Okay I have my horse Thunder going well in an O-ring french link snaffle. But since he is over five I can not show him western in this. What is the most similar type of bit that I can use on him for western classes? He doesn't like tom thumbs at all and larger curbs agitate him even when just sitting in his mouth. (yes I had the vet check the fit and his teeth) I would really like to stay within the snaffle family but if you know any reeeally nice soft curbs I might be able to give a try let me know!! Oh and it doesn't have to be fancy, this is just small open shows and I am a broke college student.

Thanks!

I don't know much about the show world, so I don't know if it would be acceptable, but my all time favorite is a plain full cheek snaffle. Of course, that comes from a trainer's perspective.

I so much believe in the "If it aint broke, don't fix it'
You can ride in that bit in everything except breed shows, and I do believe those are legal AQHA HUS.
If your just doing local stuff your fine.

Well, I have to say that I am not really a "by the book" guy. But I have learned that it often pays to "know the book".

A lot of people - even judges - will tell you all kinds of stuff which is just plumb garbage. I once had a judge telling me - in a western pleasure driving - that my cowboy hat was not acceptable - and she would score me down. When I insisted that she would show me the exact definition in "the book" the discussion was over.

A lot of local shows are not regulated very much. Find out by which rules the shows are run - and get the rules. You might be surprised.

Good luck!

GC