Shires Blue Sweet Iron Pelham with Brass Lozenge Horse Bit #5312-14mm - Sweet Iron & Brass - Multiple Sizes 4.5"

Refine your communication and achieve a softer, more responsive connection with a bit designed to encourage natural salivation and relaxation. The Shires Blue Sweet Iron Pelham provides the perfect balance of leverage and comfort, making it the ideal choice for horses that need clear direction without the harshness of a single-jointed mouthpiece.Engineered for versatility in the show ring and jumping arena, this bit features a slim 14mm mouthpiece that accommodates horses with lower palates or less room in the mouth. The combination of oxidizing sweet iron and a central brass lozenge works to eliminate the "nutcracker" action, ensuring pressure is distributed evenly across the tongue and bars to promote a calm, attentive, and harmonious partnership.Key Features & Specifications: Blue Sweet Iron Mouthpiece: Intentionally oxidizes upon contact with moisture to create a sweet taste, encouraging salivation and a softer, more accepting mouth. Double-Jointed Brass Lozenge: Centrally placed to distribute pressure evenly across the tongue and bars, eliminating the pinching "nutcracker" effect of single-jointed bits. Proportional Leverage Shanks: Features varying cheek heights based on size (125mm for 4.5", 130mm for 5", and 140mm for 5.5" and 6") to ensure balanced control for every horse. Slim 14mm Thickness: Provides an effective yet comfortable fit, making it an excellent alternative for horses that find thicker rubber or vulcanite bits too bulky. Versatile Rein Configurations: Designed for flexibility, it can be used with traditional double reins for independent curb and snaffle action or with Pelham roundings for a single-rein setup. Discipline-Ready Design: A premier choice for English Showing and Show Jumping, offering the necessary "stopping power" for stronger horses while maintaining sensitive communication.Frequently Asked Questions:Q: Why does the blue coating change color or "rust" over time?A: This oxidation is a deliberate design feature! The reddish-brown surface layer creates a sweet taste that horses find highly palatable, encouraging them to play with the bit and salivate, which leads to a more relaxed jaw and better acceptance of the aids.Q: How do I ensure the correct fit for this specific Pelham?A: Because this is a fixed-cheek bit, it should fit snugly against the corners of the lips with approximately 1/8" to 1/4" of clearance. Unlike loose-ring bits, there is no risk of pinching, so a closer fit ensures the proportional leverage of the 125mm-140mm shanks acts precisely as intended.Q: Is this bit legal for all equestrian disciplines?A: The Shires Blue Sweet Iron Pelham is widely accepted in Show Jumping and many English Showing classes. However, like most Pelham bits, it is generally prohibited in pure Dressage; always consult your specific organization's rulebook before competing.Item Number/SKU: 5312BLUESWT4.5

• Blue Sweet Iron Mouthpiece: Intentionally oxidizes upon contact with moisture to create a sweet taste, encouraging salivation and a softer, more accepting mouth.