English Riding Supply, Inc., is voluntarily recalling about 3,400 Happy Mouth Wire Mouth Bits after receiving four reports that wires contained in the bits had broken, resulting in possible rider injuries. The reported rider injuries include broken and fractured bones and back pain from falls allegedly attributed to bit failure during use. The recalled bits were manufactured in Korea and sold in the United States nationwide between July 2003 and April 2012.

Michael Diamond of the English Riding Supply, Inc., marketing department said that braided steel wire contained the mouthpiece that connects the bit on either side of the horse’s cheeks can become frayed, rusted or worn, causing the bit to break, and compromising the rider’s ability to control the horse.

Eight models of the Happy Mouth Wire Bits are included in the recall. Recalled bits have model numbers 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