{"product_id":"shires-dr-bristol-hunter-dee-s-steel","title":"Shires Dr. Bristol Hunter Dee Bit - Stainless Steel English Horse Bit - Multiple Sizes","description":"\u003ch2\u003ePrecision Control and Classic Style for the Show Ring\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf your horse tends to lean or get a bit heavy in the hand during a course, the Shires Dr Bristol Hunter Dee S\/Steel offers the refined communication you need. This bit bridges the gap between a soft snaffle and a leverage bit, providing more direct tongue pressure when you need it most without sacrificing the classic look required for the hunter ring. From our barn to yours, we know that the right bit makes all the difference in achieving that effortless, winning round.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCrafted by Shires, this bit features high-quality stainless steel for long-lasting durability and a clean, professional finish. The Hunter Dee rings provide steady lateral control, helping with steering and keeping the bit stable in the horse's mouth. This stability is essential for maintaining a consistent contact and the focused expression judges look for in Hunter and Equitation divisions.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eKey Benefits\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEnhanced Control for Leaning Horses:\u003c\/strong\u003e The angled Dr. Bristol center plate exerts more direct pressure on the tongue than a standard French link, discouraging your horse from leaning on the bit or getting heavy on the forehand.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClassic Hunter Ring Aesthetics:\u003c\/strong\u003e The traditional D-ring cheekpiece offers a polished, professional look that is fully legal for USEF\/USHJA Hunter and Equitation divisions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eImproved Lateral Guidance:\u003c\/strong\u003e The fixed Dee-ring design prevents the bit from being pulled through the mouth and provides clear, steady cues for better steering and turning during tight lines.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDurable Stainless Steel Construction:\u003c\/strong\u003e Built for the long haul, the high-quality stainless steel resists rust and corrosion, ensuring a smooth surface for your horse's comfort over years of use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStable Mouthpiece Positioning:\u003c\/strong\u003e Unlike loose rings, the Hunter Dee keeps the mouthpiece centered and quiet, reducing friction and distractions for a more focused ride.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eBest For\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHunter and Jumper riders\u003c\/strong\u003e looking for \u003cstrong\u003eextra control and precision with a horse that is heavy in the bridle or leans on the bit.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ch4\u003eQ: Is the Shires Dr Bristol Hunter Dee S\/Steel legal for Dressage?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo, while this bit is a favorite in the Hunter and Jumper rings, the angled plate of the Dr. Bristol is considered too severe for Dressage and is currently illegal under USEF\/USDF rules.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eQ: How should I orient the bit in the horse's mouth?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor the Shires Dr Bristol Hunter Dee S\/Steel to work correctly, the center plate should be angled toward the tongue. Fitting it \"upside down\" can significantly change the action and severity of the bit, so always double-check your tack before mounting.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eQ: How do I ensure I have the correct size?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eYou should aim for approximately 1\/4 inch of space on either side of the horse's lips. Because the Dr. Bristol plate must be perfectly centered to function as intended, a bit that is too wide will slide and cause uneven pressure, while one that is too narrow will pinch the corners of the mouth.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eItem Number\/SKU:\u003c\/strong\u003e 877054.5\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Shires","offers":[{"title":"4.5","offer_id":48013294174429,"sku":"877054.5","price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"5","offer_id":48013294207197,"sku":"877055","price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"5.25","offer_id":48013294239965,"sku":"877055.25","price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"5.5","offer_id":48013294272733,"sku":"877055.5","price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"6","offer_id":48013294305501,"sku":"877056","price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0619\/8748\/7965\/files\/shires-dr-bristol-hunter-dee-bit-stainless-steel-english-horse-bit-multiple-sizes-877054-5.webp?v=1781061100","url":"https:\/\/hoovesandpaws.com\/products\/shires-dr-bristol-hunter-dee-s-steel","provider":"Hooves and Paws","version":"1.0","type":"link"}