{"product_id":"shires-equikind-full-cheek-french-link-s-steel","title":"Shires Equikind+ Full Cheek French Link Bit - Stainless Steel - Multiple Sizes","description":"\u003ch2\u003eGentle Guidance for Sensitive Mouths\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eFinding the right bit for a young horse or a sensitive soul can feel like a guessing game, but the Shires Equikind+ Full Cheek French Link takes the edge off. Designed for horses that back off from cold metal or struggle with steering, this bit combines the stability of full cheeks with a high-tech polymer that is warm to the touch and apple-scented to encourage a soft, relaxed mouth.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhether you are starting a green prospect or refining a horse that tends to drift through the shoulder, the Equikind+ mouthpiece is significantly thinner than traditional bulky rubber. This means it takes up less room in the mouth while still providing that soft feel riders love, ensuring your aids are clear without being harsh.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhy You Will Love the Equikind+ Full Cheek\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEncourages Acceptance:\u003c\/strong\u003e The apple-flavored Equikind+ polymer is warmer than stainless steel and encourages salivation, making it an ideal choice for horses that are fussy or dry in the mouth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePrecision Steering:\u003c\/strong\u003e The full cheek design provides clear lateral pressure against the face, preventing the bit from sliding through the mouth and helping young or drifting horses understand turning aids.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLow-Palate Comfort:\u003c\/strong\u003e The double-jointed French link center eliminates the nutcracker effect of single-jointed bits, laying flat across the tongue to protect horses with lower palates.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSlimmer Profile:\u003c\/strong\u003e Unlike old-school thick rubber bits, the Equikind+ material is thinner and more refined, allowing for better closure of the mouth and a more comfortable fit.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDurable Stainless Steel:\u003c\/strong\u003e The cheeks and joints are constructed from high-quality stainless steel for long-lasting durability and a professional look in the show ring or on the trail.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eBest For\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRiders working with young horses or sensitive types\u003c\/strong\u003e looking for \u003cstrong\u003eextra lateral guidance and a soft, non-metal mouthpiece that encourages relaxation.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ch4\u003eQ: Do I need to use bit keepers with this bit?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhile not strictly required, we highly recommend using bit keepers with the Shires Equikind+ Full Cheek. They stabilize the cheeks to prevent them from catching on anything and can provide a tiny bit of poll pressure to help encourage a better head carriage.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eQ: Is the Equikind+ material durable?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes, the Equikind+ polymer is designed for daily use. However, like all synthetic bits, it should be checked regularly for signs of wear or chew marks, especially if your horse is a heavy biter.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eItem Number\/SKU:\u003c\/strong\u003e 800275\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Shires","offers":[{"title":"5","offer_id":48012235997405,"sku":"800275","price":64.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"5.5","offer_id":48012236030173,"sku":"800275.5","price":64.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0619\/8748\/7965\/files\/shires-equikind-full-cheek-french-link-bit-stainless-steel-multiple-sizes-800275.webp?v=1781040913","url":"https:\/\/hoovesandpaws.com\/products\/shires-equikind-full-cheek-french-link-s-steel","provider":"Hooves and Paws","version":"1.0","type":"link"}