I want to start showing my mare in equitation classes eventually. (She's too strong for hunters). Over fences and on the flat, she goes in a three ring elevator bit and a drop noseband. I was wondering if this would be allowed in equitation classes--I know it isn't in hunter classes.

Your mare is too strong but you want to show her in Equitation? You do realize how responsive your mare has to be?

Anyways, no, it's not. Save the 3 ring for the Jumper ring.

To put it a bit more politely, no. Elevator bits are not permitted in Equitation. Neither are gags or any other 'harsh bit'. What you might want to consider, is a Pelham bit (either jointed or straight bar).

For equitation, your horse has to be fairly willing to listen to your cues, and look more supple - not pumped up like a jumper. In the Jumpers, bits such as Gags and Elevators are permitted.

Thanks for being nice about it swoony! What jumpercrazy didn't know is that the horse is really responsive with the elevator bit--she's just a mare that likes to go, but she does listen to me really well. I'll ask my trainer if he thinks a pelham will be good for her. {I don't want to ride her in jumpers because I've spent a lot of time getting her responsive, relaxed, and quiet.}

I know the PERFECT bit for you!!! me and my horse had the exact same problem!! he would just tuck his neck and go! We finnally found this mikmar pelham that works like a dream! he cant take advantage of me at all! It is not at all severe, indeed he loves to play with it! It is totally leagal! it has a large roller in the middle so he cant take a hold, it just pushes his toung if he tries to lug! It was expensive, $165 I believe, but the second best thing i ever bought next to my horse! You can take it on trial at tack shops like dover saddlery. You can get used ones on ebay. I Love it!!