Shires Black Sweet Iron Bevel Bit with Copper Lozenge - Stainless Steel Cheeks - Multiple Sizes

Achieve the perfect balance of gentle control and soft communication with a bit designed to eliminate resistance and encourage a harmonious connection. The Shires Black Sweet Iron Bevel Bit offers a subtle step up in responsiveness, making it the ideal choice for horses that lean or need a clearer outline without the severity of a full gag.

Expertly engineered for the discerning rider, this bit combines the traditional benefits of a sweet iron mouthpiece with modern ergonomic design. The 16mm thickness provides a comfortable medium fit, while the rust-resistant stainless steel cheeks ensure long-lasting durability and a polished look suitable for the show ring, Pony Club, or daily schooling.

Key Features & Specifications:

• Oxidizing Sweet Iron Mouthpiece: Designed to rust and oxidize, creating a palatable sweet taste that encourages salivation and relaxes the jaw for better bit acceptance.
• Copper Lozenge Center: The double-jointed design eliminates the harsh "nutcracker" effect on the tongue, while the copper material discourages the horse from taking hold or leaning.
• Mild Bevel (Wilkie) Action: Provides subtle leverage and gentle poll pressure, helping horses that poke their noses or lean on the hand to find a softer head carriage.
• Proportional Ring Sizing: Features 55mm rings for sizes 4.5"–5" and 70mm rings for 5.5"–6", ensuring a balanced and professional appearance on any size horse or pony.
• 16mm Mouthpiece Thickness: Offers a standard medium profile that balances comfort with clear, precise communication for most equine mouth shapes.
• Stainless Steel Cheeks: High-quality, rust-resistant hardware provides exceptional durability and ease of maintenance, even with rigorous daily use.
• Versatile Sizing: Available in 0.5-inch increments from 4.5" to 6" to accommodate everything from small ponies to large warmbloods.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: How do I ensure the correct fit for this bit?
A: Because the rings move through the mouthpiece (Wilkie action), we recommend sizing up by 1/4" to 1/2" from your horse's standard fixed-ring size to prevent lip pinching and ensure optimal comfort.

Q: Is this bit suitable for horses that are strong but sensitive?
A: Yes, it is a favorite for horses that are slightly too strong for a plain snaffle but too sensitive for a Pelham. The copper lozenge and sweet iron promote relaxation while the bevel action provides just enough control to regulate contact.

Q: Why is the mouthpiece changing color?
A: The black sweet iron is specifically designed to oxidize and rust. This is not a defect; the resulting taste is what encourages the horse to salivate and accept the bit more readily.

Item Number/SKU: 519BLKSWI4.5