The Shires Sweet Iron 2 Ring Gag is a specialised double-jointed continental bit built for horses that can take a strong hold, lean on the hand, or brace their jaw. It pairs a mild, mouth-conforming central lozenge with compact two-ring leverage cheeks. This design creates a warm, highly palatable contact that encourages salivation and mouth relaxation while granting the rider precision control and braking power during jumping and fast work.
Key Specifications:
- Mouthpiece Thickness: 16mm.
- Cheek Height: 115mm for 5".
- Mouthpiece Material: Sweet iron bars with a solid central copper lozenge.
- Cheekpiece Material: Heavy-duty, rust-resistant stainless steel.
- (Note: The natural fading or discoloration of the sweet iron coating from oxidation is fully expected and poses no vet-check compliance issues)
How it Works:
- Salivation via Chemical Oxidation: The sweet iron coating is designed to intentionally oxidize and rust inside the horse's mouth. This safe, natural chemical reaction releases a warm, sweet taste that stimulates salivation and coaxes a tense or dry-mouthed horse to accept the bit gently.
- Ergonomic Tongue Distribution: The double-jointed anatomical lozenge sits flat against the surface of the tongue. This prevents the painful upward "nutcracker" palate squeeze caused by single-jointed alternatives, distributing direct rein pressure evenly across both the bars and tongue instead.
- Adaptable Reins & Poll Leverage: Attaching the bridle cheekpieces to the upper loop isolates the bit. The main rein attaches to the central snaffle ring for a direct, non-leverage contact. Moving a rein down—or adding a secondary rein—to the lower ring introduces mechanical leverage, applying downward poll pressure to guide head carriage and check forward momentum.
This bit is strictly illegal for Dressage under British Dressage (BD) and FEI rulebooks but widely permitted for showjumping and cross-country phases.