metal of 8mm to 20mm in diameter, measured 25mm
from the cheek with a gradual decrease to the centre of
the snaffle. They may be inlaid, but must be smooth or
latex wrapped. The mouthpiece may be two or three
piece. A three-piece will have a connecting ring of
32mm or less in diameter, or a connecting flat bar of
10mm to 20mm measured top to bottom, with a
maximum length of 50mm, which lies flat in the horse’s
mouth or a connecting roller 10mm to 20mm diameter
are acceptable;
c) References to a bit in western performance classes
mean the use of a curb bit that has a solid or broken
mouthpiece, has shanks and acts with leverage. All
curb bits must be free of mechanical device and will be
considered a standard western bit. A description of a
legal, standard western bit includes:
i) 216mm maximum length shank to be measured as
indicated in Diagram 1. Shanks may be fixed or
loose.
ii) concerning mouthpieces, bars must be round, oval
or egg shaped, smooth and unwrapped metal of
8mm to 20mm in diameter, measured 25mm from
the cheek. They may be inlaid, but must be smooth
or latex wrapped. Nothing can protrude below the
mouthpiece (bar), such as extensions or prongs on
solid mouthpieces than by no more than 1.6mm
iii) the mouthpiece may be two or three piece. A threepiece will have a connecting ring of 32mm or less in
diameter, or a connecting flat bar of 10mm to 20mm
measured top to bottom, with a maximum length of
50mm, which lies flat in the horse‟s mouth or a
connecting roller 10mm to 20mm diameter are
acceptable.
iv) the port must be no higher than 90mm maximum,
with rollers and covers acceptable. Broken
mouthpieces, half-breeds and spades are standard.
v) slip or gag bits, and donut and flat polo
mouthpieces are not acceptable.
DIAGRAM 1
d) Except for hackamore/snaffle bit classes or junior
horses shown with a hackamore, only one hand must
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