Shires
One of the leading names in equestrian apparel equipment, Shires Equestrian is a family-owned business with over 50 years’ experience. They have held a Royal Warrant to supply Her Majesty the Queen with equine equipment, clothing and footwear since 2009, a testament to their high-quality products that deliver performance and reliability.
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Shires Silicone Bit guards
These Shires silicone bit guards are super stretchy for easy application. Shape is retained once in place. Designed to help prevent the bit pinching the horse's lips, bit guards are most often seen on bridles which have loose ring snaffles. Now easier to put on.
Cambridge/Port Mouth Pelham
The low port pelham is often known as a Cambridge mouth pelham, and can be good to use on horses with a large tongue or small mouth. The very low port of this pelham bit gives space for the tongue, with no collapse on the bars and no real palate pressure. Pelhams are designed to be used with two reins, the 'snaffle' rein on the larger ring which should have a constant contact, and the curb rein is...
Fixed Cheek Port Mouth Weymouth Set
This is a set of bits for a double bridle. It comprises of a fixed cheek port mouth Weymouth and single jointed eggbutt bradoon.
The Weymouth also known as the curb bit is normally used in conjunction with a bradoon. They are normally used for showing and dressage, worn with a double bridle. The fixed cheek curb bit may be useful for horses that are unsure of the bit, as it doesn't move around too...
Jointed Pelham
The Pelham is a bit that provides additional lever action on the poll. Pressure is applied to the lower jaw bones by the use of a curb chain. In a way the Pelham is a combination of a Weymouth and a bradoon. Pelhams can be used with one or two reins, which enables different rein options. Direct pressure is applied to the horses tongue and bars if the rider only uses the snaffle rein.
The curb chain...
Mullen Mouth Pelham
Mullen Mouth Pelham A Pelham is often used for horses that prove too strong in a snaffle. The leverage action of the Pelham uses poll pressure to gain greater control, whilst placing even pressure on the tongue and the bars of the mouth. The Mullen Mouth Pelham has a basic mouthpiece with a milder action than jointed versions of this bit. This fixed mouthpiece is less mobile in the mouth and applies...
Shires Hard Rubber Mullen Mouth Pelham
The hard rubber used in this pelham allows less movement but is still thick and gentle. Can be used with double reins or pelham roundings. Mouthpiece thickness: 19mm. Cheek height: 115mm (4.5"), 130mm (5"), 140mm (5.5"-6").
Shires Slotted Cheek Port Mouth Kimblewick
The port allows more room for the tongue, but will also apply pressure to the roof of the mouth. The slots in the D-rings allow for increased leverage on the poll. This bit should be used with care. Also known as a Uttoxeter Kimblewick. Mouthpiece thickness: 14mm. Cheek height: 100mm.
Shires Soft Rubber Mullen Mouth Pelham
This flexible mouth rubber pelham has a thick and soft mouthpiece. Can be used with double reins or pelham roundings. Mouthpiece thickness: 18mm. Cheek height: 110mm (4.5mm), 135mm (5"-5.5").
Weymouth Set Port Mouth
This full sized Weymouth set has a loose ring bradoon to allow more movement.
This Weymouth and Bradoon set is specifically designed for use on double bridles which are often worn for showing or dressage (Elementary level and above). The set includes a loose ring Bradoon with a single joint that allows more movement than a fixed cheek bit and is ideal for horses that are prone to leaning and fixing....
Cheltenham Gag
Cheltenham Gag The Cheltenham Gag has Eggbutt cheeks with holes in which can accept a Gag Cheek. The Gag Cheek (available separately) is a type of extended cheek piece that passes through the holes in the gag bit, with a ring at the base for the reins to fasten to, as opposed to the cheek pieces attaching directly to the bit ring as usual. Like other types of gag, the Cheltenham Gag produces a...
Dutch Gag
This stainless steel bit is useful when control is an issue - the three rings offer leverage options to increase the severity. The 5" and smaller sizes of this bit have smaller rings to ensure the bit remains in proportion. Mouthpiece thickness: 21mm. Cheek height: 160mm (4.5", 5"), 180mm (5.5", 6").
Dutch Gag French Link
The French link in this bit means pressure is applied to both sides of the tongue. Some horses with low palates may find this bit more comfortable as the mouthpiece should not come into contact with the palate when the bit is in action. The three rings offer leverage options to increase severity. Mouthpiece thickness: 16mm. Cheek height: 150mm (4.5", 5"), 180mm (5.5”).
English Hackamore
English Hackamore
The Shires English Hackamore forms part of a bitless bridle, and is often used as a solution for horses that cannot be bitted for any reason. It is designed to replace the noseband, and should be fitted in the correct position to avoid restricting the horse's breathing - the ideal position is slightly lower than a regular cavesson noseband, but ensuring it sits on a solid part of...
Shires Tom Thumb Waterford
Shires Tom Thumb Waterford
The lifting effect at the front offers more control and precision making it good for jumping. It is also used generally for horses that tend to lean owing to its uplifting action. The cheeks reinforce the turning aids and will not pull through the mouth. The Tom Thumb Cheeks are allowed for Pony Club, Showjumping and Eventing. Brass alloy assists with salivation, along with...
Shires Two Ring Sweet Iron Gag
Moving the rein between the main ring and bottom ring allows more control. Sweet iron and copper encourages the horse to be softer in the mouth. The 5" and smaller sizes of this bit come with shorter cheeks to ensure the bit remains in proportion with the smaller head. Raised copper ribs encourage salivation making this bit ideal for dry mouthed horses and also helps to encourage lightness for horses...
Waterford Dutch Gag
This Dutch gag has a Waterford mouth made of many different links which makes it hard for the horse to take hold of and pull against it. The gag cheeks add leverage. This can be a severe bit. The 5" and smaller sizes of this bit come with shorter cheeks to ensure the bit remains in proportion with the smaller head. Mouthpiece thickness: 18mm. Cheek height: 150mm (4.5", 5"), 180mm (5.5", 6").
Copper Roller Eggbutt
The rollers on this bit can help to prevent the horse taking a hold but can also encourage mouthing. The D-rings help with steering and prevent the bit from being pulled through the mouth. Mouthpiece thickness: 14mm. Cheek height: 65mm.
Copper Roller Mouth Dee Bit
The Shires Copper Roller D ring Snaffle uses alternating stainless steel and copper rollers set along the mouthpiece. This makes the Lorina Copper Roller D Race Snaffle Bit suitable for horses that need something stronger than a jointed bit if they lean or try to grab the bit.
It is a single jointed bit with a nutcracker action that works on the tongue, the bars of the mouth and can have action on...
Dexter Ring
The Shires Dexter ring bit is widely used in racing, and is useful for strong horses. The ring on the dexter bit is also useful for safely leading a high spirited horse whilst tacked up. The bit is a jointed mouthpiece giving a nutcracker action, but is limited as it is attached to the ring in 3 places. The half spoon bottom to the cheek of the dexter ring bit, helps to improve steering and prevent...
Dr Bristol Eggbutt
The eggbutt is a fixed cheek bit, this may be useful for horses that are a bit unsure of the bit as it doesnt move around to much in the mouth, it should encourage the horse to stretch into the contact. An eggbutt bit would be less suitable if your horse is prone to leaning or taking hold of the bit
This mouthpiece has 2 joints, which means the pressure of the bit is distributed over both the tongue...
Flat Ring Jointed Eggbutt
Flat Ring Jointed Eggbutt The Flat Ring Jointed Eggbutt is a mild snaffle bit with a single jointed mouthpiece, for a 'nutcracker' action, which applies pressure to the tongue, the lips and the bars of the mouth. Smooth Eggbutt cheeks prevent uncomfortable pinching of the horse's lips, and means there is less movement of the bit in the mouth, ideal for horses than are unsure of the bit. The thinner...
French Link Eggbutt
French Link Eggbutt The French Link Eggbutt is a fairly mild snaffle bit with a flat link in the centre of the mouthpiece which breaks the snaffle's normal 'nutcracker' action. The smooth Eggbutt cheeks of this bit prevent uncomfortable pinching of the horse's lips. A fixed cheek bit such as an Eggbutt snaffle is ideal for horses than are unsure of the bit, as there is less movement in the mouth...
French Link Loose Ring
The Shires Loose Ring Snaffle is a loose ring snaffle with a traditional flat French link mouthpiece. Mouthpiece thickness: 17mm. Cheek height: 65mm. Made from Stainless steel, this is the most common material used for bits. Durable, easy to clean, tasteless and does not rust.
The loose ring is good for a horse that tends to lean as the bit tends to move slightly more in the horses mouth...
Full Cheek Eggbutt Snaffle
Full Cheek Eggbutt Snaffle The Full Cheek Eggbutt Snaffle is a fairly mild snaffle bit which encourages straightness in the horse, with its full cheek design helping to reinforce the turning aids. This type of bit may be useful to improve steering and direction in young or resistant horses. The full cheek is also ideal for fast work, as it prevents the mouthpiece sliding across the mouth whilst...
Full Cheek French Link
The Shires Full Cheek French Link
The French link in this bit means pressure is applied to both sides of the tongue. Some horses with low palates may find this bit more comfortable as it is unlikely to make contact with the palate when the bit comes in to action. The full cheeks assist with steering. Mouthpiece thickness: 14mm. Cheek height: 165mm.
Stainless steel is the most common material used...
Full Cheek Jointed Copper Roller
The Full cheek copper roller snaffle is a popular bit, and is used for horses that need something stronger than a jointed bit because they lean or try to grab the bit. The alternating stainless steel and copper rollers set along the mouthpiece, allow the bit to roll up the mouth, and help to prevent the horses from grabbing it between the teeth. The jointed mouthpiece gives a nutcracker action on the...
Full Cheek Waterford
The Shires Full Cheek Waterford has full cheeks to help with steering and a mouthpiece made up of many different links to make it harder for the horse to pull or lean against it. Mouthpiece thickness: 18mm. Cheek height: 165mm.
Features:
Full cheeks
Waterford mouthpiece
Aids with steering
Stainless steel
Fulmer Snaffle
Shires Fulmer Snaffle is good for younger horses that may lean on the bit but need guidance with steering.If a horse prefers a loose ring but still needs guidance with steering or if the horse leans this bit is ideal as the rings aren't fixed so creates more movement in the mouth.
Made from Stainless steel, this is the most common material used for bits. Durable, easy to clean, tasteless and does...
Hanging Cheek French Link Snaffle
Hanging Cheek French Link Snaffle The Hanging Cheek French Link Snaffle, also known as a Filet Baucher snaffle, uses poll pressure to encourage the horse to lower its head and flex more readily. The fixed cheek design prevents excessive movement of the bit in the mouth, making it ideal for horses that are unsure of the bit. The Hanging Cheek French Link Snaffle also features a French Link mouthpiece,...
Hanging Cheek Waterford Bit
The hanging cheek waterford snaffle can be a comfortable bit for a horse as long as the rider has sympathetic hands. The mouthpiece is made up of a series of rounded links, that is similar to a chain and can be manipulated by the horse allowing him to swallow and move his mouth freely. If the horse pulls whilst wearing the waterford, the mouthpiece is uncomfortable and usually the horse will not lean...
Hard Mouth Rubber Loose Ring
Loose Ring Hard Rubber Mouth Snaffles are a good bit for mouthing young horses. Warm to the touch, they will encourage a firm contact.
Shires Loose Ring Hard Rubber Mouth Snaffle is kind to the bars, lips and palette and can also be useful if a horse has a sore mouth and is finding a metal bit uncomfortable.
Hollow Mouth Loose Ring
A hollow mouth bit is significantly lighter than a solid one. The loose rings can help if a horse leans on the bit. Mouthpiece thickness: 18mm. Cheek height: 65mm.
Jointed Mouth Snaffle
The Shires Jointed Mouth Snaffle bit is a basic jointed mouth snaffle which has loose rings. The Shires Jointed Mouth Snaffle bit has loose rings to allow more movement in the horses mouth when the horse is in action.
features a single jointed mouthpiece, using a 'nutcracker' action to apply pressure to the lips, tongue and the bars of the mouth.
The loose ring is good for a horse that tends to...
Magic Bit - Small Ring
The Cambridge mouth snaffle, also commonly referred to as the magic bit is a bit often used on ponies. Its straight mouthpiece with a gentle port, is thin enough to allow plenty of room for the tongue and has a neat ring. The magic bit often encourages the pony to relax and accept the contact far more than a jointed bit and has gained popularity as often more control is achieved when using it as the...
Nylon Overcheck Bradoon
The nylon mouthpiece used in this bit is strong but light and mild on the horse’s mouth. Perfect for in hand or first ridden.
Rubber Jointed Dee
Rubber Jointed Dee The Rubber Jointed Dee is a D-Ring snaffle with a soft rubber coated mouthpiece. The D Rings of this snaffle act as a steering aid, and also prevent the bit from being pulled through the mouth, and are ideal for helping with direction and straightness in younger horses. The Rubber Jointed Dee features a single jointed mouthpiece, using a 'nutcracker' action to apply pressure...
Shires Blue Sweet Iron Loose Ring With Lozenge
Blue sweet iron oxidises easily to create warmth and a sweet taste which helps with bit acceptance and encourages salivation. The addition of Brass Alloy inserts produces a warm, more palatable bit. Please note the blue colour will face with use.
The loose ring cheek can discourage fixing and leaning as it has much more movement than a fixed cheek to follow the angle of the tongue. The shaped lozenge...
Shires Brass Alloy Bevel Bit with Lozenge
Allowing more leverage than a loose ring snaffle, the Shires Bevel with Copper Lozenge Bit is considered to be quite mild and is especially popular for ponies in the show ring with young riders.
The copper lozenge encourages salivation and acceptance.
Shires Brass Alloy Flat Ring Jointed Eggbutt
A thinner mouthpiece can make this bit a little stronger, however it may be more comfortable for horses with small mouths or large tongues. The fixed rings prevent pinching. Mouthpiece thickness: 12mm. Cheek height: 55mm (4.5", 5"), 75mm (5.5", 6"). Brass alloy mouth: Copper is alloyed with a harder metal to produce warm, durable mouthpieces which aid salivation. Stainless steel is used for the cheeks...
Shires Brass Alloy Universal with Lozenge
Combines poll pressure and leverage for a mild gag action. Brass alloy assists with salivation. Mouthpiece thickness: 14mm. Cheek height: 115mm (4.5", 5"), 130mm (5.5", 6").
Shires Closed Spoon Tongue Bit
A Stainless Steel closed Spoon Tongue Bit has loose rings and a double jointed centre. This allows movement in the mouth. The central Sppon part helps to prevent the horse from getting his tongue over the bit.
Shires Equikind Ripple Eggbutt
The eggbutt rings on this bit prevent pinching while the EquiKind mullen mouth is mild. The ripples on the mouthpiece add a little pressure for extra control, whilst the apple flavour makes it very palatable. Mouthpiece thickness: 18mm. Cheek height: 70mm. The EquiKind mouthpiece has the benefit of being lighter and more flexible. Particularly suitable for young, sensitive horses as they are kind on...
Shires Equikind+ Jointed Universal
Combines poll pressure and leverage encouraging the horse to lower it head. The single joint gives a nutcracker action on the tongue and bars of the mouth. Mouthpiece thickness: 15mm. Cheek height: 115mm (4.5, 5), 130mm (5.5). The Equikind+ coating is thinner than a rubber mouthpiece making them more comfortable for horses that don't have room for a thick mouthpiece and ideal for sensitive mouths...
Shires Loose Ring Copper Lozenge Snaffle
Increase your control and encourage better mouthing with the Shires Loose Ring Copper Lozenge Snaffle from Just Horse Riders. The artful design of this bit features loose rings on either side of a copper lozenge. These loose rings are strategically designed to discourage your horse from leaning on the bit, delivering an even and balanced control. In contrast, the copper lozenge at its core softens...
Shires Training Bit with Brass Alloy
A medium width brass alloy training bit designed to encourage the horse to soften. Mouthpiece thickness: 18mm. Cheek height: 65mm.