Inlaid mouthpiece - LEGAL D-ring – LEGAL if size meets rule requirement O-ring; three piece mouthpiece with barrel - LEGAL O-ring bit; barrel mouthpiece - Flat mouthpiece – LEGAL if bar meets measurement requirements Mullen Mouth - LEGAL LEGAL if reins are attached above bit hobble/curb strap LEGAL center hinged joint if smooth LEGAL if connecting ring and bars meet measurement requirement
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
NOT LEGAL – Roping bit. Reins must attach to each shank Rein extensions that lock movement–NOT LEGAL if tight enough to lock onto the bit. Example of a mechanical device that alters use of equipment – NOT LEGAL NOT LEGAL – bars are twisted, not rounded NOT LEGAL – bars are flat, not rounded NOT LEGAL – separate rollers do not create a continuous line. Curb straps/Curb Chains: Curb chains and flat leather chin straps must be at ½” (12.7 mm) in width and lie flat against the jaw of the horse. No wire, rawhide, metal or other substance can be used in conjunction with or as part of the flat leather chin strap or curb chain. Round, rolled, braided or rawhide curb straps are prohibited. Examples of LEGAL and ILLEGAL Curb Straps/Curb Chains: LEGAL style if measures at least ½” in width LEGAL ONLY if used with a snaffle bit as a bit hobble below the reins. NOT LEGAL if used with a curb bit NOT LEGAL – ‘bumps’ on the inside – does not lie flat against the horse NOT LEGAL – round bar welded to inside of chain NOT LEGAL – tacks on inside NOT LEGAL – if metal bar sewn between layers of leather if used with snaffle as bit hobble. NOT LEGAL with curb bit LEGAL style if measures at least ½” in width LEGAL style if measures at least ½” in width NOT LEGAL. This curb chain is less than ½” in width. NOT This curb strap is braided and is not smooth. Other: Protective “polo” style leg wraps are permitted, with color either white or matching natural color of the horse as much as possible. (See WD120)