This popular bit combines the Waterford mouthpiece to deter leaning, with Cartwheel sides to provide extra control and turning ability.
CARTWHEEL
The mouthpiece attaches to a post running vertically through the centre of the bit rings (hence the 'Cartwheel'), giving a slight tilting action. Cartwheels can often be suitable for horses that are difficult to turn, because the rings enhance steering aids by placing pressure on the horse's face. It also creates more positive poll pressure than a plain beval bit, as the mouthpiece runs on a straight bar rather than on bit rings.
WATERFORD MOUTHPIECE
The Waterford mouthpiece is made up of a series of ball links, making it flexible in all directions. It moulds around the horse's mouth, creating even pressure, so it is suitable for most types of mouth conformation, including horses with large tongues.
The movable nature of the links and the loose rings encourage the horse to mouth the bit, soften to the contact and lift the forehand.
As there is nothing rigid for the horse to latch on to, the Waterford can be very useful for giving the rider extra control on horses that tend to lean on the bit, set their jaw or take hold of the bit.
Available in 5in, 5.5in or 6in.