Full cheek resin bits

Synthetic full cheek bits: lateral guidance combined with a synthetic mouthpiece

Synthetic full cheek bits combine two elements with distinct functions: full cheeks that provide increased lateral guidance, and a synthetic mouthpiece that influences how the horse perceives contact in the mouth. Understanding the difference between these two components is essential when choosing the right bit, as the full cheeks and the mouthpiece do not affect the same aspects of the bit's action.

The role of the full cheeks

The lateral arms of a synthetic full cheek bit are designed to provide greater lateral guidance than a conventional ring when rein aids are applied, while also limiting sideways movement of the bit within the mouth. This action is created solely by the full cheeks and remains the same regardless of the material used for the mouthpiece.

When one rein is used, the additional lateral guidance provided by the full cheeks helps make the rider's aids clearer for the horse, particularly while it is learning to associate a specific aid with the correct response. This is one of the reasons why full cheek bits are frequently used during the early training of young horses. In the initial stages of education, they can make steering and bend aids easier to understand by providing more defined lateral support. However, this does not mean they are intended exclusively for young horses. More experienced horses may also benefit from this additional guidance depending on their way of going, balance or individual sensitivity.

The role of the synthetic mouthpiece

The synthetic mouthpiece provides a warmer contact surface than metal. Depending on the horse's sensitivity, this characteristic may encourage a more willing contact and improved acceptance of the bit.

The design of the synthetic mouthpiece—whether straight, single-jointed, double-jointed or featuring tongue relief—determines how pressure is distributed across the tongue, the bars and the corners of the mouth. The available space within the mouth, tongue thickness, palate conformation, sensitivity of the corners of the mouth and the way the horse uses its mouth during work should all be considered when selecting the most suitable mouthpiece.

Combining full cheeks with a synthetic mouthpiece: two complementary actions

Combining full cheeks with a synthetic mouthpiece affects different aspects of the horse's experience while working together to shape its overall perception of the bit. The full cheeks primarily improve lateral stability and the clarity of directional aids, while the synthetic material influences how pressure is perceived inside the mouth.

An individual approach to synthetic full cheek bits

A synthetic full cheek bit combines a specific guiding system with a distinctive mouthpiece material, but its effectiveness always depends on the individual horse. Oral anatomy, movement, balance, sensitivity and reactions to contact should all be assessed together. Two horses ridden in exactly the same bit may respond in completely different ways, which is why an individual approach remains at the heart of professional bit fitting.