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Shires Blue Sweet Iron Beval With Lozenge£24.99The Shires Blue Sweet Iron Bevel With Lozenge has loose ring bevel cheeks which give a mild lever action through poll pressure, offering the rider slightly more control. This bit is not severe but can promote head carriage, outline and responsiveness. The double jointed mouthpiece is made from blue sweet on and features a brass alloy lozenge - both are warm metals with a sweet taste, helping to encourage salivation for acceptance of the bit and the contact. The lozenge works by dispersing pressure across the tongue for a kind, mild action. The bevel bit rings are loose which allows the mouthpiece to move inside the horse's mouth, preventing the horse from fixing or taking a hold.
Bit rings measurement: 55mm (4.5", 5"); 70mm (5.5")
- 15mm blue sweet iron mouthpiece oxidises easily to produce a sweet taste to encourage acceptance
- Beval cheeks give a mild lever action, offering the rider slightly more control
- This bit can promote head carriage, outline and responsivenessAvailable in 4.5", 5" and 5.5"
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Cottage Craft GS Butterfly Bit£50.10Online for Equine offer the Cottage Craft GS Butterfly Bit.
This bit offers added control with both poll and curb action, ideal for horses who get excitable.
This bit is designed to be used with either double reins or roundings.
Being Copper Enriched makes this bit warmer in the horses mouth which encourages salivation and acceptance of the bit, ideal for horses who dislike cold metal bits.
Available in widths 4.5, 5 and 5.5".
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Shires Blue Sweet Iron Bevel With Roller LinkRRP £26.99
From: £22.94
The Shires Blue Sweet Iron Bevel With Roller Link has loose ring bevel cheeks which give a mild leverage action through poll pressure. This allows the rider more control and promotes outline, head carriage and responsiveness while still using a mild bit. This bit is a good choice for horses who are fussy in the mouth; the roller links give the mouthpiece some play while encouraging the horse to mouth, inceasing acceptance. The roller links also discourage the horse from fixing or leaning on the bit. The mouthpiece is made from blue sweet iron which oxidises easily in the mouth, offering warmth and a sweet taste which is preferable to many horses. The brass rollers on this bit offer further warmth making the bit more palatable.
Bit ring measurement: 55mm (4.5", 5"); 65mm (5.5")
- Bevel cheeks give a mild leverage action through poll pressure
- The roller links encourage play and mouthing which can increase acceptance of the bit and the contact
- These links also discourage fixing or leaning on the bit
- Blue sweet iron oxidises easily in the mouth, offering a warm and sweet taste which is favoured by many horsesAvailable in 4.5", 5" and 5.5"
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Shires Blue Sweet Iron Universal With Roller LinkRRP £26.99
From: £24.29
Shires Blue Sweet Iron Universal With Roller Link is the ideal choice for horses who are overly fussy in the mouth and require poll pressure and leverage. It is perfect for riders who need a stronger action than a snaffle and is extremely popular for jumping and faster work. The universal design offers poll pressure to aid with flexion whilst the rollers discourage leaning and fixing helping to promote play. The action of the universal gag is slightly less than that of a traditional three ring gag so is a good next step up from a loose ring snaffle. These free moving disks in the centre are ideal for promoting mouthing on the bit. The blue sweet iron easily oxidises in the mouth offering warmth and a sweet taste which is preferable to many horses. The brass rollers on this bit offer further warmth making the bit more palatable. Available in 4.5" - 5.5". Learn More -
Shires Blue Sweet Iron Tom Thumb With Roller LinkRRP £26.99
From: £14.00
The Shires Blue Sweet Iron Tom Thumb With Roller Link is a favourite for jumping! This Tom Thumb is the ideal choice for horses who are overly fussy in the mouth and require poll pressure and leverage offering precise pressure on the tongue, bars, poll and cheek. It is perfect for riders who need a stronger action than a gag and is extremely popular for jumping and faster work. The Tom Thumb design is extremely popular for faster work as it provides a stronger action than a traditional gag giving the rider greater control. These free moving disks in the centre are ideal for promoting mouthing on the bit. The blue sweet iron easily oxidises in the mouth offering warmth and a sweet taste which is preferable to many horses. The brass rollers on this bit offer further warmth making the bit more palatable. Available in 4.5" - 5.5". Learn More -
Shires Sweet Iron Copper Tom ThumbRRP £20.99
From: £18.45
The Shires Sweet Iron Copper Tom Thumb is a bit that has an iron and copper combination, this helps with promoting salivation and encouraging softening. The cheeks on the Shires Sweet Iron Copper Tom Thumb gives the bit a lever action. The bit also features raised copper ribs, the copper ribs can help prevent the horse taking too much of a hold on the bit. Learn More -
Shires Blue Sweet Iron Hollow Jointed Loose Ring Snaffle£15.99The Shires Blue Sweet Iron Hollow Jointed Loose Ring Snaffle offers a significantly lighter mouthpiece than a solid alternative and suits a more sensitive horse. Loose bit rings allow the bit to move inside the horse's mouth, preventing the horse from leaning or fixing against the contact. A single joint in this mouthpiece gives the rider more lateral control - the applied pressure is clearer on each side of the bit. Blue sweet iron oxidises easily, creating warmth and a sweet taste which appeals to many horses, helping to encourage acceptance of the contact. Please note, the blue colour will fade with use.
Bit rings measurement: 50mm (4.5", 5"), 65mm (5.5", 6")
- Hollow mouthpiece is significantly lighter than a solid version
- Loose bit rings allow the mouthpiece to move, preventing the horse from fixing or leaning on the bit
- Single joints gives more lateral control
- Blue sweet iron oxidises easily, creating a sweet taste to encourage acceptance of the contact
- British Dressage legalAvailable in 4.5", 5", 5.5" and 6"
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Shires Sweet Iron Hollow Mouth Loose Ring Snaffle£14.99The Shires Sweet Iron Hollow Mouth Loose Ring Snaffle features a hollow mouthpiece which is significantly lighter than those with a solid mouthpiece. The sweet iron mouthpiece is designed to oxidize, producing a sweet taste which is readily accepted by most horses and can help with mouthing issues. Loose bit rings allow the mouthpiece to move inside the horse's mouth, discouraging the horse from taking a hold or fixing against the contact. A single joint gives the rider more lateral control; pressure can be applied more clearly to either side.
Bit ring measurement: 50mm (4.5", 5"); 65mm (5.5", 6")
- Hollow mouthpiece is significantly lighter than a solid mouthpiece
- Loose rings allow the bit to move inside the horse's mouth, discouraging fixing or leaning
- Sweet iron oxidizes in the mouth, producing a sweet taste which can help with mouthing issues and acceptance of a contact
- British Dressage legalAvailable in 4.5", 5", 5.5" and 6"
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Shires Sweet Iron Jointed Loose Ring Snaffle£12.99The Shires Sweet Iron Jointed Loose Ring Snaffle is designed with a thinner, 13mm mouthpiece which can make this bit a little stronger for better control. It may also prove to be more comfortable for horses with small mouths or large tongues as it takes up less space in the mouth. Sweet iron oxidizes in the mouth to produce a sweet taste. This taste is favoured by many horses and can help with mouthing and improving acceptance of a contact. The loose rings of this bit allow the mouthpiece to move which will prevent the horse from fixing or leaning against the bit.
Bit ring measurement: 50mm (4.5", 5"), 65mm (5.5", 6")
- Thinner 13mm mouthpiece can make this bit stronger for better control; however it can be a more comfortable option for horses with a small mouth or large tongue
- Loose rings allow the bit to move inside the horse's mouth, discouraging fixing or leaning
- Sweet iron oxidizes in the mouth, producing a sweet taste which can help with mouthing issues and acceptance of a contact
- British Dressage legalAvailable in 4.5", 5", 5.5" and 6"
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Shires Sweet Iron Loose Ring Waterford Snaffle£21.99The Shires Sweet Iron Loose Ring Waterford Snaffle features a Waterford mouthpiece which is designed with multiple links to be completely flexible inside the horse's mouth. Loose bit rings further increase how much this mouthpiece moves, preventing the horse from fixing or taking a hold of the bit. This bit is a good choice for horses which are strong or are prone to leaning on the bit. The mouthpiece is made from sweet iron with a copper central link; sweet iron is designed to oxidize, producing a sweet taste which is readily accepted by most horses. Copper is a warm metal which is also sweet tasting.
Waterford bits should only be used under supervision or by an experienced rider.
Bit ring measurement: 65mm
- 18mm Waterford mouthpiece has multiple links for flexibility, preventing the horse from fixing or taking hold
- A good choice for horses who are strong and prone to leaning
- Sweet iron is designed to oxidize, producing a sweet taste which is readily accepted by most horsesAvailable in 4.5", 5", 5.5" and 6"
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Shires Sweet Iron Hollow Mouth Eggbutt Snaffle£25.99The Shires Sweet Iron Hollow Mouth Eggbutt Snaffle has a hollow mouthpiece which is light and more easily accepted compared to a solid, heavier mouthpiece. The mouthpiece is made from sweet iron which oxidises in the mouth, producing a sweet taste to further encourage mouthing and acceptance. This single jointed snaffle applies pressure to the bars and the tongue, increasing lateral control. The fixed Eggbutt cheeks prevent the lips and cheeks from being pinched and stabilise the mouthpiece within the horse's mouth.
Bit ring measurement: 55mm (4.5", 5"); 70mm (5.5", 6")
- Hollow mouthpiece is lighter than a solid mouthpiece and is therefore more readily accepted
- Sweet iron oxidises in the mouth to produce a sweet taste, encouraging mouthing and acceptance of a contact
- The single joint gives the rider more lateral control
- Eggbutt cheeks prevent the lips and cheeks from being pinched while stabilising the mouthpiece within the horse's mouth
- British Dressage legalAvailable in 4.5", 5", 5.5" and 6"
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Shires Sweet Iron Flat Ring Eggbutt Snaffle£21.99The Shires Sweet Iron Flat Ring Eggbutt Snaffle is a single jointed snaffle bit with a thin mouthpiece which gives a stronger action. A thinner mouthpiece can be preferred by horses with a small mouth or large tongue as it allows for more room inside the mouth. Sweet iron oxidises in the mouth to produce a sweet taste; this can help to encourage mouthing and acceptance of a contact. Fixed Eggbutt bit rings prevent the lips and cheeks from being pinched. They also stabilise the mouthpiece inside the mouth which can encourage horses to seek a contact. The bit rings are smaller on smaller sized bits to fit proportionately against the horse's face.
Bit ring measurement: 55mm (4.5", 5"); 75mm (5.5", 6")
- Thin 14mm mouthpiece can give a stronger action but may be preferred by horses with a smaller mouth or larger tongue
- Sweet iron oxidises to produce a sweet taste; this can help to encourage mouthing and acceptance of the contact
- Eggbutt cheeks prevent the lips from being pinched
- Bit rings are smaller on smaller sized bits to fit proportionately against the horse's face
- British Dressage legalAvailable in 4.5", 5", 5.5" and 6"
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Shires Sweet Iron Flat Ring Eggbutt Snaffle With Lozenge£26.99The Shires Sweet Iron Flat Ring Eggbutt Snaffle With Lozenge is a mild action bit. The mouthpiece combines sweet iron with a copper lozenge to improve salivation and acceptance; sweet iron and copper are warming, palatable bits which oxidise to produce a sweet taste. The lozenge distributes pressure across the tongue and avoids any interference with the palate. This bit has fixed Eggbutt cheeks to prevent the lips and corners of the mouth from being pinched. These fixed cheeks also stabilise the mouthpiece which can give confidence to green or uncertain horses, encouraging them to take the contact forward.
Bit ring measurement: 55mm (4.5", 5"), 75mm (5.5", 6")
- 14mm mouthpiece
- Lozenge distributed pressure across the tongue, giving a mild action
- Sweet iron and copper combination mouthpiece is warming and palatable
- Fixed Eggbutt cheeks prevent pinching to the lips and corners of the mouth
- British Dressage legalAvailable in 4.5", 5", 5.5" and 6"
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Shires Sweet Iron Jointed Bevel Bit£15.99The Shires Sweet Iron Jointed Bevel Bit allows mild leverage which offers the rider more control. It also helps to promote outline, head carriage and responsiveness. With a single joint, the mouthpiece offers the rider better lateral control, working on the bars and tongue. The sweet iron mouthpiece metal oxidises to produce a sweet taste which is palatable and helps to encourage acceptance of the bit.
Bit ring measurement: 55mm (4.5", 5"), 70mm (5.5")
- 14mm thick single jointed sweet iron mouthpiece; sweet iron oxidises in the mouth to produce a sweet, palatable taste
- Bevel bit cheeks offer mild leverage to give the rider better control
- Helps to promote outline, head carriage and responsivenessAvailable in 4.5", 5" and 5.5"
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Shires EquiKind+ Jointed Bevel Bit£23.99The Shires EquiKind+ Jointed Bevel Bit is a single jointed bit with bevel cheeks which allow mild leverage for improved control while promoting outline and head carriage. The single joint allows for improved lateral control. EquiKind+ mouthpieces are made from coated stainless steel, offering a mouthpiece which is similar in texture to rubber but is thinner and therefore more comfortable for horses with smaller mouths or larger tongues.
Bit ring measurement: 55mm (4.5", 5"), 65mm (5.5")
- 15mm EquiKind+ mouthpiece which is comfortable for horses with smaller mouths or larger tongues
- Bevel cheeks allow for mild leverage for improved control
- Single joint gives improved lateral controlAvailable in 4.5", 5" and 5.5"
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Shires Blue Sweet Iron Two Ring Gag With LozengeRRP £26.99
From: £24.29
The Shires Blue Sweet Iron Two Ring Gag With Lozenge is the ideal choice for horses who are overly fussy in the mouth and require poll pressure and leverage. It is perfect for riders who need a stronger action than a snaffle and is extremely popular for jumping and faster work. The two ring gag design offers poll pressure to aid with flexion whilst the central lozenge distributes even pressure across the tongue and bars for comfort. The action of the two ring gag is slightly stronger than a universal offering greater poll pressure. The blue sweet iron easily oxidises in the mouth offering warmth and a sweet taste which is preferable to many horses. The brass lozenge on this bit offer further warmth making the bit more palatable. Available in 4.5" - 5.5". Learn More -
Shires Sweet Iron Copper Roller SnaffleRRP £17.99
From: £15.45
The Shires Sweet Iron Copper Roller Snaffle is designed with a sweet iron mouthpiece and a copper roller centre. Sweet iron oxidises to produce a sweet taste, helping to encourage acceptance of the bit and of a contact. It also warms quickly, as does copper, providing a more pleasant feel for the horse.
The double joint and loose rings allow the bit to move within the horse's mouth which prevents leaning. The free-moving rings in the centre of the bit can promote play which can further increase acceptance; however, by creating an uneven surface these rings increase the bits severity which can help to give the rider better control. The mouthpiece is reasonably thin, measuring 14mm, which may suit horses with smaller mouths.
Bit rings measurement: 65mm
- Double jointed mouthpiece and loose rings prevent the horse from fixing or leaning
- Moving rings in the centre of this bit increase the severity, offering the rider more control
- The moving rings can also help to promote play
- Sweet iron and copper combination is warmer than stainless steel and produces a sweet taste, encouraging acceptance
- 14mm mouthpiece thickness is ideal for horses with smaller mouthsAvailable in 4.5", 5", 5.25", 5.5" and 6"
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Shires Blue Sweet Iron Loose Ring Snaffle With Roller LinksRRP £24.99
From: £20.24
The Shires Blue Sweet Iron Loose Ring Snaffle With Roller Links is the ideal choice for horses who are overly fussy in the mouth. The loose ring snaffle design promotes self carriage whilst the rollers discourage leaning and fixing. The roller links also help to promote play. These free moving disks in the centre are ideal for encouraging mouthing on the bit and can help to soothe fussy tongued horses.
Blue sweet iron easily oxidises in the mouth offering warmth and a sweet taste which is preferable to many horses, encouraging acceptance of the contact. The brass rollers on this bit offer further warmth making the bit more palatable.
Bit rings measurement: 65mm
- 15mm double jointed mouthpiece with roller link to discourage fixing or leaning
- Blue sweet iron and brass alloy discs help to encourage mouthing and acceptance of the contact
- Brass alloy discs help to soothe a fussy-tongued horseAvailable in 4.5", 5" and 5.5"
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Shires Blue Sweet Iron Loose Ring Mullen Mouth SnaffleRRP £19.99
From: £17.99
The Shires Blue Sweet Iron Loose Ring Mullen Mouth Snaffle gives a stable feel in the horse's mouth for security and consistency. It features a medium port, creating space for the tongue and offering pressure relief. A ported mouthpiece is often preferable to horses who are adverse to tongue pressure. The loose ring design allows the mouthpiece to move within the mouth to promote self carriage and discourage fixing or leaning.
- Mullen mouth gives a stable feel
- Medium port design creates space for the tongue and offers pressure relief
- Loose rings allow the mouthpiece to move within the horse's mouth, discouraging leaning or fixing
- British Dressage legalAvailable in 4.5", 5" and 5.5"
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Shires Sweet Iron Bevel Bit With LozengeRRP £19.99
From: £17.45
The Shires Sweet Iron Bevel Bit With Lozenge allows mild leverage to help with better control. Loose rings allow movement of the mouthpiece inside the horse's mouth, discouraging the horse from fixing or leaning on the bit while allowing for play and mouthing to increase acceptance. The sweet iron and copper combination mouthpiece is highly palatable - sweet iron oxidises to produce a sweet taste to aid salivation and acceptance of the bit. The diameter of the bit rings increases with the size of the bit to remain in proportion with the horse's face.
Bit ring measurement: 55mm (4.5", 5"), 70mm (5.5")
- Beval bit rings allow mild leverage to help with better control
- Loose rings allow movement of the mouthpiece inside the horse's mouth to discourage fixing and leaning
- Sweet iron oxidises to produce a sweet taste, aiding salivation and acceptance of the bitAvailable 4.5", 5", 5.5" and 6"
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Sweet Irons
Sweet Iron Bits
Finding the best fit when it comes to a horse bit for your four-legged friend can be extremely tasking and difficult. With so many different factors to consider when it comes to bits, we at Online for Equine understand that the choice is extremely difficult; you can now call our team and speak to our bitting expert if you have any questions or concerns you need addressing from an industry leading team. Sweet iron bits are a particular popular and interesting selectin, the metal in the bit actually rusts away (which in other cases would be a bad thing) and encourages the production of saliva from the horse, which in turn would lead to the horse accepting the bit. Sweet iron bits will oxidise within the horse's mouth, experts believe this can lead to the horse experiencing a favourable flavour or taste in its mouth; hence the name sweet iron bits. At Online for Equine we supply a large selection of sweet iron bits for you and your horse, coming in a number of different styles and variations, including loose ring snaffle bits. It is important to know that as the sweet iron bit rusts, it could add a slight orange tint to your horse's saliva. If you would like to know more about sweet iron bits, or have any questions or concerns about any of the horse bits we offer, please do not hesitate to call up and speak to our bitting expert, who will be more than happy to help.