Page 52 - 2020 RRP TB Makeover rulebook

side pulls and other bitless bridles are prohibited. Gag and slip bits are prohibited whether used with one or two hands. Cavessons are prohibited.
Snaffle bits include O- or loose ring, eggbutt or D-ring; snaffle bit rings may be no larger than 4” in diameter. The inside circumference of the snaffle bit ring must be free of rein, curb or headstall attachments which provide leverage. The mouthpiece should be round, oval, or egg-shaped and be constructed of unwrapped smooth metal. The mouthpiece may be inlaid, but it must be smooth. The mouthpiece may be solid, or may be two or three pieces; three-piece mouthpieces may include a connecting bar or a round connecting barrel. All snaffle bits must include a leather curb strap, attached below the reins; curb straps should be a minimum of 1/2” inch in width and lie flat against the jaw. Mecate reins, including a tie rein, may be used with a snaffle bit; otherwise, split reins must be used.
Bosals must use a complete mecate rein, including a tie rein. Bosals should be constructed of flexible, braided rawhide, leather, or rope, and have a non-metal flexible core. There must be no rigid material under the jaw, no matter how padded. Horse hair bosals are prohibited.
Trainers riding in a shank bit will do so with one hand only. Two-handed riding in a shank bit will result in a penalty for the maneuver. The hand on the reins may not be changed, with the exception of during the ranch trail when necessary to execute an obstacle (i.e. opening a gate). Reins should be returned to the original hand after completion of the obstacle.
Shanks shall not exceed 8” in length, and shanks may be fixed or loose. The mouthpiece should be round, oval, or egg-shaped and be constructed of unwrapped smooth metal. The mouthpiece may be inlaid, but it must be smooth. Mouthpieces may be solid, single or double-jointed. Nothing may protrude beneath the bar, such as extensions or prongs. Ports are to be no higher than 3 1/2”; rollers and covers are acceptable. All shank bits must be used with a curb strap or chain. Curb straps should be constructed of leather or chain and be a minimum of 1/2” inch in width, lie flat against the jaw and be free of barbs, wire and twists.
Reins used with a shank bit must be either split or closed with romal. Closed reins without romal may not be used. Romal will be carried in the free hand with approximately 16 inches of space between the free and rein hand. No finger between the reins is allowed. For ranch trail obstacles including a ground tie, Trainers using romal should use a get-down rope or hobbles. The get-down rope may be run through an optional bosalito.
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