{"product_id":"shires-blue-sweet-iron-full-cheek-with-lozenge","title":"Shires Blue Sweet Iron Full Cheek Horse Bit with Lozenge Mouthpiece - Multiple Sizes","description":"\u003ch2\u003eClear Communication for the Developing Horse\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf you've ever worked with a young horse who just doesn't quite \"get\" lateral aids yet, the Shires Blue Sweet Iron Full Cheek With Lozenge is about to become your new favorite training tool. This bit is designed to bridge the gap between confusion and confidence, offering a clear signal that’s as gentle as it is effective for horses built for the long haul.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe secret lies in the blue sweet iron mouthpiece. As it oxidizes, it creates a pleasant, sweet taste that encourages salivation and relaxation in the jaw. Combined with the double-jointed lozenge, it sits comfortably across the tongue without the harsh \"nutcracker\" action of traditional single-jointed bits, making it a staple from our barn to yours.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eKey Benefits\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSuperior Lateral Guidance:\u003c\/strong\u003e The 160mm full cheeks provide clear pressure against the side of the face, making it much easier for green horses to understand steering cues and neck reining.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEncourages a Soft Mouth:\u003c\/strong\u003e The blue sweet iron oxidizes naturally to produce a sweet taste, which promotes salivation and helps \"dry-mouthed\" or fussy horses accept the bit more readily.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProtects the Palate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Featuring a double-jointed lozenge, this bit eliminates upward pressure against the roof of the mouth, distributing contact evenly across the bars and tongue.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUnmatched Stability:\u003c\/strong\u003e Unlike loose ring bits, the full cheek design stays incredibly still in the horse's mouth, providing a consistent point of contact that builds trust in inexperienced horses.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIdeal 14mm Thickness:\u003c\/strong\u003e This mouthpiece is thin enough to fit horses with low palates or large tongues comfortably while remaining mild enough for daily training sessions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eBest For\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTrainers and riders\u003c\/strong\u003e looking for \u003cstrong\u003ea stable, encouraging bit to help young or \"fussy\" horses develop better steering and bit acceptance.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ch4\u003eQ: Does the blue color stay on the bit forever?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe blue finish on the Shires Blue Sweet Iron Full Cheek With Lozenge is designed to oxidize over time. This creates the \"sweet\" taste horses love, so don't be alarmed when the color begins to change to a brownish-grey—it means the bit is working exactly as intended!\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eQ: Do I need to use bit keepers with this full cheek bit?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhile not strictly required for the bit to function, we highly recommend using leather bit keepers. They stabilize the vertical cheeks, prevent the bit from rotating forward, and keep the long arms safely aligned so they don't catch on your noseband or surroundings.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eItem Number\/SKU:\u003c\/strong\u003e 63604.5\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Shires","offers":[{"title":"4.5","offer_id":48008808923357,"sku":"63604.5","price":61.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"5","offer_id":48008808956125,"sku":"63605","price":61.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"5.5","offer_id":48008808988893,"sku":"63605.5","price":61.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0619\/8748\/7965\/files\/shires-blue-sweet-iron-full-cheek-horse-bit-with-lozenge-mouthpiece-multiple-sizes-63604-5.webp?v=1780953634","url":"https:\/\/hoovesandpaws.com\/products\/shires-blue-sweet-iron-full-cheek-with-lozenge","provider":"Hooves and Paws","version":"1.0","type":"link"}