{"product_id":"pc-7-shank-square-port","title":"Professional's Choice PC 7 Shank Square Port Western Horse Bit - 5 1\/8\" Mouthpiece, 7\" Shank, 1\" Port","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAchieve effortless collection and refined communication with a bit designed to bridge the gap between a snaffle and a finished leverage bit. The Professional’s Choice 7\" Shank Square Port offers the perfect balance of \"quick release\" and steady signals to help your horse break at the poll and maintain a soft, responsive frame.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePart of the elite 7 Shank Collection, this bit is engineered with intentional weighting behind the mouthpiece to ensure it hangs with perfect stability in the horse’s mouth. The distinct 7-shaped shank is a precision-balanced tool that provides an immediate neutral return the moment you relax your hand, rewarding your horse instantly for the correct response and fostering a lighter, more willing partner in any Western discipline.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Features \u0026amp; Specifications:\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e \n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWeighted 7-Shaped Shank:\u003c\/strong\u003e Features a 6 ½” to 7\" shank designed to provide a \"quick release,\" dropping to a neutral position the moment pressure is released for crystal-clear communication.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSquare Spoon Port:\u003c\/strong\u003e The 1\" tall by ½” wide square-edged port offers a more direct signal than rounded alternatives by working effectively off the bars and the corners of the tongue.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStandard Plus 5 1\/8\" Mouthpiece:\u003c\/strong\u003e A specialized \"comfort fit\" width that prevents pinching for horses with fleshy lips or wider bars who find a standard 5\" bit too restrictive.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAnatomic Tongue Relief:\u003c\/strong\u003e The port design provides ample room for the tongue, shifting pressure to the bars to encourage the horse to lift their shoulders and maintain vertical flexion.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIntermediate Transition Design:\u003c\/strong\u003e Specifically engineered as a \"step-up\" bit for horses moving out of a snaffle and into a curb, making it ideal for refining neck reining and collection.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVersatile Performance:\u003c\/strong\u003e A premier choice for Western Pleasure, Reining, and Trail riding, providing the stability needed for both training and finished performance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions:\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: Why is the 5 1\/8\" mouthpiece size better than a standard 5\" size?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA: The 5 1\/8\" width is the \"Standard Plus\" sizing rule for horses that fall between sizes. It provides just enough extra clearance to prevent the shanks from pinching the corners of the mouth on horses with fleshy lips, ensuring a more comfortable and stable fit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: Is the square port too severe for a horse just starting in a leverage bit?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA: This is considered a medium-leverage bit. While the square edges provide a more direct and \"honest\" signal than a round port, the 1\" height is low enough to ensure it does not hit the roof of the horse's mouth, making it a safe and effective transition tool for intermediate riders and trainers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: How does the \"7\" shank help my horse learn faster?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA: The specific weighting behind the mouthpiece allows for an instant \"quick release.\" This means the second your horse responds correctly and you soften your hands, the pressure disappears, providing the immediate positive reinforcement necessary for advanced Western training.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eItem Number\/SKU:\u003c\/strong\u003e PCB-1045\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Professional's Choice","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47383160914141,"sku":"PCB-1045","price":136.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0619\/8748\/7965\/files\/optimized033126PCB-1045.webp?v=1775025331","url":"https:\/\/hoovesandpaws.com\/products\/pc-7-shank-square-port","provider":"Hooves and Paws","version":"1.0","type":"link"}