Product Description

Dr Bristol Bit

Dr Bristol Bit with Eggbutt snaffle cheek piece. This bit style prevents lips from being pinched as well as, lessens the vibrations felt by the horse’s mouth from the rider’s hand.

Double check with your governing body / federation to see if this bit is competition legal
- As of 2022: USEF APPENDIX 4 – EVENTING – PERMITTED SADDLERY FOR DRESSAGE See Annex 1 on the Federation website for Approved Bits for National Competitions
- USEF DRESSAGE CHAPTER: DR 121 ANNEX A, PG 25 specifically names this Dr Bristol Bit as non permitted equipment
Eggbutt Snaffle designed wide enough to be gentle on the bars
Mouth piece is also known as a control plate
Designed not pinch the horse’s mouth
Made of stainless steel (tasteless and won’t rust)

The Mechanics of a Dr Bristol Bit:

The Dr. Bristol mouthpiece is a three-piece mouthpiece. Flat rectangular link in the middle set at an angle in relation to the sides. The angle gives you a little sharper pressure on the tongue for those horses that are a little stronger in the bridle or have a tendency to want to lean on the bit.

The Dr. Bristol bit is an excellent alternative to a snaffle for shallower palated horses who may flip their head or not work into the bridle when in a snaffle, however it is not recommended for those horses who are very light in the bridle as the “sharper” (it’s not really sharp) pressure on the tongue may cause them to curl. Therefore, for these types of horses with a shallow palate and light in the bridle we recommend the French Link mouthpiece which has a softer link in the middle for a very mild tongue pressure while also eliminating palate pressure.

Of course you should always consult your coach or professional trainer for any bit fitting/training issues you may have.

USEF Legality

The edges of the center link are not considered to be rounded. The flat link in the center of the mouthpiece lies at an angle to the bit. Due to these elements, the USEF in 2022 has not permitted the use of this bit in any competition.

USEA Permitted Saddlery: https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/KlV5P9prkmM/ev-eventing-division

USEF: See Annex A, pg 25: https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/96D17lSsaCo/annex—bits-saddlery-equipment