While checks are not required in ADS competitions a side check is allowed. The sidecheck (1a) hooks onto the bit behind the cheekpiece. It runs up to a ring on the crownpiece and loops around to the other side, through the opposite ring and down to the bit. A strap connected to the loop hooks onto the check turret on the saddle. The sidecheck keeps the horse from dropping his head too low but allows some movement.

A sidecheck or an overcheck (2a &  2b) is required for AMHR and AMHA shows. The overcheck runs from the check turret on the saddle, between the horse's ears and down the front of his face. It buckles on the bit in front of the cheekpiece. It is also called a bearing rein. This type of check can be used with its own bit called an overcheck bit. It looks like a mullen mouth or jointed snaffle with a very small loose ring. It rests in front of the main bit and is only connected to the check.

Both types of checks need to be adjusted correctly. The overcheck can be quite nasty if it is too tight. If you tilt your head back you can feel the pull on the muscle in the front of your neck. The horse will feel that pull if the overcheck is too tight. It's very hard to pull and hold your head up. Just ask Black Beauty!

Figure 3 shows a running martingale. While not allowed in ADS competitions, it is allowed in AMHR and AMHA shows. It holds the horse's head down.  If you are using a martingale you should also use rein stops (see arrow) to keep the rings of the martingale from becoming caught on the rein buckles.

Some AMHR and AMHA trainers believe that you need to use both a check and a martingale to properly set the horse's head. ADS trainers usually rely on their training.