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Normal show bit?

3K views 16 replies 10 participants last post by  Sunny06 
#1 ·
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?
 
#2 ·
Haha, def not normal! I guess it depends on what you're showing in. If it was western pleasure, then they were definately 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!
 
#3 ·
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.
 
#6 ·
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...
 
#9 ·
My hands arent soft enough for something like that... not yet... still working on it....
 
#13 ·
Cathedrals are for giving as light cues in the mouth as possible. Western thing. I would never use one though. I don't like them, and I'd hate to have 3 1/2 inches of metal shoved up my throat :P
 
#15 ·
I believe that the original use was for incredibly light cues that not only cue at the bars, under the chin, and on the poll but also on the roof of the mouth. Just a design to give the horse one more thing to feel. You have to ride your horse with very soft hands in one of these because they can really cause a horse to gape their mouth if you take a hold of them even a little bit.

Also, I am not sure that horses have gag reflexes but considering a horses mouth is almost a foot long, I really don't think they need to worry about choking on it. LOL.
 
#17 ·
Also, I am not sure that horses have gag reflexes but considering a horses mouth is almost a foot long, I really don't think they need to worry about choking on it. LOL.
I was joking ;)
 
#16 ·
Those bits are great for WP horses. When you have a loose rein, advanced horse, and soft hands it makes it easier for you to do barely anything and not be noticed by the judge when you are correcting your horse. I wouldn't use it on my pleasure horse since he has a sensitive mouth and neither him nor I are ready for a bit like that but the ones who are get great effects with it.
 
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