Hunter gag bit

[MHM]

@Moneypitt

There is no such thing as an ‘illegal bit’ in the USEF rules for hunters.

There are bits that are ‘conventional’ and bits that are ‘non conventional’. ‘Non conventional’ bits are penalized at the discretion of the judge. I think a judge can kick out the entry as the most severe penalty? Zero score.

Traditional gag bits, two ring or three ring bits and dee ring bits with hooks are all in the same ‘unconventional’ USEF bit group.

Rules and regulations for AQHA, apparently allow for dee ring bits with hooks. Also the allowed bits in Canada hunters include Kimberwickes; which again fall into the unconventional USEF bit group.

Actually…

There are illegal bits for hunters at USEF shows, which are a cause for elimination.

Unconventional bits may be penalized, but are not cause for elimination.

From the USEF rules:

HU105 Tack

1. Snaffles, pelhams and full bridles, all with cavesson nose bands, are required.

a. Judges may penalize, but may not eliminate, a horse or pony that competes in a snaffle, pelham, or full bridle that is unconventional. Unconventional snaffles, pelhams, or full bridles include, but are not limited to, hunter gags, kimberwickes, etc.

b. Judges must eliminate a horse or pony that competes in illegal bits or nosebands. Illegal bits include, but are not limited to, three rings, gags (other than the hunter gag), et cetera… Illegal nosebands include, but are not limited to, drop, flash and figure eight nosebands.

[Moneypitt]

Thank you! Good to know. I guess the hunter bit rules have changed since we switched to jumpers! There weren’t any ‘illegal’ bits and the Mikmar dee rings were questionable, as far as being conventional or not.