What is the best bit to use for dressage?
Consisting of 85 percent copper, 4 percent silicon, and 11 percent zinc, and recognizable by its golden color, Aurigan warms to body temperature quickly and is a favorite of many dressage riders and trainers today.
How do I choose a dressage bit?
A bit’s suitability comes down to its size, shape and where it applies pressure. Though it can vary, the arms of the bit (not including the ring) should only be visible 0.6cm on either side of the horse’s mouth, to ensure it is not too big or small. Shape and pressure can be a little more difficult to determine.
What is the most gentle bit for a horse?
eggbutt
One of the most common types of snaffle bit is the eggbutt, which is considered to be the gentlest type of snaffle bit because it doesn’t pinch the corners of the horse’s mouth. It has an egg-shaped connection between the mouthpiece and the bit-ring.
Can I use a full cheek snaffle in dressage?
Full cheek snaffle bits are popular in both English and Western riding. They are allowed and legal for most horse sports including the AQHA and USDF dressage competition (the latter being one of the most bit-restrictive horse show organizations).
What type of bit is used in dressage?
The most common mouthpiece amongst dressage riders is the double-jointed bit. A double-jointed bit consists of three parts. The middle part of the mouth piece rests on the tongue, which means the double-jointed bit exerts more pressure on the tongue than a single-jointed mouthpiece.
What bits are legal in dressage?
Dressage-Legal Bits
- Only smooth mouthpieces are legal; therefore, any twists or alterations along the bars are forbidden.
- The mouthpiece’s diameter, measured at the rings or cheeks of the mouthpiece, must be a minimum of 10 mm for snaffles and 12 mm for curbs in USEF competitions.
What is a happy mouth bit?
Happy Mouth Bits, for both English and Western horses, are mouthpieces covered with a space age polymer that is both durable and somewhat giving in the horse’s mouth, encouraging the horse to chew and relax their jaw. In addition, all Happy Mouth bits are apple scented helping the horse accept the bit.
Are D ring bits allowed in dressage?
Bit guards are forbidden in recognized dressage competitions and in three-day events. All loose-ring, D-ring, eggbutt, or hanging cheek rings are permitted as cheekpieces unless otherwise specified in the USEF Dressage Rules Handbook. D-ring cheekpieces are not allowed as a bridoon in a double bridle.
What bits are illegal in dressage?
Twisted and wire bits are prohibited. A mouthpiece with more than one rolling part is prohibited. Bits may be made with a rubber or plastic covering, but the bit may not be modified by adding latex or other material.
What bits are illegal in the hunter ring?
In the hunter ring, traditional bits are recommended, which include snaffles, pelhams, and full bridles—all with a cavesson nosebands. Nontraditional bits, such as hunter gags & Kimberwicks, MAY be penalized at the judge’s discretion. Illegal bits includes two & three ring bits, jumper-type gags, etc.
What is the difference between a Tom Thumb bit and a snaffle bit?
The Tom Thumb Bit – A Bit for the Well-Trained Western Horse 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. With the addition of shanks however, the Tom Thumb bit moves beyond the regular snaffle motion by adding leverage action.