Waterford German 3 ring bit

Put anti-lean Waterford cannons on progressive German 3-ring cheeks and you get Jump'In's Waterford German 3 Ring: leverage for the balance question, instability for the lean habit, both delivered at the gentler end of the 3-ring spectrum.

How it works: the German stack produces its softened, progressive gag action with anti-pinch construction. In the mouth, the linked Waterford balls split the contact points continuously, so the horse hunting for a solid rail to lean against finds a surface that reshapes under pressure - Jump'In credits this with producing a lighter horse during work, and the format reputation agrees. Reins: fixed, looped, or doubled.

Why we rate it: the classic combo for the admittedly-heavy showjumper - the one that leans on the approach and gets heavy enough that a plain snaffle stops being fair to either of you. The German arrangement takes the edge off the leverage while the Waterford takes away the brace, so the horse reorganises itself without a fight. German silver (65% copper, 23% zinc, 12% nickel). Scrub between the balls after every ride; browse our leverage bits.

— Sizes: 125 mm (5 in) or 135 mm (5.25 in).