The Williams cheek piece allows for multiple rein positions. If connected to the main ring the bit acts as a loose ring, but when connected to the bottom ring it promotes pole flexion by creating more positive poll pressure. The Williams cheek piece helps to prevent drifting.
The Happy Tongue is a solid mouth piece. It is curved and ported to give tongue relief. The Happy Tongue would be a good place to start if your horse is:
- Shaking its head
- Sticking its tongue out
- Sucking its tongue back and as a result making an intermittent coughing noise
- Trying to put its tongue over the bit
- Going behind the bit to avoid the contact
- Snatching the reins forward and down
The rider will know immediately if this is the correct bit, as a horse with a sensitive tongue will finally begin to work into, and accept the contact. Changing the cheekpieces would then allow the rider to adjust the level of control.