I am a hunter/jumper rider who has been helping prep a horse that is going to be doing some Western classes under aqha rules. I’ve read the rules online, but feel a little confused as to what bits are legal. The horse is 4 and going in a snaffle. I have been riding her in a kk ultra loose . If I read the rule book correctly, the loose ring is not allowed. Is that right? What would the western equivalent?
From the AQHA handbook, section IV, 443-
(b) References to snaffle bits in western performance classes mean the conventional O–ring, egg–butt or D–ring with a ring no larger than 4" in diameter (100 mm). The inside circumference of the ring must be free of rein, curb or headstall attachments which would provide leverage. The mouthpiece should be round, oval or egg–shaped, smooth and unwrapped metal. It may be inlaid, but smooth or latex–wrapped. The bars must be a minimum of 5/16" (8 mm) in diameter, measured one inch (25 mm) in from the cheek with a gradual decrease to center of the snaffle. The mouthpiece may be two or three pieces. A three–piece, connecting ring of 1 1/4" (32 mm) or less in diameter, or a connecting flat bar of 3/8" to 3/4" (10 mm to 20 mm) measured top to bottom, with a maximum length of 2" (50 mm), which lies flat in the horse’s mouth, is acceptable. Optional leather strap attached below the reins on a snaffle bit is acceptable.
and
(h) In all western classes, horses will be shown in a western saddle and appropriate bridle, snaffle bit or hackamore for the duration of the class. A western saddle is a common type of saddle distinguished by a large noticeable fork on which there is some form of horn, a high cantle and large skirts. Silver equipment will not count over a good working outfit. Horses 5–years–old and younger may be shown in a snaffle bit, hackamore, curb bit, half–breed or spade bit. Horses 6–years–old and older may only be shown in a curb bit, halfbreed or spade bit. Any horse of any age shown in any novice youth or novice amateur class may be shown two handed with a snaffle bit. When a curb bit is used, a curb strap or curb chain is required, but must meet the approval of the judge, be at least one–half inch in width and lie flat against the jaw of the horse. Curb chains cannot be tied to the bit with string or cord. A broken strap or chain is not necessarily cause for disqualification.
Your 4yo is fine in an o-ring (loose ring) snaffle.
AQHA Handbook, Rule SHW305.2:
SHW305.2 Snaffle bits in western performance classes mean the conventional O-ring, egg-butt or D-ring with a ring no larger than 4" in diameter (100 mm). The inside circumference of the ring must be free of rein, curb or headstall attachments which would provide leverage. The mouthpiece should be round, oval or egg-shaped, smooth and unwrapped metal. It may be inlaid, but smooth or latex-wrapped. The bars must be a minimum of 5/16" (8 mm) in diameter, measured one inch (25 mm) in from the cheek with a gradual decrease to center of the snaffle. The mouthpiece may be two or three pieces. A three-piece, connecting ring of 1 1/4" (32 mm) or less in diameter, or a connecting flat bar of 3/8" to 3/4"(10 mm to 20 mm) measured top to bottom, with a maximum length of 2" (50 mm), which lies flat in the horse’s mouth, is acceptable. Optional leather strap attached below the reins on a snaffle bit is acceptable.
I don’t think a loose ring is prohibited.
ETA - gaitedincali…you are looking at an old version of the handbook. The section you referenced is no longer in the handbook.
Is o ring the same as loose ring then? I always thought they were different. Thanks!
[QUOTE=Defying Logic;7680304]
Is o ring the same as loose ring then? I always thought they were different.[/QUOTE]They are the same. 
In western terminology, the O-Ring refers to the O shaped ring, on which the mouthpiece freely slides, in contrast to a D-ring that usually has a fixed location for the mouthpiece. You may also see French link interchanged with “dogbone” to refer to a 3 piece mouthpiece.
The crux of the AQHA rule is that no twisted wire mouthpieces, mouthpieces with ridges, mechanisms for leverage or mouthpieces too small in diameter are allowed.
So, a novice amateur may ride any horse two handed with a snaffle?
[QUOTE=Silk;7683911]
So, a novice amateur may ride any horse two handed with a snaffle?[/QUOTE]
Yes, but you don’t see it often. At least not in the northeast.
