The Shires EquiKind Ripple Loose Ring Snaffle is an apple-flavoured synthetic bit tailored for young and green horses, or those with highly sensitive mouths. It integrates a gentle, non-metal bar with a distinct structural texture to offer a light combination of steering fluidity and mild braking assistance.
Key Specifications:
- Mouthpiece Material: High-tech EquiKind synthetic polymer (lighter, warmer, and significantly more flexible than traditional vulcanised rubber).
- Ring Material: Premium rust-resistant stainless steel.
- Dimensions: Formulated with a thick, protective 18mm mouthpiece and standard 65mm loose rings.
How it Works:
- Apple Flavouring: The synthetic material is chemically infused with a long-lasting apple scent and taste. This acts as a sensory reward, dramatically increasing palatability to encourage dry-mouthed or resistant horses to salivate and readily accept the bit.
- Straight Mullen Bar Pressure: Built as a flexible unjointed bar, it applies a predictable, uniform downward push onto the bars of the mouth and the tongue rather than squeezing them. This completely bypasses the palate-pinching "nutcracker" effect of jointed bits.
- Tactile Ripple Grip: Gentle, distinct ridges are moulded directly into the EquiKind compound across the tongue area. When rein contact is taken up, these ripples add localized texture to the tongue, providing a tiny touch of extra stopping power and control without relying on severe metal angles.
- Free Loose Ring Action: Because the stainless steel rings slide completely freely through the synthetic core, the horse can easily rearrange the bit to sit naturally over their tongue contour. It also means that the exact moment the rider releases the reins, pressure vanishes instantly from the mouth.
- Chewing Warning: Because the outer compound is a soft polymer material, it is not recommended for horses that actively chew or crunch on their bit. Sharp horse teeth can gouge or slice through synthetic coatings over time, creating rough edges that require the bit to be replaced.
This bit is fully legal for British Dressage (BD) and FEI competition.