Can i show hunters in this bit? also snaffle bit differences?

Question

Hello!

I am showing my hunter in baby green classes at local schooling shows. He is a little lazy, but nothing that cannot be fixed with a crop or super mild spurs (not bit issues!). I have him going in a loose ring happy mouth and he loves it. However, someone said hunters need D-ring. I am wondering, what is the difference between D-rings, eggbutts, and loose rings? I am sure he will go in any snaffle type bit. Also, I love the look of this bit, but can i show hunters in it? My horse is not hard to control at all and jumps well, we will also be jumping pretty low, so control is not an issue. his old owner i think rode him in eggbutts and full cheeks... Thnks!

http://www.smartpakequine.com/productclass.aspx?productClassid=5705

Answer 1

Focusing on the difference between the 3 bits:

All three employ the same mechanics - they communicate with the horse the same way - the difference is in the force of the communication.

With a loose ring, the rings can slide around - the reins must usually rise up very close to the headstall before engaging therefore you have to send a good strong communication with your hands before the mouth receives it.  Additionally, the loose rings prevent the bit from being grabbed up by the reins and any kind of leverage at all being applied.

The D ring and Eggbutt are very close to each other - again, the reins have the freedom to slide up very close to the headstall before engaging, but the rings don't slide so if the reins do grab, there's a small amount of leverage there - a quicker communication that is a little more precise can be sent to the horse.

The Eggbutt has a bit thicker mouthpiece - especially at the cheek ends - and quite often a thicker mouth piece is less severe than a thinner one - unless it's so thick it's hard for the horse to close his mouth around the bit.

I am unsure about the legality of the decoration on the bit - I would say you would need to check the rule book of whatever circuit or group you're riding with to determine whether this particular bit is allowable.  Most open type or 4H shows would allow this while more highly regulated shows would not.

Answer 2

Hi, difference between these bits are, Eggbutt rings are less likely to pinch the lips or corner of the mouth than are loose, flat-ring, or cheek snaffles. A loose-ring snaffle allows more movement in the mouthpiece and encourages a horse to champ the bit. A D-ring is less likely to be pulled through the mouth.

Working Hunters can be shown in snaffles; hunters, hacks and cobs are normally shown in double bridles, but pelhams are also acceptable. Make sure your bridle is plain and the leather should not be too light....wish you all the best for your showing!

Answer 3

I've show hunters in a loose ring snaffle at barn shows. I'm sure you'll be fine if you're not a very high level. Hunters dont haveee to have a d-ring. Thats what most use, but it's not mandatory. Maybe you should ask your trainer to make sure. It might depend on the show some.

Answer 4

traditional hunters are not suppost to be showy so i would get the same bit without rhinestone. I made that mistake and people look down on you and you don't want to insult the judge like that. I like the bit personally but just not for hunters where you want to be as professional as possible.

Answer 5

The hunter Dee is more accepted in the hunter ring, but it is certainly not the only one you can use.

Bits preferred for the hunter ring, ranked by general acceptance:

1 - Dee

2/3 - Full Cheek or Eggbutt (not sure which is "better")

4 - Loose ring

5 - Pelhams, etc are generally for equitation only and not looked upon favorable by hunter judges

So . . . I would say a loose ring is ok, but some judges may mark you off for not having the standard dee. I also love my horse in the loose ring, but she's a jumper, so it doesn't matter ;)

Answer 6

While Dee ring snaffles are currently the trend (the equestrian sport tends to change quite rapidly; not long ago, full cheek snaffles were the "thing"), any snaffle bit will do for hunters.

The "bling" on that bit is very mild so you shouldn't be faulted for using unconventional tack.

With Dee rings, pressure is applied to the corners of the mouth to aide in turning. Eggbutts tend to be less aggressive in that sense, while still remaining solid. Loose rings can pinch the corners of the mouth, but a properly fitting one should not. The loose ring has a very mild gag action, allowing the horse more time to decide his reaction before it is fully engaged.

All the bits that you have listed as considered mild (of course, misuse can quickly change that) and I am happy to hear that your horse goes happily in them, great job training the basics =)

If your horse is happy in a loose ring snaffle, you can also show hunters in it. If you are really worried, I recommend calling the show stewards and asking if you will recieve any penalities using a certain bit.