mm of bit Brandoon and Snaffle allowed in Training Level?

[warmbloodguy]

oops...spelled "bradoon" wrong in the top, please excuse that.

Ok here is the story.

For some reason my horse really likes going in a 12mm bradoon. He likes the thinner mouthpiece. He is great in a 15mm Snaffle, but overall prefers the bradoon. I guess its just "his preference", haha :lol:.

My question is, can I use the 12mm bradoon in a training test, in place of the Snaffle? Or will this bit be too thin?

Thank Alot Guys!

[FriesianX]

http://www.usef.org/documents/rules/ruleChanges/2009/2009Supplement.pdf

Bradoons are allowed at any level - the bit must be at least 3/8 inch in diameter. 12 mm meets those requirements. Many horses do actually go better in a thinner snaffle - it all depends on the size of their mouth, shape of their pallet, etc. By the way, you CAN find smaller mouth pieces with larger rings (i.e., not bradoons) with some searching.

[Gloria]

My horse goes really well with the Myler Comfort Snaffle. It is 10mm I belive. It is perfectly legal.

[joiedevie99]

From DR 121, section 15 "The diameter of the snaffle or bridoon mouthpiece must be minimum 10 mm diameter at rings or cheeks of the mouthpiece (exception: for ponies, the diameter may be less than 10 mm). The diameter of the curb mouthpiece must be minimum 12 mm at the cheeks of the mouthpiece. Snaffles used in Young Horse classes must have a minimum diameter of 14 mm."

[FriesianX]

From DR 121, section 15 "The diameter of the snaffle or bridoon mouthpiece must be minimum 10 mm diameter at rings or cheeks of the mouthpiece (exception: for ponies, the diameter may be less than 10 mm). The diameter of the curb mouthpiece must be minimum 12 mm at the cheeks of the mouthpiece. Snaffles used in Young Horse classes must have a minimum diameter of 14 mm."

Check out the link I provided - it is for rule updates effective April 09. Dressage starts on page 57. They have converted many measurements to inches and clarified a few things as well. By the way, I believe the conversion from inches back to milimeters hasn't really changed the bit size allowed, just HOW it is measured (we are Americanizing the rules;)).