The French Link Full Cheek Snaffle Bit doesn't have the nutcracker action of a single jointed
snaffle and therefore may be a good choice for horses with a low
palate. Instead, the mouthpiece lays flat across the tongue. While most snaffles have a single joint in the center, there are
some that have more than one joint. Collectively, they are known as the
multi-jointed snaffles. This
particular bit has a French Link mouthpiece. The French Link is a small
flat, peanut-shaped link in the center of the mouthpiece. It lays flat
to the bit, as opposed to a Dr. Bristol
in which the link is at an angle to the rest of the mouthpiece. Obviously,
there is a lot more mobility within the mouthpiece, and so, some horses
that may get "set" in a single jointed or mullen-mouthed
bit, may go lighter and lean on the bit less in the French Link.
The full cheek pieces can be helpful in refining the turning aids
(helpful for young horses) and for preventing the bit from being pulled
through the mouth. When used with bit keepers (small leather loops),
they fix the
bit in a position which keeps the link in the center of the mouthpiece
flat on the horse's tongue. When used without the keepers, the bit can
twist
in his mouth and give the bit the same action as Dr.Bristol mouthpiece,
which is more severe. The
keepers, by fixing the bit in alignment with the cheekpieces of the
bridle, also add a small degree of pressure on the poll when the rein
is used. Available in 5" stainless steel with a 6 1/2" cheek length.
** TIP: It
should be noted that horses with large or sensitive tongues may not
like the french link snaffle because of the close contact of the bit
with the tongue.
comes in 5". Made of stainless steel.