{"product_id":"shires-equikind-full-cheek-gag-s-steel","title":"Shires Equikind+ Full Cheek Gag Bit - Stainless Steel \u0026 Gentle Synthetic Mouthpiece","description":"\u003ch2\u003ePrecision Control Meets Gentle Acceptance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eFinding the right balance for a horse that’s sensitive in the mouth but strong on the approach can be a challenge. The \u003cstrong\u003eShires Equikind+ Full Cheek Gag\u003c\/strong\u003e is designed to bridge that gap, offering the soft feel of a polymer mouthpiece with the mechanical leverage needed for technical courses.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhether you're navigating a jump-off or refining directional aids with a young horse, this bit provides clear communication without the harshness of cold metal. The apple-flavored Equikind+ material encourages salivation and relaxation, making it a go-to for horses that tend to back off or get fussy with traditional stainless steel.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eKey Benefits for Horse and Rider\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGentle Equikind+ Mouthpiece:\u003c\/strong\u003e The high-tech polymer coating is softer and warmer than metal, featuring a pleasant apple flavor that encourages your horse to accept the bit and stay soft in the hand.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEnhanced Steering and Stability:\u003c\/strong\u003e The 165mm full cheek design applies lateral pressure against the face, preventing the bit from sliding through the mouth and providing superior guidance for green or drifting horses.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdjustable Leverage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Featuring gag holes for ropes, this bit allows for poll pressure to help lift the horse's front end and regain control when they start to lean or get heavy on the forehand.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLow-Profile 15mm Thickness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Designed for horses with lower palates or fleshy tongues, this thinner mouthpiece offers a comfortable fit without the bulk of traditional rubber bits.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDurable Stainless Steel Hardware:\u003c\/strong\u003e Built for the long haul, the high-quality stainless steel cheeks ensure longevity and rust-resistance through seasons of hard work in the arena.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eBest For\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShow jumpers and eventers\u003c\/strong\u003e looking for \u003cstrong\u003ea bit that offers refined control and poll pressure without sacrificing a soft, inviting mouthpiece.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ch4\u003eQ: Do I need to use bit keepers with this full cheek gag?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes, we highly recommend using leather bit keepers to stabilize the vertical cheeks. This ensures the \u003cstrong\u003eShires Equikind+ Full Cheek Gag\u003c\/strong\u003e stays in the correct position and prevents the cheeks from catching on your noseband or other equipment.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eQ: Is the apple flavor permanent?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe apple scent and flavor are infused into the Equikind+ polymer mouthpiece to help with bit acceptance, and while it is long-lasting, its intensity may naturally decrease over years of heavy use.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eQ: Can this be used without gag ropes?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhile it can be used as a standard full cheek bit, the gag action is only activated when used with gag ropes (sold separately) to provide that necessary lift and poll pressure.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eItem Number\/SKU:\u003c\/strong\u003e 800265\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Shires","offers":[{"title":"5","offer_id":48012231770333,"sku":"800265","price":65.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"5.5","offer_id":48012231803101,"sku":"800265.5","price":65.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0619\/8748\/7965\/files\/shires-equikind-full-cheek-gag-bit-stainless-steel-gentle-synthetic-mouthpiece-800265.webp?v=1781040461","url":"https:\/\/hoovesandpaws.com\/products\/shires-equikind-full-cheek-gag-s-steel","provider":"Hooves and Paws","version":"1.0","type":"link"}