I got this bit on sale and I’d like to use it. If it isn’t legal for Western Dressage I may return it. I have the same bit in an eggbutt without the roller, but I’d prefer this one if legal. Anyone a TD or anyone use this in a show and know if it’s legal? Thanks
Which organization are you planning on showing under? Everyone has slightly different rules.
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I didn’t realize there was more than one. I’m really interested in ranch work but as a dressage rider I may play with WD. Since this bit is $$ I may return it if I can’t use it.
If you are talking about USEF Western Dressage, the rules are here.
https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/NpmAWxkXY6M/wd-western-dressage
This is the section on snaffle bits.
WD 121.2. Snaffle Bit:
a. A snaffle bit may be used on a horse of any age being ridden at any level.
b. A snaffle offers no leverage or curb action.
c. A Western Dee bit.
d. A standard snaffle is a conventional O-Ring, Egg Butt, Full Cheek (keepers optional) or D-Ring, all with
rings having an outside diameter no smaller than 2 inches (50.8 mm), nor larger than 4 inches (101.6
mm). The inside of the circumference of the ring must be free of rein, curb or headstall attachments that
would provide leverage.
1. Bars: Bars of the mouthpiece must be round, oval or egg shaped, smooth and unwrapped, except
with latex; and no less than 5/16 inch (7.9 mm) to ¾ inch (19.05 mm) in diameter measured one inch
(25 mm) from the cheek and may be inlaid, if smooth.
2. Three-Piece Mouthpiece: If a mouthpiece is three pieces, a connecting ring must be no larger than 1
¼ inches (31.75 mm) in diameter, or a connecting piece must be no longer than 2 inches (50.8 mm)
and 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) to ¾ inch (19.05 mm), measured top-to-bottom.
e. Any solid mouthpiece or barrel mouthpiece may be used.
f. If a bit hobble is used on a ring snaffle it must be attached below the reins.
g. No flat, sharp, slow twist, twisted, or pointed edges on mouthpieces are allowed.
It doesn’t seem to say anything about rollers, neither that they are legal or not legal.
There is also a Western Dressage Association
https://www.westerndressageassociation.org/
Their equipment guidelines
https://www.westerndressageassociation.org/western-dressage-rules-guidelines
seem to say that rollers are legal.
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So it seems that this bit is legal for USEF and WDA. Thanks!
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I am not sure if THAT roller counts as “smooth”.
(I am an eventing TD, not a D or WD TD, but it wouldn’t count as “smooth” for eventing)
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Not a TD but I would be surprised if that is legal for USEF Dressage. It has been a few years since I was actively the ring steward for USEF events but when I was, that was not a legal mouthpiece.
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I agree, not legal for USEF Dressage.
But she is asking about WESTERN Dressage, which has separate rules.
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