I guess you would have to read the rules of whatever organization the shows is being conducted under. I can’t imagine why anyone would show a horse in a snaffle if the horse was broke enough to show with one hand.
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Are you sure bridle horses are expected to be straight up in the bridle by five?
Fillabeana is talking about making bridle horses, not reiners or some non-Californio kind of western horse.
A Junior Horse is 5 years and under. They can be shown in a snaffle with two hands. Six years and over are to be shown in a curb bit.
There is an allowance for an older horse, I can’t copy the rule on my phone, but any Rookie/Level 1 youth/amateur or Level 1 class can be shown in a snaffle with one or two hands SHW305.5.1
I don’t think Vaquero horses are playing by AQHA rules.
True that, unless they are showing at AQHA shows which was the start of this whole topic. 
I might have missed or forgotten a few sidebars since I didn’t read this thread from start to finish in one sitting.
I’d think a Vaquero could take as much time as they want to finish their horses in a bridle depending on where or what they are planning to do with the horse long term.
Said by the END of their 5th year. But right on Vaquero trainers not caring about AQHA Rules…or anybody else’s if they are the real deal. Yet by 6 most are straight up in the bridle.
