{"product_id":"shires-equikind-softie-full-cheek-mullen-mouth","title":"Shires Equikind Softie Full Cheek Mullen Mouth Bit - Gentle Synthetic Mouthpiece - Multiple Sizes","description":"\u003ch2\u003eGentle Guidance for Sensitive Souls\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf your horse is \"metal-averse\" or tends to back off the bit, the Shires Equikind Softie Full Cheek Mullen Mouth offers a welcoming invitation to steady contact. This bit combines the stability of a straight bar with a high-tech, apple-flavored polymer that warms instantly, making it a favorite for horses with sensitive mouths or those who find traditional stainless steel too cold and intimidating.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBuilt for the long haul and designed with equine comfort in mind, the 18mm mouthpiece distributes pressure evenly across the tongue and bars. By removing the \"nutcracker\" action of a jointed bit, you provide a consistent feel that helps your horse gain confidence in your hand, whether you're starting a youngster or refining a seasoned campaigner.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhy You’ll Love the Equikind Softie\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInstant Acceptance:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Equikind \"Softie\" coating is a non-toxic, apple-flavored polymer that warms quickly in the mouth, perfect for horses that are fussy or sensitive to metal.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePrecision Steering:\u003c\/strong\u003e The 165mm full cheeks provide significant lateral guidance, preventing the bit from being pulled through the mouth and helping you guide horses that tend to bulge through the shoulder.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGentle Pressure Distribution:\u003c\/strong\u003e A generous 18mm mouthpiece thickness spreads pressure across the tongue and bars, avoiding the pinching associated with single-jointed bits.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEnhanced Stability:\u003c\/strong\u003e The fixed-cheek design keeps the mouthpiece steady in the mouth, providing a clear and consistent signal for green horses learning to stretch into the contact.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eBest For\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRiders of young or sensitive horses\u003c\/strong\u003e looking for \u003cstrong\u003ea gentle training bit that provides clear lateral cues and encourages soft, confident contact.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ch4\u003eQ: How should I size the Shires Equikind Softie Full Cheek Mullen Mouth?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eBecause this is a fixed-cheek bit, we recommend sizing it about 1\/4\" to 1\/2\" smaller than your standard loose-ring bit. You want a snug fit with no more than a 5mm gap on either side to ensure the full cheeks can provide effective steering support.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eQ: Is this bit suitable for horses with low palates?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes, the 18mm \"Softie\" material is much lighter than traditional rubber. While it is thick for comfort, its straight-bar mullen design provides plenty of tongue room and usually clears the roof of the mouth easily.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eItem Number\/SKU:\u003c\/strong\u003e 63684.5\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Shires","offers":[{"title":"4.5","offer_id":48008805941469,"sku":"63684.5","price":64.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"5","offer_id":48008805974237,"sku":"63685","price":64.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"5.5","offer_id":48008806007005,"sku":"63685.5","price":64.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0619\/8748\/7965\/files\/shires-equikind-softie-full-cheek-mullen-mouth-bit-gentle-synthetic-mouthpiece-multiple-sizes-63684-5.webp?v=1780953528","url":"https:\/\/hoovesandpaws.com\/products\/shires-equikind-softie-full-cheek-mullen-mouth","provider":"Hooves and Paws","version":"1.0","type":"link"}