CPSC recall 12-190, announced May 31, 2012, covers Soyo International Happy Mouth Wire Mouth Bits (about 3,400 units). The steel braided wire in the mouthpiece that connects the bit on either side of the horse's cheeks can become frayed, rusted or worn, which can cause the bit to break. The notice cites 4 incident reports. Consumers should immediately stop using these bits and return them to the retailer where purchased or return the bits directly to English Riding Supply for a refund. Recall contact: call (866) 569-1600, go to www.englishridingsupply.com, or email hmbits@englishridingsupply.com.
Compare the model on your label, then check any serial numbers, date codes, and exclusions in the notice. A model match alone does not confirm that your unit is included.
Model numbers can be found on a label attached to the product.
Which products are included?
This recall involves eight models of Happy Mouth wire mouth bits used with a bridle in horseback riding. The bits involved in this recall have steel braided wire running through the plastic mouthpiece and most with a metal ring on each end. Model numbers included in the recall are 462172SS, 462177SS, 462181SS, 462184SS, 464123SS, 466898SS, 466904SS and 467248SS. Model numbers can be found on a label attached to the product. "Happy Mouth" is engraved on the plastic mouthpiece.
Confirm these details on the official CPSC noticeWhy it was recalled
The steel braided wire in the mouthpiece that connects the bit on either side of the horse's cheeks can become frayed, rusted or worn, which can cause the bit to break. If this happens, the rider can lose control and fall from the horse.
Incidents and injuries
The firm has received four reports of wire bits that have broken and resulted in reports of injuries including broken and fractured bones, bruises and back pain from falls.
Official remedy
Consumers should immediately stop using these bits and return them to the retailer where purchased or return the bits directly to English Riding Supply for a refund.
Product and sales details
- Brand
- Soyo International
- Manufacturer
- Soyo International Corp, of Kobe, Japan
- Product type
- Clothing & outerwear
- Recall number
- 12-190
- Units
- About 3,400
- Manufactured in
- Korea
- Sold at / sales period
- 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.
- Importer
- English Riding Supply Inc., of Scranton, Pa.
Happy Mouth Wire Mouth Bits
CPSC product type: Horseback Riding (Activity, Apparel or Equipment)
Recall contact information
For additional information, please 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 the firm's website at www.englishridingsupply.com. Consumers can also email the firm at hmbits@englishridingsupply.com
Verify phone numbers, hours, and websites on the current CPSC notice before contacting the firm.
Know someone who has one?
Recalls only work when owners hear about them. Send this notice to family or friends who might own the same product.
