{"product_id":"dee-snaffle-port-mouth-blue","title":"Dee Snaffle Port Mouth Blue","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDee Ring Snaffle Bit — Blue Steel Port Mouth\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlue 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlue steel construction encourages salivation and acceptance of the bit\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCurved (ported) mouthpiece creates tongue relief for improved comfort\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDee ring design prevents pinching at the corners of the mouth\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLonger, straighter shanks than an eggbutt for better lateral control\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCannot be pulled through the mouth — safe and secure\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAvailable in 5\" (125mm) and 5.5\" (135mm)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow a Dee Ring Snaffle Works\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy Blue Steel?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSweet 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eBlue Steel vs Stainless Steel\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStainless 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCurved Mouthpiece for Tongue Relief\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIdeal For\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShow jumping\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRacing and gallop work\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYoung or sensitive horses needing a comfortable, controlled bit\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRiders looking for more steering than an eggbutt offers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSizing Guidance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMeasure 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCare for Blue Steel Bits\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRinse 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCommon Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill my horse like the metallic taste?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nMost 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs rust on a blue steel bit safe?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nLight surface rust is normal and expected. Deep pitting, flaking metal or sharp burrs are not — retire the bit if you see those.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBrowse our full range of \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/bits\"\u003ehorse bits\u003c\/a\u003e or explore our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/bridles\"\u003ebridles\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/horse-riding-gear\"\u003eriding gear\u003c\/a\u003e to complete your tack setup.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Solo Saddlers","offers":[{"title":"125mm","offer_id":47333857591474,"sku":"DEE004","price":699.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true},{"title":"135mm","offer_id":47333881643186,"sku":"DEE004.5","price":699.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0621\/4932\/9074\/files\/DEE004.jpg?v=1776947216","url":"https:\/\/solosaddlers.co.za\/products\/dee-snaffle-port-mouth-blue","provider":"Solo Saddlers","version":"1.0","type":"link"}