Is this bit legal?

[fordtraktor]

So I bought a used bridle off FB marketplace and it came with random free bit attached. It turns out my busy-mouthed horse loves the bit! Go figure.

It is a Mikmar Cupreon eggbutt. Kind of heavy and the oval link has little ridges which make me wonder if it is legal, though the descriptions say it is. Thoughts?

Here is the bit: https://marystack.com/mikmar-cupreon-ergom-lozenge-eggbutt/?sku=102805-002&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD_rmjkyaOFMsXNEttuZjXq9H0IOO

Thanks!

[Red_Dust]

I have no blessed idea, but I would figure it was as the bit is all one material.
A lucky strike there, gratz on the find.

[Janet]

@Red_Dust

I would figure it was as the bit is all one material.

non sequitor

[Mersidoats]

Probably best to take a photo of it with a tape measure and send to USEF. At this point, it’s the only safe way to know.

[hoopoe]

If you look in the usef annex B and roll way down to the page 39 it lists a French link with indentation in center link as legal. It would have given me pause. The Annex document is getting really big

https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/96D17lSsaCo/annex---bits-saddlery-equipment

[GreyDes]

It looks similar to this in Appendix A -

Agree with the earlier posters that you are better off checking if it’s not clear!

[fordtraktor]

Thank you both so much! That looks exactly like it. I think I will print out this page and take it with me to shows especially now they are tack inspecting at the barns. I don’t mind that at all, it’s just better to be safe than sorry!

I am also wondering if I should experiment more with my double bridle setup. It’s all Fager titanium and super light/moveable. Like his snaffle was when I thought he’d prefer that. Horses!

[lorilu]

I believe French Links are no longer legal. (Flat center piece)

[hoopoe]

this document was last updated JUly 2024. the OP can contact the USEF to be sure. French links appear back on the nice list except for some very specific configurations.

It always confused me that there was consideration to take them away

[quietann]

And this would not be a French link because it has a bean rather than a plate in the center - but good to know French links are (maybe) OK again…

[hoopoe]

interesting I have always seen double jointed , either flat plate , bean or roller, called and advertised as French Link.

The only one not is Dr Bristol which has the angle incorporated

[Janet]

@hoopoe

interesting I have always seen double jointed , either flat plate , bean or roller, called and advertised as French Link.

Both a French Link and Dr. Bristol have a flat plate as the middle piece. A bean, roller or lozenge is NOT a French Link. The supposed difference is the angle of the plate to the tongue (but, unless the rings are Boucher or a full cheeck with keepers, the horse can change the angle by moving its tongue). The other difference is that in a Dr Bristol is rectangular, and the French Link is roughly shaped like a figure 8.