What bits are legal for western pleasure?

Asked by: Jenny Garcia

Western Pleasure horses under the age of five years may use a snaffle or bosal; horses five and over must use a curb bit. In Paso Pleasure when using Western style tack, Columbian and Western hack- amore, mecates, sidepulls, curb, and snaffle bits may be used. Cavessons and nosebands are prohibited.

Can you ride Western with snaffle bit?

Snaffle Bits

As previously mentioned, this design delivers equal, direct pressure to the horse’s mouth when the reins are pulled. The simple design of a snaffle bit has made it a popular choice in both English and Western riding.

Do Western riders use a bit?

In Western riding, you typically use one hand to communicate with your horse. Therefore, most western bits are curb bits with leverage action and are typically not jointed. However, there are always exceptions to every rule.

Why do Western riders use curb bits?

Curb bits allow the rider to give much more subtle rein aids than with many snaffles, as well as encourage a horse to flex and carry their heads on the vertical, like dressage horses, which are ridden in a ​double bridle with both a curb and snaffle bit in their mouths.

What is the gentlest curb bit?

Snaffles

Snaffle Bit Basics
The snaffle is generally considered one of the gentlest types of bits. Snaffles are often used on young horses and those in training. A snaffle is a direct pressure bit; it can have a broken or jointed mouthpiece, or a straight mouthpiece.

How do I choose a Western bit for my horse?

To start with consider the thickness. The thinner the mouthpiece, the more your horse will feel the effects of rein pressure. Thinner bits should encourage more of a reaction to contact. Thicker bits are often a good option for young or mouth sensitive horses as they can find the pressure of a thin bit to be sharp.

Can you neck rein with a snaffle?

With a snaffle, you can apply lateral (side) and vertical pressure without causing your gelding any pain or discomfort. Some people do switch to a shanked bit once their horses are trained to neck rein, but I’ve found a smooth snaffle bit can offer great control for the horse’s entire life.

What is the most common horse bit?

Standard bits are 5 inches wide and are the most common. Pony bits are generally 4 1/2 inches wide, and bits that are designed for Arabians and other light-boned, refined horses are 4 3/4 inches wide.

What size bit do I need for my horse?

between 5 and 6 inches

The average bit size for a horse size is between 5 and 6 inches, but will vary by breed, build, and genetic makeup. Horses and ponies with more refined noses such as Arabs and Welsh Cobs often need bits less than 5 inches.

Are straight bar bits harsh?

A straight bar bit acts more on the tongue.

These bits however lack precision because both sides aren’t separated. They are said to be softer but not all horses can handle the pressure on their tongue. The impact on the tongue can have big repercussions on locomotion.

What is the difference between a snaffle and a curb bit?

Snaffle bits have a single ring on each side, which applies direct pressure to the sides of the mouth. Shown is an eggbutt single-jointed snaffle. A curb bit has a shank or lever on each side. A shanked bit is considered a curb bit regardless of whether it has a solid or jointed mouthpiece.

Are twisted snaffle bits harsh?

The single twist wire snaffle is a very severe bit for two reasons. Firstly, the thinner a mouthpiece is, the more severe it is. So, by definition this wire snaffle is very severe. Secondly, the fact that the wire is twisted makes it strong across the bars and tongue of the horse’s mouth.

What is an Eggbutt snaffle bit used for?

Eggbutt Snaffle Uses

One of the most commonly used English snaffle bits is the eggbutt snaffle. It is useful in training a young horse, general riding, and the beginning stages of dressage. Some horses are ridden their whole lives in this type of bit.

What are D-ring bits used for?

D-Ring bits are bits that demonstrate cheek pieces resembling a “D” like shape. The D-Ring cheek piece is a fixed ring that keeps the mouthpiece more stable in the horse’s mouth. The sides of the “D” also prevent the bit from being pulled through the horse’s mouth and keep the bit from pinching.

What is the most comfortable bit for a horse?

A mullen mouth is a plain mouthpiece with a slight curve over the horse’s tongue. This makes it more comfortable for the horse to carry than a straight-bar mouthpiece. It’s also considered more gentle than a jointed mouthpiece, as there is no pinching effect when the reins are pulled. Continue to 2 of 15 below.

What’s the difference between an Eggbutt and D-ring snaffle?

Different cheeks:

Eggbutt – this type of cheek keeps the bit stable and prevents rotation. It doesn’t pinch the lips so is tolerated better by some horses. D-ring – similar to the Eggbutt in that it doesn’t slide around, but with straight sides to help with steering.

What does a Kimberwick bit do?

This is a bit commonly used in general riding and provides more control on a horse that may be a strong puller or needs slight curb action to lower its head. It’s a popular choice for young riders on ponies who might not be very responsive to the rein aids.

What is a Waterford bit used for?

It is a flexible bit that moulds round the horse’s mouth, creating an even pressure. It is moveable in all directions and horses find it difficult to lean or take hold of it, giving the rider good levels of control.

Which snaffle bit is best?

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2022

Is a full cheek snaffle harsh?

Full cheek snaffle bits are a popular choice for ponies and for horses that are ridden by children. Although any bit can be painful for a horse if used improperly or with too much pressure, a full cheek snaffle is generally understood to be one of the gentlest bits.

Should I use a curb strap with a snaffle bit?

Skip the curb strap.

The only reason to use a curb strap on a snaffle is if you tend to pull one of the snaffle’s rings through your horse’s mouth. If you do use a curb, be sure it’s a leather one, adjusted loosely in front of your reins—never behind your reins.

Why use a chin strap with a snaffle bit?

On a snaffle, a chin strap will be very effective in keeping the bit from pulling all the way through the horse’s mouth when using one rein. It need not be adjusted tight and is normally placed between the reins and bit. The one exception to the need for a chin strap is with the full cheek snaffle.

What is a Tom Thumb bit?

The Tom Thumb Bit – A Bit for the Well-Trained Western Horse

The mouthpiece of the Tom Thumb bit is like other snaffles, available in single or double-jointed styles. The Tom Thumb snaffle bit starts as a regular snaffle, applying direct pressure to the mouth, lips and to the bars of the horse’s mouth.

Why use a loose ring snaffle?

Loose ring bits help the horse to position the bit where they like it unlike fixed bits such as the eggbutt or hanging cheek snaffle. This helps the horse be more comfortable in the mouth and since the mouthpiece is moveable on the cheek it also helps with horses that are heavy or take hold of the bit.

Why use a bit with a lozenge?

The lozenge centre helps the bit follow the mouth conformation better in chunkier breeds relieving unwanted tongue pressure.

What is a Hanging cheek snaffle used for?

The hanging cheek bit is a very popular bit for horses that have low palates/are evasive to excessive pressure across the bars of the mouth and the tongue. When a contact is taken, the mouthpiece of the bit lifts in the mouth reducing the pressure distributed across the lower jaw.