Barrel bit....ILLEGAL????

Question

this is the bit that im planning on using in a barrel race with my club. he respects it. its not sever for him. he doesnt toss his head or bite it when i do ride with it. i usually ride bit-less, but the rule says i have to have a bit. is this bit okay to use in a barrel race???

http://www.chicksaddlery.com/page/CDS/PROD/1040/255331

Answer 1

OUCH, why would you use a twisted snaffle?  If he normally doesn't wear anything, he is REALLY not going to appreciate that bit at all.  Twisted mouthpieces are severe, especially ones with mouthpieces as thin as that.  I can't imagine that a normally bit-less horse would require that type of bit.  (I can't imagine ANY horse on earth that "requires" that bit, in fact, but that doesn't stop some people from using them...)

If you are looking for something mild, try a loose ring snaffle (thick non-twisted mouthpiece.)  Depending on your horse's mouth anatomy, he may or may not be more comfortable in a jointed bit.

Answer 2

Yeah, it's similar to a snaffle. I think you should be fine with it. Keep in mind, though, it is a more severe bit, so it is for more experienced riders who wont rip the horses mouth out. But if he doesn't toss his head or try to spit it out, your probably fine.

Answer 3

no, that bit is perfectly fine! most bits you see in barrel races are shanked. i ride in the same bit except it's a d-ring and the mouthpiece is a thicker. that bit is definitely NOT illegal. if he's fine using it, then use it.

Answer 4

A twisted snaffle? Eeek. I'm not really a fan of using one unless you're a skilled horseman, and even then, eh. I would suggest trying a less severe bit.

I've been to my fare share of rodeos and barrel events and I've seen how in-to-it some of the girls get... I've also seen a lot of bloody mouths and sides on their horses from equipment that is too severe and riders who are constantly jerking and jabbing at their horses.

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for turnin' and burnin' around those barrels, but you may want to try a different bit, one that is less likely to cause damage if you're barreling and need to get in that horses mouth for a tighter turn.

I ride all of my horses in a simple o-ring or d-ring snaffle with a sweet iron mouth piece with copper inlays. I would start with that if anything.

**Edit**

I really have to agree with 1024... If you're riding bit less now your horse is going to despise going in something so harsh.

**Edit**

Buffy-- great information!!!

Answer 5

That bit is severe...I personally would never use a twisted wire snaffle, and especially one that thin.

Answer 6

I don't know about barrel racing, but twisted wire bits are about as severe as it gets, and I know the FEI and the USEF absolutely DO NOT allow them. If he has a problem with plain snaffles, the problem is most likely not the bit itself. If he's used to riding with out a bit, train him, get him used to a regular snaffle, it is much milder and you definitely won't have to worry about legality.

Answer 7

thats a pretty harsh bit,you could use a regular snaffle bit.my horse has no bit now but when he did I used a snaffle.

Answer 8

When i show furturity i show in that when it is required to have a bit. its not illegal in AQHA shows so most likely it wont be illegal in barrel comp.. But there is a possibility you can mutilate your horses mouth with this bit. PLEASE only ride in this type of bit if you have soft hands. Personally, id recomend an elevator bit... excelent bits, always rode barrels in this bit when i competed in speed events. Hope this helps...

-becca

Answer 9

um, no! that would be counted as illegal! why cant people just use a regular snaffle bit?!

Answer 10

You really need to become educated about bits.  Get the book on bits and understanding how they work by Myler - go to a tack dealer that sells Myler Bits and ask for it - if you get the video, the book makes more sense.

Although the company is telling you why their bits work better, you learn A LOT about how a bit works.  You also learn the signs of bit resistance and avoidance - I educate many people on the use of bits and often they don't realize that what their horse is doing is avoiding a bit that doesn't work well for it.

If your horse is unaccustomed to wearing a bit and works well off the nose pressure, I would suggest some type of Myler combination bit.  These are a combination bit - they work like a hackamore - the first cues provided are like a hackamore, further non-compliance and pressue engages the bit part until you are communicating with mostly the bit.  The bit is designed to promote lightness in a horse and I am going to guess you could set it up so that only in rare instances does the bit actually engage.

Myler has a line of bits - I believe Sherri Cervi (I can't remember for sure the Barrel Racer's name who developed them) assisted in their development.  They are geared to isolate communicate to one side of the mouth or the other without engaging the cheek piece - I've seen them work wonders!

Myler bits are created to communicate in a non painful way.  Their snaffle bits have a small amount of tongue relief - the split bit is not two straight parts - it is jointed to allow you to communicate effectively to only one side of the mouth and it is curved so you are not choking the horse by clamping his tongue down when you pull on the reins (which is the control part).

I broke my young mare in a typical DRing snaffle - split mouth with full copper mouthpiece.  when I switched her to a Myler Comfort Snaffle, the difference was instant in her comfort and response.

The reason for the twist is quicker communication - the movement of a smooth mouthpiece may go undetected a fraction of a second longer than a twisted mouthpiece.  Additionally, the thinner the mouthpiece, the more severe - so the image you show in the link is actually QUITE a severe bit.

Really - the 20 bucks you'll spend on the book and video will repay you many times over.  I've invested in a number of these bits - they are stainless with copper inlays (full copper mouths can get worked by a horse's teeth allowing creation of sharp areas that are painful to the horse's mouth.  When they get all dried up and slobbery, a quick soak in warm soapy water and they are like new.

Good luck!