The sweet iron used for the mouthpiece of this bit produces a pleasant taste and encourages the horse to soften and salivate. 

The jointed mouthpiece applies pressure to the tongue, lips, and bars with a "nutcracker" action.

The full cheeks have a lateral guiding effect, and also prevent the bit from sliding through the mouth. The full cheek is often used with bit keepers to prevent the cheeks from getting caught on anything, and to keep the bit in the right position inside the mouth