{"product_id":"professionals-choice-dot-shank-med-port","title":"Professional's Choice Dot Shank Medium Port Horse Bit - Sweet Iron Mouthpiece with Weighted Cheeks","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUnlock a new level of refined communication and effortless responsiveness with a bit designed to bridge the gap between training and performance. The Professional’s Choice Dot Shank Med Port offers the perfect balance of tongue relief and poll pressure, ensuring your horse stays comfortable while you achieve a softer, more collected frame.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEngineered with the professional horseman in mind, this bit features 6-inch weighted shanks that provide immediate \"pressure and release\" cues, allowing for subtle signals that won't overwhelm your equine partner. The high-quality construction combines polished steel aesthetics with a functional sweet iron mouthpiece, a material specifically chosen for its ability to oxidize and create a pleasant taste that encourages salivation, relaxation, and total bit acceptance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Features \u0026amp; Specifications:\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e \n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWeighted 6-Inch Dot Shanks:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provides precise leverage and immediate poll pressure, encouraging better head carriage and quicker responsiveness to subtle cues.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSweet Iron Mouthpiece:\u003c\/strong\u003e Naturally oxidizes to create a \"sweet\" taste, promoting salivation and a relaxed, soft mouth for better focus during training and competition.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMedium Port Design:\u003c\/strong\u003e Offers significant tongue relief to prevent pinching and discomfort while allowing for controlled palate pressure when more assertive communication is required.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStandard 5.25” Mouth Width:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sized at 5 ¼ inches to fit most average-sized Quarter Horses and Western performance breeds with precision.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePolished Steel with Decorative Accents:\u003c\/strong\u003e Combines rugged durability with a professional aesthetic, featuring elegant stone designs that add a touch of class to your tack collection.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIdeal Transitioning Tool:\u003c\/strong\u003e The perfect choice for horses moving from a snaffle to a curb bit, offering the leverage of a shank with the familiar comfort of a ported mouthpiece.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions:\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: Why is my bit starting to rust, and is this a defect?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA: Not at all! This is an intentional feature of the sweet iron mouthpiece. The oxidation creates a \"sweet\" taste that horses love, which naturally promotes salivation and encourages them to soften and accept the bit more readily.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: How do I know if this bit will fit my horse properly?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA: This bit features a standard 5.25\" width. For the best fit, we recommend the \"1\/4-Inch Rule\"—ensure there is approximately a quarter-inch of space on either side of the horse's lips to prevent the decorative shanks from pinching or rubbing during use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: Is the medium port suitable for all horses?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA: The medium port is excellent for providing tongue relief; however, it is important to ensure your horse does not have an unusually low palate. For most Western performance breeds, this port provides the perfect balance of comfort and clear communication.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eItem Number\/SKU:\u003c\/strong\u003e PCB-140\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Professional's Choice","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46595618898141,"sku":"PCB-140","price":112.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0619\/8748\/7965\/files\/optimized_605e7a41-210b-48c0-8544-1b2d6b3cbbd2.webp?v=1767034347","url":"https:\/\/hoovesandpaws.com\/products\/professionals-choice-dot-shank-med-port","provider":"Hooves and Paws","version":"1.0","type":"link"}