Gentle Communication for Sensitive Mouths

Finding the right balance between control and comfort can be a challenge, especially when working with a young horse or one that’s sensitive to the cold bite of traditional metal. The Shires Equikind+ Peanut Link Full Cheek is designed to bridge that gap, offering a warm, apple-flavored mouthpiece that encourages your horse to accept the bit and stay soft in your hands.

Built with a flexible polymer that is thinner and softer than standard rubber, this bit provides the stability of a full cheek with the gentle touch of the Equikind+ coating. It’s a reliable choice for the barn, whether you’re starting a green prospect or refining your communication with a fussy-mouthed veteran.

Why You’ll Love the Equikind+ Full Cheek

• Encourages Acceptance: The apple-flavored Equikind+ synthetic coating is warm to the touch and tastes great, making it much easier to bit up horses that are usually "cold-backed" or resistant to metal.
• Eliminates the Nutcracker Effect: The double-jointed peanut link lozenge distributes pressure evenly across the tongue and bars, preventing the painful pinching of the palate often seen with single-jointed bits.
• Superior Lateral Guidance: The 165mm full cheeks provide clear steering signals by pressing against the side of the face, which is essential for teaching young horses how to follow the rein through turns.
• Ideal for Low Palates: With a slim 15mm mouthpiece profile, this bit offers plenty of room for horses with thick tongues or low palates without feeling bulky or restrictive.
• Stable and Secure: When used with bit keepers, the full cheek design stays perfectly positioned in the mouth, providing a consistent feel and preventing the bit from sliding through during lateral work.

Best For

Trainers and riders looking for a gentle, high-guidance bit that encourages soft contact in green or sensitive horses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to use keepers with this full cheek bit?

While not strictly required, we highly recommend using leather bit keepers with the Shires Equikind+ Peanut Link Full Cheek. Keepers stabilize the cheeks, prevent them from catching on objects, and provide a very mild poll pressure that helps with head position.

Q: How does the sizing compare to a standard metal bit?

The Equikind+ coating is thinner than traditional rubber but slightly thicker than bare metal. If your horse is between sizes, we recommend sizing up by 1/4" to ensure a comfortable, pinch-free fit against the cheeks.

Item Number/SKU: 81324.5