Find Steady Contact with the Shires Blue Sweet Iron Hanging Cheek

If you have a horse that gets a bit fussy in the mouth or struggles to maintain a consistent connection, the Shires Blue Sweet Iron Hanging Cheek With Lozenge is designed to help them settle. By combining the stability of a Baucher-style cheek with the palatable taste of sweet iron, this bit encourages your horse to relax into the contact and accept the rider's hand more readily.

Unlike loose rings that can move too much for sensitive horses, the hanging cheek design suspends the bit in the mouth, reducing pressure on the bars and providing a very mild poll pressure. This helps encourage flexion and a softer frame, making it a go-to choice from the training ring to the show arena.

Key Benefits for Your Horse

• Promotes a Soft, Wet Mouth: The blue sweet iron mouthpiece oxidizes naturally to create a sweet taste and warming sensation that encourages salivation and bit acceptance.
• Eliminates the Nutcracker Effect: The brass alloy lozenge creates a double-jointed action that distributes pressure evenly across the tongue and bars, preventing the bit from hitting the roof of the mouth.
• Comfortable for Low Palates: With a 13mm thickness, this slim mouthpiece is ideal for horses with large tongues or low palates who find thicker bits too bulky.
• Enhanced Stability: The hanging cheek (Baucher) design keeps the bit in a fixed position, which is perfect for horses that are distracted by the movement of a loose ring.
• Brass Alloy Warmth: The center lozenge is made from a warm brass alloy, which feels more comfortable to the horse than cold stainless steel.

Best For

Dressage and eventing riders looking for a stable, dressage-legal bit that encourages flexion and better bit acceptance in sensitive or fussy horses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Shires Blue Sweet Iron Hanging Cheek With Lozenge legal for dressage?

Yes, this bit is widely accepted as a dressage-legal snaffle in most organizations, though we always recommend checking your specific association's current rulebook for peace of mind.

Q: Will the blue color stay on the bit?

The blue finish on the Shires Blue Sweet Iron Hanging Cheek With Lozenge is designed to oxidize and rust over time. This is completely normal and is actually what creates the "sweet" taste that horses love.

Q: How do I measure for the correct fit?

This bit is measured by the internal distance between the two hanging cheeks. You want a snug fit that prevents the bit from sliding side-to-side without pinching the corners of the mouth.

Item Number/SKU: 63594.5