The Shires Loose Ring Jointed Snaffle is one of the most widely used basic training bits in the equestrian world. Designed for general schooling and everyday hacking, it provides straightforward communication through a highly mobile structure.
Key Specifications:
- High-quality, polished stainless steel (highly durable, rust-resistant, and tasteless).
- Mouthpiece Thickness: Built with a relatively slim 13mm profile, providing a more precise action inside the mouth.
- Cheek Ring Dimensions: 65mm cheek height for size 6".
How it Works:
- Discourages Leaning: The free-moving loose rings slide completely independently through the mouthpiece. This continuous micro-movement prevents the horse from taking a rigid clamp on the bit, making it difficult for them to fix their jaw and pull the rider along.
- Traditional Nutcracker Action: Being single-jointed, the mouthpiece folds into an inverted "V" shape when rein pressure is drawn. This joint applies focused pressure directly to the bars of the mouth and pushes upwards toward the palate, encouraging horses that run heavy on their forehand to elevate their head and step back onto their hindquarters.
- Instant Hand Pressure Release: Because the loose cheek rings allow the bit to follow the precise angle of the horse's tongue, the absolute second the rider relaxes their fingers, all bit pressure drops instantly. This gives green or young horses clear, immediate validation for a correct response.
This bit is fully legal for British Dressage (BD), Pony Club and FEI competition rules.