The 6-inch cheek has a 2-1/2-inch purchase and a 3-1/2-inch shank. This ratio (the difference in the length of the purchase and shank) and the swept-back design of the shank make this a mild cheek. Contact with the horses mouth comes slowly in the form of soft pressure to all points of contact. The main point of contact is the corners of the mouth, which is a familiar spot from the O Ring. This bit may also be used with a training fork or martingale to encourage collection and poll control. The mouthpiece is inlaid with copper to stimulate salivation. The mouthpiece is 5-1/8-inch wide, 3/8-inch in diameter, and curved to shape to the corner of the mouth for soft, evenly distributed pressure to the bars, tongue, and corners of the mouth. The Snaffle is the softest of all shank bit styles. Transition bit for colts moving up from the O Ring. Soft pressure is applied through the curb. SSPSBIT6SS20