower release of pressure. The Eggbutt will apply a slight pressure against the horses’ cheek which will assist in turning aids, similar to the T-Bar Loose Ring.
If the horse is struggling with turning aids or drifting, the Drop Cheek Lite cheekpiece should be considered.
Drop Cheek Lite
The Drop Cheek Lite applies and releases pressure similar to the Eggbutt. The Drop Cheek Lite does apply more pressure on the side of the horses’ face which assists in guiding the horse with turning and limits them from drifting. This cheekpiece has the benefit of being able to fit a Swivel mouthpiece.
