not sure what the definite answer for this bit is, Would it be BD legal?

[Daily Rosie]

Hi Everyone, I have a lovely tb gelding who I'm hoping to do BE with next year (still working on training shows and schooling this year) I've ridden him in a blue sweet iron Universal with a roller link, not because he's strong at all (rides in snaffle ring) but he mouths extremely well and is very soft in it. However I went to my local dressage group for a wee show and of course your not allowed universals so changed him over to a hollow mouth snaffle. He's not awful in it by any means, but he is no where near as nice as he normally is and that's been the same trying it out hacking etc, he just seems to go rigid. I was looking different snaffles uo and found one I think would be perfect for him because it's basically the same as his Universal but in snaffle form. So, would a Shires blue sweet iron loose ring snaffle with roller link be legal for BD/BE? I can't really work out if it counts in the BD handbook. A definite answer would be much appreciated, I think he'll love it. Thanks

 

[milliepops]

I think according to page 6 of the tack guide this would not be permitted. one rotating link seems to be OK but i think the multiple ones would not be.

https://www.britishdressage.co.uk/media/5501/approved-tack-equipment-guide-2022.pdf

 

[abbijay]

If in doubt email BD office a picture of it and they'll confirm or reject it.

 

[maya2008]

I have found the type of metal more related to mouthing than the structure of the bit - there are ordinary lozenge snaffles available in sweet iron, blue sweet iron and copper. Worth a try? Mine will go sweetly in a basic single jointed copper snaffle, but turn their noses up at the nicest stainless steel bits! It’s all in the taste…

 

[Daily Rosie]

Thank you, have messaged BD and initial ones I was looking at are illegal. I think I'll look at blue sweet iron lozenge loose ring bits (Thanks maya2008) good points you made

 

[DressageCob]

Have a look at the bomber bits. Nice metal and quite a few mouth piece options. I use the control plate, which is BD legal.

 

[Cob Life]

I’ve had a lot of success with a shires low ported sweet iron. He will go ”okay” in any other bit (as in he will work in an outline, stop, steer) but is much happier in the low ported.