End the Tug-of-War with Your Horse

If you have a horse that likes to grab the bit, set their jaw, or lean heavily on your hands, the Shires Brass Alloy Loose Ring Waterford is the solution you’ve been searching for. This bit is specifically engineered to eliminate the rigid surface a horse needs to take hold, effectively discouraging leaning and rooting while maintaining a soft, communicative contact.

The unique "ball-and-chain" link design allows the mouthpiece to mold flexibly around the horse's tongue and bars. Crafted with a high-quality brass alloy, this Shires bit encourages salivation and stays warm in the mouth, making it far more palatable than traditional cold stainless steel. It’s a favorite in our barn for horses that need a bit more "brakes" without moving into a high-leverage curb.

Why Riders Choose the Shires Waterford

• Discourages Leaning and Rooting: The multi-jointed design ensures there is no solid bar for the horse to fix against, giving you more control over horses that tend to get heavy in the bridle.
• Promotes a Soft, Wet Mouth: The brass alloy composition encourages salivation and maintains a comfortable temperature, helping your horse stay relaxed and responsive to your aids.
• Clearer Communication: The 65mm stainless steel loose rings provide immediate "pre-signals" and allow the bit to move freely, preventing the horse from fixing their position against the rider.
• Substantial Pressure Dispersal: The 18mm mouthpiece thickness provides a comfortable surface area that disperses pressure across the tongue and bars while remaining an active tool for communication.
• Ideal for Jumping Phases: This bit is a go-to choice for show jumping and eventing, offering the extra control needed for technical lines without the harshness of a long-shanked bit.

Best For

Show jumpers and eventing riders looking for an effective solution for horses that lean, root, or set their jaw against the contact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How should I size the Shires Brass Alloy Loose Ring Waterford?

Because the Waterford is highly flexible and wraps around the tongue, we recommend sizing up 1/4" to 1/2" from your horse's standard bit size. A standard fit will often be too narrow and can cause the mouthpiece to pinch the lips.

Q: Is this bit legal for Dressage?

No, the Shires Brass Alloy Loose Ring Waterford is not legal for most Dressage competitions (FEI/USEF) because it features more than two joints in the mouthpiece.

Q: How do I ensure the loose rings don't pinch my horse?

For proper fit and safety, ensure there is at least 1/8" of clearance between the horse’s lip and the ring hole on both sides to allow the rings to rotate freely without catching the skin.

Item Number/SKU: 62825