Does anyone know if it is illegal to hobble the snaffle rings of a bit under a horses chin? I can’t find any rule stating it is. I’m not sure that fact makes it legal.
I believe that would be considered a curb strap, which is only allowed with a curb (Weymouth) bit as part of a double bridle.
If you look at DR121 in the USEF rulebook, all the permitted bits and configurations of nosebands are described and illustrated. Anything not specifically shown in this section of the rulebook are not legal in USEF/USDF recognised dressage competitions. The equipment rules are updated as new products come on the market and are evaluated as to the their suitability for dressage competition.
I would go with the part where they talk about the snaffles only being permitted to be worn as shown. They then give you a few pictures of different bridles with a snaffle. None of those show any type of an apparatus to hobble the snaffle rings. Since they don’t show that it would then not be legal.
Ask USEF. But I highly doubt it is permitted.
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I can’t imagine that being legal. Curb chains are not allowed on snaffles. I’d email USEF.
Are you asking with regards to Western Dressage?
A bit hobble will be legal for use there. The rein must be attached above the bit hobble.
Yes a snaffle bit with a bit hobble is legal in Western Dressage
http://www.westerndressageassociatio…e-rules-tests/
Click on Western Dressage Equipment Guide
A slobber guard, (bar, strap, chain, or string) joining the shanks [of a legal curb bit] is also allowed
A bit hobble does not provide a leverage component to a snaffle bit. It stops the ring of the bit from being pulled into the mouth of the horse in a sharp turn. As in herding cows and needing to change direction suddenly.
@quiet girl …If you are having the issue of the ring being pulled into the mouth and can not use a bit hobble, try changing to a bit with a much larger ring, or a full cheek with the same mouth piece.
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I have a lovely 5 year old with a very sensitive mouth. He accepts connection much better with the bit as stationary in his mouth as possible. Hobbling the bit seems to work the best for him. I’m not using a curb chain, only a small spur strap. There is no leverage.
Several threads have put forth the Baucher Bit as the most stable/still bit. If it comes in the mouth piece your horse prefers it may be a good choice when you are not able to use the hobble.
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^^ Definitely try a Baucher if your concern is stability.
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A Baucher will be too strong for this particular horse. Thanks for the suggestion. He goes best in a Duo. When I put a metal bit in his mouth he gets stronger in the contact. If I hobble it, even a mullen mouth, he is more relaxed in the connection.
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
If it’s fixed, don’t break it.
Words to live by.
Sounds like you’re good to go! 
Can’t imagine that would be legal, but you could email for confirmation.
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The Baucher is not “stronger” in any sense. All it does is prevent the bit from rotating in the horses mouth. A full cheek with keepers will do the same thing.
But that seems to a be a different KIND of stability than your “hobble” which seems to allow the horse to rotate the bit, but prevents him from lifting it in his mouth.
Email the USEF to confirm, but I would be VERY surprised if it were permitted for straight (as opposed to Western) dressage.
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I don’t think so.
Only if she is doing Western Dressage.
And since the OP referred to USDF, I am pretty sure she is NOT doing Western Dressage.
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The OP is riding a young horse at home and is happy with how her horse is going so all is well there. If she decides to show, she now knows to work toward taking the hobble off. Western dressage is sanctioned by USEF and recognized by USDF so folks do ask questions in this forum. www.usdf.org/faqs/western.asp
Why are your knickers in such a knot that you need to be so snarky 2 days later?
Actually I would argue that that link says USDF doesn’t want to be involved with western dressage in any way other than to say go to USEF and the western dressage association.
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“USDF Recognizes the USEF Approved Affiliate…”
There are WD classes at many USDF recognized shows. So asking WD questions in this forum is understandable.
But WD is not the OP’s topic, " Is a bit hobble legal" was. A bit hobble is not legal in USDF/FEI dressage, but is legal in Western Dressage.
@quiet girl have you tried a drop nose band? It may work with the Duo bit.
I have NEVER heard of WD classes at a USDF-sanctioned show. Please provide more details. Thanks.
They recognize there is an affiliate, and that it isn’t them. It is like USDF recognizing USHJA as the official hunter/jumper affiliate. Also you might see WD at a schooling show, but nowhere it is at an official USEF licensed /USDF recognized competition.
edit: Breed specific shows can offer classes across disciplines so I guess you could see it there. But they run under WD rules not Dressage rules.
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I would also recommend a dropped noseband. I have a horse who also wants stability and have had luck with this bit. It has rubber over the joint - more flexible than a mullen but very stable. https://www.smartpakequine.com/pt/herm-sprenger-flex-control-loose-ring-10842
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