A Classic Look with a Taste They’ll Love

Finding a bit that your horse actually enjoys carrying can be a challenge, especially if they have a sensitive or fussy mouth. The Shires Blue Sweet Iron Hunter Dee Jointed Mouth is designed to bridge that gap, combining a traditional show-ring look with a mouthpiece that encourages relaxation and acceptance from the very first ride.

The secret lies in the blue sweet iron. As you ride, the metal oxidizes to create a sweet taste that naturally stimulates salivation. This keeps your horse’s mouth soft and responsive, making it a go-to choice for riders who want to improve contact and communication without resorting to harsh leverage or gadgets.

Why You’ll Love the Shires Hunter Dee

• Encourages Salivation: The blue sweet iron mouthpiece oxidizes upon contact with moisture, creating a pleasant taste that helps horses accept the bit and stay soft in the hand.
• Show-Ring Ready: The classic Hunter Dee cheekpiece provides the clean, traditional aesthetic required for the Hunter and Equitation rings.
• Improved Lateral Guidance: The fixed D-ring design offers steady pressure against the side of the face, making it an excellent tool for steering green horses or maintaining a precise line.
• Pinch-Free Design: Unlike loose-ring bits, the fixed cheek construction prevents the corners of the lips from getting pinched, ensuring a more comfortable fit for daily schooling.
• Trusted Durability: Crafted by Shires, this bit is built for the long haul, offering the reliability you expect from a brand with decades of equestrian heritage.

Best For

The Hunter or Equitation rider looking for a show-legal bit that encourages a soft, responsive mouth in sensitive or green horses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is the bit turning a different color after use?

That is exactly what it is supposed to do! The Shires Blue Sweet Iron Hunter Dee is designed to oxidize (rust) when exposed to moisture. This process is what creates the sweet taste that horses find so appealing, encouraging them to mouth the bit and relax.

Q: How should I size this bit compared to a loose ring?

Because D-rings are fixed cheeks, they should fit snugly against the corners of the horse's mouth to prevent sliding. Many riders find that their horses take a 1/4" smaller size in this fixed-cheek bit than they would in a sliding loose-ring bit.

Item Number/SKU: 800455