- I am confused about the use of flexible rubber bits. I looked at the rules regarding bits permitted in Dressage and in one paragraph it says "...bits may be covered with rubber and flexible rubber bits are not permitted." but in the very next paragraph, following the pictures of the legal bits, it says Flexible rubber or synthetic mouth pieces are permitted." Is the first statement a typo??
A: From Jenny Van Wieren | United States Equestrian Federation, Inc. | Assistant Director of Dressage: To clarify the question, please note that quote below is taken out of context of the rules. Please note that per Dressage Rules Figure 1. Bits permitted in Dressage “ Bits (including curb and/or bridoon bits of a double bridle) must be made of metal or rigid plastic and may be covered with rubber; flexible rubber bits are not permitted, expect as noted below, under A.” Keep reading onto page DR21 which states: A. Permitted snaffles (must be used in Training –second Level tests. Optional in Third and Fourth Level Tests.) Therefore flexible rubber or synthetic mouthpieces are permitted except when using a double bridle or bridoon, which would include required at Training-second level and option snaffle at Third and Fourth Level.