The Shires Loose Ring Bevel Bit with Copper Lozenge (also known as a Wilkie or loop ring snaffle) is a double-jointed training and competition bit designed to offer mild leverage and poll pressure. It is very popular for horses and ponies that require slightly more control than a standard snaffle, but without the severe action of a continental gag.
Key Specifications:
- High-quality stainless steel rings with a smooth stainless steel and warming copper lozenge.
- Mouthpiece Thickness: A standard, comfortable 16mm profile.
- Cheek Ring Dimensions: Scaled proportionally to match your horse's head size: 55mm for 5".
How it Works:
- Mild Leverage & Poll Pressure: The reins and cheekpieces thread into independent inner loops inside the main ring. When you draw back on the reins, the bit acts as a mild lever, applying subtle downward pressure to the poll. This action encourages horses that stick their noses out or pull upwards to lower their head and soften into an outline.
- Warming Copper Lozenge: The central double joint features a smooth, rounded copper lozenge. Copper naturally oxidises and warms up rapidly inside the mouth. This sweet, warm taste encourages salivation, jaw relaxation, and better acceptance of the bit contact.
- No Nutcracker Action: Because it is double-jointed with a central link, the mouthpiece cannot collapse upward into a sharp "V" shape. This eliminates the palate-pinching action of a single joint, dispersing even pressure flatly across the tongue instead.
- Mobile Loose Ring Feel: The bevel structure mimics a loose ring. This gives the mouthpiece slight micro-mobility inside the mouth, making it incredibly difficult for a strong horse to grab or clamp down on the metal to brace against the rider's hands.
Because the internal loops create a fixed leverage action on the poll, this bit is not legal for Dressage under British Dressage (BD) or FEI rules. It is, however, highly legal and exceptionally popular in showjumping, cross-country, and casual hacking.