The Shires Bevel/Loop Ring Snaffle, (frequently referred to as a Wilkie or loop ring snaffle) is designed to offer mild leverage and poll pressure. It is an excellent choice for horses or ponies that require a little extra stopping power or head-carriage assistance than a standard loose ring snaffle provides, without the intensity of a continental gag.
Key Specifications:
- High-quality, durable stainless steel (rust-resistant, durable and easy to clean)
- Mouthpiece Thickness: Built with a 14mm profile on Size 5"
- Ring and Cheek Size: Proportionally scaled to fit your horse's face structure (55mm cheek height on size 5")
How it Works:
- Mild Lever Action: The cheek rings feature two distinct internal loops where the cheekpieces and reins attach. This configuration anchors the bit securely, so when you engage the reins, the bit acts as a mild lever to apply downward poll pressure.
- Promotes an Outline: The subtle poll pressure encourages horses that poke their noses or pull upward to soften at the poll, lower their head, and shape into a correct rounded outline.
- Nutcracker Action: Its single-jointed mouthpiece collapses into a standard "V" shape when the reins are engaged. This applies concentrated pressure directly onto the bars of the mouth and squeezes the sides of the tongue.
- Proportional Scaling: Shires consciously widens the outer ring diameter on larger sizes. This engineering change keeps the bit visually and structurally in proportion with larger jaws while maintaining smooth rein movement.
Because the rein and cheekpiece are fixed into internal loops—creating a leverage mechanism—this bit is not legal for Dressage under British Dressage (BD) or FEI rules. However, it is a massive favourite in the showjumping, pony club, and hacking communities.