Amateur Dressage

Does anyone know if a black sweet iron snaffle is legal for showing? It is the min 1cm width, standard ring width, but black sweet iron.

Hi, rach51185. I've not heard of a "black sweet iron" bit before. Other than checking the USEF site (I think they have the rulebook posted), you might ask on the NCDCTA discussion board on NC Horsenews. Sorry not to be of any real help...

Checking the USEF rule book for dressage is your best bet; I second that advice. I may be way off base, but I think the main concern would be with the mouthpiece. if it is a traditional hinged snaffle I don't think there would be an issue with it. I have heard of sweet iron bits - they come from the Western world. The theory behind them is the content of iron in the bit is designed to produce salivation, which in turn is supposed to keep the horse's mouth wet and promote gentle "mouthing" of the bit. As an after thought, if this is a Western type bit, you may also want to check the ring size of the snaffle. Right off-hand I don't recall if there is a certain size diameter the rings of the bit must be in order to be "legal" for showing.