Bestsellers
Full Cheek Snaffles – Lateral Guidance and Steady Steering | Emmers Equestrian
A full cheek's long arms rest against the outside of the face, adding a physical steering cue alongside the usual mouthpiece contact, a detail that's made it a popular choice in young horse work for generations.
At Emmers Equestrian, you'll find full cheek snaffles alongside the rest of our horse bits. Inside you'll find fixed cheek full cheeks and Fulmer snaffles, which pair the same long cheeks with a loose ring. Mouthpieces cover single-jointed, double-jointed, lozenge, French link, and mullen mouth designs, in materials including stainless steel, copper alloys, sweet iron, rubber, and leather.
Bit keepers are sold separately and are worth picking up alongside the bit. Our full cheek snaffles come from trusted bit makers, including TRUST, Feeling, Velari, and Metalab.
Full cheeks sit alongside our other stable-cheek designs, including the eggbutt and Baucher, our loose ring snaffles, and curb designs like the Weymouth, Pelham, and Kimblewick. Whether you're starting as a youngster or riding show jumping or dressage, paired with your bridle and reins, you'll find the right full cheek at Emmers Equestrian.
A few tips for choosing and using
- Pick up bit keepers at the same time as the bit. A simple addition that helps the bit sit correctly
- Fitting keepers properly helps the bit hold its angle, worth double-checking when you first set it up
- Measuring your horse's mouth is a good starting point, rather than assuming your current size is right
- Fixed cheek or Fulmer comes down to preference, depending on how much mouthpiece movement suits your horse
- Thickness is worth considering alongside width, especially for horses with less room in the mouth
- It's generally advised not to leave a horse tied up or turned out in a full cheek, since the arms can catch on things
- A quick check after any bump or mishap is a good habit to catch any bent or damaged arms early
- If you compete, checking current rules is a sensible step; permitted designs vary by discipline and level
Frequently asked questions
What is a full cheek snaffle?
It's a snaffle with long arms extending above and below the ring, resting against the face and helping keep the bit in place.
How does it help with steering?
The outside arm can add a physical cue alongside rein pressure, which some riders find useful for young or green horses.
Do I need bit keepers?
Most riders consider them essential, since they help the bit sit at the right angle.
What's the difference between a full cheek and a Fulmer?
A Fulmer combines the same long arms with a loose ring, giving the mouthpiece a bit more movement.
Full cheek or D-ring, which is better?
This depends on what you're looking for: a full cheek offers more outside contact, while a D-ring is more discreet and doesn't need keepers.
Is it suitable for young horses?
It's a commonly chosen option for horses learning to follow a rein; best discussed with your instructor.
Is it allowed in competition?
This varies by discipline and federation, so checking current rules before entering is worthwhile.
Are there safety points to know?
The long arms can catch on rugs or fittings, so many riders avoid leaving a horse unattended in one and check it periodically for damage.