I have a mare with a really wide mouth. Does anyone know where you can buy a 5 1/2 or 5 3/4 inch Billy Allen reining snaffle bit? TIA
Doesnt sound like they make any size but 5’. But there are many others making very similar, if not the same, bits. It’s been a popular style since the early 1950s, had one in the late 60s made by Quick, we just called anything that looked like them Quick bits even tho there were other manufacturers back then as there will be for the Billy Allen’s today. It was just a broken mouthed curb with a flat, elongated Dee side and slots for a snaffle rein in addition to rings for the curb rein. As are many of the Billy Allens today with some variation in the shank styles.
Which Billy Allen shank style and mouthpiece were you interested in?
Dutton bits makes one in 5".
The Dutton shop is in New Mexico. They are great to work with, and could probably make you one in 5 1/2".
I really like their plain, single joint, sweet iron smooth D ring snaffle. They also make a dog-bone D ring smooth snaffle that I’ve never had a horse object to.
I bought one used, and it’s D ring was binding and sticking. I called them and they fixed it for me, no charge.
Try Balding. I think their bridle bits come 5.25” standard but they can custom make anything and with any length and style of shank you want.
From what I’ve seen, 5 1/4 is pretty standard for a bridle bit, in other words a bit with a solid mouthpiece (among other things). They’re still made in 5" but that would be for a cob, Arab or smaller mouth in general.
But yes, Balding would probably be able to make a bit to order for you.
