Hi All,
I have volunteered (for the first time) to work at a show. I was expecting to run scores, or something simple and non-threatening like that. Come to find out they have assigned me the job of bit checking. This is a big show and I am a little less than thrilled to be sticking my finger in the mouths of horses I don’t know. Any words of advice?
The volunteer coordinator or the TD will probably walk you through what you need to do. Don’t worry it is easy. 
These show horses are pretty used to it.
After the rider is done with their test, you just ask them if you can do a bit check. You should be given rubber gloves to change for each bit check. Recently, due to health concerns- bit checks have been visual. so you are check for the correct metal, correct type of bit/thickness. Other areas with no health issues- you can approach from the horse at the side, lift the lip to check it. There is a great USEF PDF document online that shows you illegal/lega/ equipment. TD/show manager may also ask you to check riders’ equipment- such as correct type of cavesson, spurs, even whip length.
Depending on the size of the class, you may just check a few per class. Double check though, it has been a while since I’ve done it.
Don’t be afraid to as the TD to help you and guide you through the first couple of bit checks- that is what they are there to do!
I am pretty experienced and I find the job of bit checking one of the toughest in the show. There are so many variations in bits that are not legal, it is hard to differentiate. Usually you will do every third horse.
Not all horses are used to it, and it can depend on the show atmosphere!
Listen to the rider! If their horse is spooky, pissed…if you rather need to be quick, slow, if it is better to have someone hold the horse or not at all… Be really patient and talk to the rider.
[QUOTE=dotneko;8057632]
I am pretty experienced and I find the job of bit checking one of the toughest in the show. There are so many variations in bits that are not legal, it is hard to differentiate. Usually you will do every third horse.[/QUOTE]
I agree, it’s a difficult assignment, especially if you’re not extremely familiar with the bit rules. My advice is to study the rules until you know them very well.
Here is the 2014 USEF Dresage equipment booklet. I suspect the 2015 will be out very soon
https://www.usef.org/documents/competitions/2014/2014DressageEquipmentBooklet.pdf
Note that spurs have a 2 inch length limit for the shank as of 2014.
Normally this position requires some training before the event and some hours looking at illegal bits. I have never heard of anyone being placed in bit check like this. Many rules to follow, variations of bits, metals and those competitors looking to get away with small things. I am thinking someone wants an inexperienced checker to sneak something by??
I see lots of new folks doing bit checks. It really is not rocket science.
Bring a copy of the pictures of the legal bits. If you have ANY question about legality, radio the TD.
Check spurs for length and make sure the rowels spin. Check whip length.
Ask questions. Ask questions. Ask questions.
I was put in that position once. There were two of us at the gate for three rings. We were told to alternate checks. Check one person for whip length, one for spurs, one for bit… It wasn’t as hard as I was afraid it would be. They gave us a booklet with the info we needed to know about each of the checks we performed and drawings of the legal bits.
The only deviation I did, was when there was one rider in a double bridle. Since I knew nothing about doubles at the time, I opted to check something other than the bits on this particular pair.
In Canada we have Stewards who are trained officials that do the bit check for every horse after their class.
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