Dee Snaffle Port Mouth Blue

Dee Ring Snaffle Bit — Blue Steel Port Mouth

Blue steel dee ring snaffle with a curved port mouthpiece in 125mm (5") and 5.5" sizes — a reliable choice for riders who need precise steering control without the bulk of an eggbutt or fulmer.

Key Features

• Blue steel construction encourages salivation and acceptance of the bit
• Curved (ported) mouthpiece creates tongue relief for improved comfort
• Dee ring design prevents pinching at the corners of the mouth
• Longer, straighter shanks than an eggbutt for better lateral control
• Cannot be pulled through the mouth — safe and secure
• Available in 5" (125mm) and 5.5" (135mm)

How a Dee Ring Snaffle Works

A dee ring snaffle is a cross between an eggbutt snaffle and a fulmer snaffle. It is less bulky than an eggbutt, prevents pinching at the corners of the mouth, and offers more control thanks to its longer cheeks and shanks. Because of this degree of control and safety, this bit is most often used in show jumping and racing.

The dee shanks are longer and straighter than an eggbutt's, so this bit works more on the sides of the mouth, giving the rider clearer steering aids without the bit being able to pull through.

Why Blue Steel?

Sweet iron / blue steel is designed to oxidise — the blue tint is an iron oxide finish. As the metal slowly tarnishes in contact with saliva, it produces a sweeter, warmer taste that horses generally accept more readily than stainless steel. The increased salivation also keeps the mouth softer and more responsive in the contact.

Blue Steel vs Stainless Steel

Stainless steel stays bright and never tarnishes, but most horses don't show a strong preference for it. Blue steel, by contrast, releases a mild iron taste that encourages mouthing and steady salivation — a useful trait for horses that run dry or refuse the contact. The trade-off is that blue steel needs more careful drying after each ride to manage rust.

Curved Mouthpiece for Tongue Relief

The curved (ported) mouthpiece creates more room for the tongue, making it more comfortable for the horse. Horses that fuss, lean or resist a straight mouthpiece often settle with a curved design.

Ideal For

• Show jumping
• Racing and gallop work
• Young or sensitive horses needing a comfortable, controlled bit
• Riders looking for more steering than an eggbutt offers

Sizing Guidance

Measure the bit you currently use from inside ring to inside ring. Most full-size horses fit a 5" (125mm) or 5.5" (135mm) bit — choose the size closest to your current bit. The bit should sit just past the corners of the mouth without pinching.

Care for Blue Steel Bits

Rinse with clean water after every ride and dry thoroughly to slow rust progression. A light wipe of edible oil before storage keeps the surface conditioned. Surface tarnish is normal and is part of how blue steel works — only deep pitting or sharp edges mean it is time to replace.

Common Questions

Will my horse like the metallic taste?
Most horses settle on blue steel within a few rides. If your horse resists, give it two weeks of consistent use before judging — the surface oxidation builds the sweeter taste over time.

Is rust on a blue steel bit safe?
Light surface rust is normal and expected. Deep pitting, flaking metal or sharp burrs are not — retire the bit if you see those.

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