The Recall Desk
SevereCPSC·12190·Announced 2012-05-31

English Riding Supply Recalls Happy Mouth Wire Bits for Injury Risk

English Riding Supply is recalling Happy Mouth wire bits for horses because the steel wire can break, causing riders to fall and suffer injuries.

What this means for you

Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a product defect that has resulted in reported injuries, including broken and fractured bones, which aligns with the rubric criterion for 'significant injury reports' under the Severe category.

Plain-English summary

English Riding Supply Inc. is recalling approximately 3,400 units of Happy Mouth wire mouth bits used in horseback riding. The recall involves eight specific models: 462172SS, 462177SS, 462181SS, 462184SS, 464123SS, 466898SS, 466904SS, and 467248SS. These bits feature steel braided wire running through a plastic mouthpiece, with "Happy Mouth" engraved on the plastic. The model numbers are located on a label attached to the product.

The steel braided wire in the mouthpiece can become frayed, rusted, or worn, which may cause the bit to break. If the bit breaks, the rider can lose control of the horse and fall. The company has received four reports of wire bits breaking, resulting in injuries including broken and fractured bones, bruises, and back pain.

The bits were sold at equestrian riding stores, tack shops, saddlery dealers nationwide, through mail order, and by online equestrian retailers from July 2003 through April 2012 for between $30 and $51. Consumers should immediately stop using these bits and return them to the retailer where purchased or directly to English Riding Supply for a refund. For more information, contact English Riding Supply toll-free at (866) 569-1600 between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit www.englishridingsupply.com.

The recalled product

Product
Happy Mouth Wire Mouth Bits
Affected units
3,400

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.