Clear Communication for the Developing Horse

If you've ever worked with a young horse who just doesn't quite "get" lateral aids yet, the Shires Blue Sweet Iron Full Cheek With Lozenge is about to become your new favorite training tool. This bit is designed to bridge the gap between confusion and confidence, offering a clear signal that’s as gentle as it is effective for horses built for the long haul.

The secret lies in the blue sweet iron mouthpiece. As it oxidizes, it creates a pleasant, sweet taste that encourages salivation and relaxation in the jaw. Combined with the double-jointed lozenge, it sits comfortably across the tongue without the harsh "nutcracker" action of traditional single-jointed bits, making it a staple from our barn to yours.

Key Benefits

• Superior Lateral Guidance: The 160mm full cheeks provide clear pressure against the side of the face, making it much easier for green horses to understand steering cues and neck reining.
• Encourages a Soft Mouth: The blue sweet iron oxidizes naturally to produce a sweet taste, which promotes salivation and helps "dry-mouthed" or fussy horses accept the bit more readily.
• Protects the Palate: Featuring a double-jointed lozenge, this bit eliminates upward pressure against the roof of the mouth, distributing contact evenly across the bars and tongue.
• Unmatched Stability: Unlike loose ring bits, the full cheek design stays incredibly still in the horse's mouth, providing a consistent point of contact that builds trust in inexperienced horses.
• Ideal 14mm Thickness: This mouthpiece is thin enough to fit horses with low palates or large tongues comfortably while remaining mild enough for daily training sessions.

Best For

Trainers and riders looking for a stable, encouraging bit to help young or "fussy" horses develop better steering and bit acceptance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does the blue color stay on the bit forever?

The blue finish on the Shires Blue Sweet Iron Full Cheek With Lozenge is designed to oxidize over time. This creates the "sweet" taste horses love, so don't be alarmed when the color begins to change to a brownish-grey—it means the bit is working exactly as intended!

Q: Do I need to use bit keepers with this full cheek bit?

While not strictly required for the bit to function, we highly recommend using leather bit keepers. They stabilize the vertical cheeks, prevent the bit from rotating forward, and keep the long arms safely aligned so they don't catch on your noseband or surroundings.

Item Number/SKU: 63604.5