Normal show bit?

I was recently at a A-circuit show and in one of the trainers barns he had a couple of western bridles hanging. I went for a closer look (they were beautiful) and I noticed that the port on the bit must have been 3 1/2" high! I've never seen a bit like this so I was quite taken aback. I could not imagine putting something that severe in my horses mouth, but I don't show either. Would this bit only be used for shows? Is this the norm or am I just a rookie?

Haha, def not normal! I guess it depends on what you're showing in. If it was western pleasure, then they were definitely illegal! I've heard that judges will take the bit out of the horses mouth and check it as part of the class. That's a very harsh bit. I can't even begin to think of putting something harsher than a tom thumb in my horse's mouth! I don't like shanks...lol!

At lots of AQHA shows especially in Jr Pleasure classes they will do a bit check. They will have people drop bridles and check out the bits. They will also look at horses who have bosals on too make sure that there faces aren't all banged up. I always love seeing a bit check, but have never seen anybody be excused.

I think you must be talking about at cathedral bit. Did it look something like this?



I am unsure as to the real purpose of them but I agree with you, it seems to be a bit too much.

Ouch. I sure wouldn't wnat that in my mouth!

There are some trainers that believe you need to work the horse in a severe bit so they fear it...I don't agree but...

Any bit with a port no higher than 3.5 inches is leagal according to AQHA rules. So that cathedral is most likely legal.

Oh gosh, I could see a horse practically gagging the entire time.

My hands arent soft enough for something like that... not yet... still working on it....

A bit like that can't really be used to school in. Its more of the kind of bit that you would put on if you wanted a little more control in your pleasure class. I have used one on my horse before but I don't use it very often.