Examples of ILLEGAL Snaffle Mouthpieces: Wire wrapped bit NOT – Bicycle chain bit NOT LEGAL Twisted bit NOT – – smooth, NOT LEGAL Twisted bit NOT LEGAL Mouthpiece edges are sharp, – Twisted bit NOT LEGAL – Full cheeks - LEGAL not rounded NOT LEGAL – Rigid donut shape - NOT LEGAL Type of Kimberwick - NOT LEGAL Kimberwick bit - NOT LEGAL on ring. Bars wire wrapped. Port (connecting piece) too big. Twisted mouthpiece NOT LEGAL Half cheeks NOT LEGAL – – NOT LEGAL – Curb Bits: There is no discrimination against any standard Western bit. A standard Western curb bit may be used on a horse of any age being ridden at any level. A standard Western bit is defined as having a shank with a maximum length overall of 8 1/2” (215.9 mm). The mouthpiece will consist of a metal bar 5/16” (7.9 mm) to 3/4” 19.05 mm) in diameter as measured one inch in from the shank. The bars may be inlaid but must be smooth or latex wrapped. (The bars may be encased in smooth 5/16” (7.9 mm) to 3/4” (19.05 mm) in diameter tubular barrels that rotate around the bars). Nothing may protrude above or below the mouthpiece (bar) such as extensions, prongs or rivets designed to intimidate the horse. Rollers attached to the center of the bit are acceptable, and may extend below the bar. Jointed mouthpieces are acceptable and may consist of two or three pieces and may have one or two joints. A three-piece mouthpiece may include a connecting ring of 1 ¼ inch (31.75 mm) or less in
Examples of ILLEGAL Snaffle Mouthpieces: Bicycle chain bit – NOT LEGAL Twisted bit – NOT Wire wrapped bit – NOT smooth, NOT LEGAL Twisted bit – NOT LEGAL Twisted bit – NOT LEGAL Full cheeks - LEGAL Mouthpiece edges are sharp, not rounded – NOT LEGAL Rigid donut shape - NOT LEGAL Type of Kimberwick - NOT LEGAL Kimberwick bit - NOT LEGAL on ring. Bars wire wrapped. Port (connecting piece) too big. – NOT LEGAL Twisted mouthpiece – NOT LEGAL Half cheeks – NOT LEGAL Curb Bits: There is no discrimination against any standard Western bit. A standard Western curb bit may be used on a horse of any age being ridden at any level. A standard Western bit is defined as having a shank with a maximum length overall of 8 1/2” (215.9 mm). The mouthpiece will consist of a metal bar 5/16” (7.9 mm) to 3/4” 19.05 mm) in diameter as measured one inch in from the shank. The bars may be inlaid but must be smooth or latex wrapped. (The bars may be encased in smooth 5/16” (7.9 mm) to 3/4” (19.05 mm) in diameter tubular barrels that rotate around the bars). Nothing may protrude above or below the mouthpiece (bar) such as extensions, prongs or rivets designed to intimidate the horse. Rollers attached to the center of the bit are acceptable, and may extend below the bar. Jointed mouthpieces are acceptable and may consist of two or three pieces and may have one or two joints. A three-piece mouthpiece may include a connecting ring of 1 ¼ inch (31.75 mm) or less in
usef-wdaa_tack_and_equipment_guide.docx