Does anyone have any suggestions for a suitable snaffle bit for a strong cob for use under WES rules?

I have a loose ring snaffle at the moment (thought loose ring may help him stop leaning on the bit) with a lozenge in the middle (not keen on the nut cracker action of a normal snaffle). I assume this is fine, and when the judge checked bits at our last show, she never said anything.

I started schooling him in it last night and this morning, and it is horrid. Firstly, the loose ring is making the pink parts of his lip sore and secondly it is like riding a bulldozer.

I have always ridden him in mullen mouth, tripple barrel myler combination bit which my trainer recommended for him, I love it and he goes fantastic in it, but sadly have to part with it for shows and need a suitable alternative.

Are the barrels on a myler legal for WES?

Hi,

What about a D-ring 3 piece snaffle? That will stop the pinching. Good luck

hi, i would suggest that you ring someone like susie anderson, she always seems to know about all sorts of bits. also would suggest you look at www.rods.com - the pages about bits which will give you an idea of western bits available and the WES rulebook (which is available online).
good luck
rosie

Hi there, I think, if I remember right, WES runs under AQHA rules except for the riding 2yr olds part... and so you can use most Mylers in competition, as long as you have curb straps on bits with "hooks" and don't use the hooks in snaffle classes as that makes the bit a curb bit... if that makes sense. If I managed to confuse you even more, then go on www.aqha.com and look in the rule book, it's all online and you can check english and western rules for all tack.

I showed my filly in a Myler snaffles and ported bits with a barrel with no problem.

Have fun!

Sorry I can't help re rules for bitting in WES/AQHA but if you're switching from a "fixed" bit to a loose ring you should get the next size up and also use bit guards. It's just because loose rings can very easily pinch the lips, hence the size up and guards.

A loose ring bit won't stop a horse leaning on the bit, it might slightly stop it taking a hold and it will encourage a little more play.

In "english" speak if your horse is leaning and, making a very general assumption I know, but a lot of cobs are downhill and naturally go on the forehand then schooling to get your horse's bum under it will lighten the front end. If leaning is a real problem then a bit like a waterford (doubt this is WES/AQHA legal?) might help for a few sessions?

Good luck

I would always recommend that you check the rule book for whatever society you compete under before you change your bit for competition. The WES rule is available on the website.
in reference to a snaffle bit "the mouthpiece may be two or three pieces". It is not the barrels themselves so much as the number of them that could be a problem ie one barrel means the bit is 3 pieces, 3 barrels means it is 5 pieces and therefore not allowed.
Bit guards are not permitted.
Your trainer should be the best person to advise on a suitable bit.
Best of luck!