Shires Two Ring Sweet Iron Gag Bit with Raised Copper Ribs - Sweet Iron & Copper - Multiple Sizes

Stop the leaning and regain precision with a bit designed to lift the forehand and encourage a responsive, soft mouth. The Shires Two Ring Sweet Iron Gag combines the adjustable leverage of a continental bit with a taste-enhanced mouthpiece to transform your communication in the jumping arena.

Engineered for performance-oriented riders in jumping and eventing, this bit features a high-quality sweet iron mouthpiece that oxidizes upon contact with moisture to stimulate salivation. This natural process encourages the horse to relax their jaw, while the integrated copper ribs provide a tactile surface that prevents horses from getting heavy or "taking hold" of the bit, ensuring you maintain a light, balanced contact even during high-intensity rounds.

Key Features & Specifications:

• Sweet Iron Mouthpiece: Promotes natural salivation and bit acceptance through oxidation, resulting in a softer, more responsive horse.
• Raised Copper Ribs: Strategically placed to discourage leaning and provide enhanced control for horses that tend to get strong or heavy on the forehand.
• Two-Ring Leverage System: This continental-style design offers multiple rein settings to adjust poll pressure and leverage for customized communication.
• Proportional Cheek Scaling: Features a 115mm cheek for smaller sizes (4.5" and 5") and a 145mm cheek for larger sizes (5.5" and 6") to ensure a balanced fit.
• 16mm Mouthpiece Thickness: Provides a moderate surface area that offers effective control without being overly sharp on the bars of the mouth.
• Rust-Resistant Design: Built for rigorous daily use and long-lasting performance, making it a staple in any competitive tack room.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Which disciplines is this bit best suited for?
A: This bit is specifically designed for Show Jumping and the Cross-Country phase of Eventing, providing the "lift" and stopping power needed for strong horses. Please note it is not legal for Dressage phases under USEF/FEI regulations.

Q: How do I know which cheek length is right for my horse?
A: Shires uses proportional scaling to ensure a perfect fit; smaller sizes (4.5" and 5") come with 115mm cheeks, while larger sizes (5.5" and 6") feature 145mm cheeks to maintain the correct leverage ratio for your horse's head size.

Q: Why does the mouthpiece look like it is rusting?
A: That is the "Sweet Iron" at work! The oxidation (rusting) is intentional and creates a sweet taste that horses love, encouraging them to salivate and accept the bit more readily than traditional stainless steel.

Item Number/SKU: 520RBLKSWI4.5