Loose Ring Waterford Snaffle
Best Horse · Handmade
Loose Ring Waterford Snaffle
Not sure about the size? See our size guide or ask us.
✓ Free worldwide shipping, fully tracked
✓ Handmade to order in our own workshop, dispatched in 4 to 5 working days
✓ 7-day returns · Size guide · Custom colors & names
Nothing to lean on, nothing to grab. This loose ring Waterford snaffle has a German silver mouthpiece made of rounded ball links that move in every direction. A strong horse can't set against it or take hold of it, yet it stays soft and kind in light hands.
⚠️ Sizing: please read. A Waterford should be 1/4" to 1/2" wider than your horse's usual bit, so most horses need one size up. Example: if your horse wears a 5" bit, choose 5.5".
Specifications
- Sizes: 5", 5.5", 6" (other sizes made to order)
- Mouthpiece: German silver (a copper alloy), Waterford ball links
- Mouthpiece thickness: 16 mm
- Rings: stainless steel loose rings
Key features
- Waterford mouthpiece: rounded links move in all directions, so the horse can't lean on or grab the bit.
- Drapes softly over the tongue, spreading pressure over the tongue and bars.
- Loose rings: extra movement that discourages leaning and keeps the mouth active.
- Thick 16 mm links: a wide, comfortable feel.
- German silver: a copper-rich alloy that encourages salivation and a soft, wet mouth.
- Smooth, rounded links with no sharp edges.
Often chosen for
- Strong horses that lean, pull down or take hold of the bit
- Horses that set or lock their jaw
- Horses with a thick or fleshy tongue
- Horses with a dry mouth
- Show jumping, cross country, eventing, hacking and foxhunting
How to measure
- Place a piece of string in your horse's mouth where the bit sits.
- Mark both sides at the corners of the lips.
- Measure between the marks, then add 1/4" to 1/2" for a Waterford.
Need a different size? We make bits in any size.
Please note: the Waterford works best with soft, steady hands. Never "see-saw" the reins, as this makes the bit much stronger. German silver contains nickel, so it's not recommended for horses with a known nickel allergy. This bit is usually not allowed in dressage tests, so check your show rules before competing. Need more control? See our German Silver Universal 3 Ring bit.
Care
Rinse with clean water after every ride, especially between the links, and dry well. German silver may darken a little over time; a soft cloth brings back the shine.
Free worldwide shipping, fully tracked. Dispatched in 4 to 5 working days, delivered in 8 to 10 working days. Tack shops: request wholesale pricing.