Achieve the ultimate balance of authoritative control and subtle finesse with the Bob Avila Santa Maria bit, a premier selection from the Professional's Choice horse bits collection. This Western performance bit is meticulously designed for the finished horse, providing the nuanced communication required for elite-level Reining, Cow Horse, and Western Pleasure competition.

Engineered in collaboration with Hall of Fame horseman Bob Avila, this bit represents the pinnacle of craftsmanship and functionality. The Santa Maria shank design offers a sophisticated, medium leverage that ensures your cues are delivered with crystal-clear precision. By providing a gradual signal, it allows the experienced rider to maintain a soft, responsive connection, making it an indispensable tool for the discerning equestrian.

Key Features & Specifications:

• 2-Inch Curved Port: Expertly designed to provide essential tongue relief while applying medium palate pressure. This encourages the horse to break at the poll and maintain a consistent, collected frame.
• Dual Copper Rollers: This copper roller bit naturally promotes salivation and jaw relaxation. The reactive metal keeps the mouth moist and "light," preventing the horse from bracing or becoming heavy on the bit.
• Santa Maria Shank Design: Delivers a balanced weight and leverage ratio, offering a refined signal that is perfect for high-stakes maneuvers in the show arena.
• 5-Inch Mouthpiece: The industry-standard sizing ensures a secure and comfortable fit for the majority of performance-bred horses.
• Discipline-Specific Engineering: Optimized for finished horses in Reining, Working Cow Horse, and Western Pleasure who require a high-level tool for championship-level performance.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Is this bit appropriate for a green or young horse?
A: No, this is an advanced performance bit designed specifically for "finished" horses with a solid foundation. It is intended for riders looking to refine communication and achieve a higher level of collection rather than teaching basic cues.

Q: How do the copper rollers benefit a horse that is "heavy" in the hand?
A: Copper encourages natural salivation, which keeps the bars of the mouth sensitive and the jaw relaxed. The dual rollers provide a subtle point of focus that prevents the horse from "locking" against the bit, resulting in a softer, more cooperative feel.

Q: Is the Santa Maria shank considered a high-leverage design?
A: The Santa Maria shank is a medium-leverage design. Its geometry is focused on providing a "gradual feel," giving the horse a clear warning before the full engagement of the bit. This is ideal for the light-contact communication required in elite Western disciplines.

Item Number/SKU: AVB-174