Refine your communication and achieve effortless collection with a bit designed for the elite Western performance horse. The Bob Avila Sunflower Bit combines professional-grade leverage with a comfort-first 5 1/8" fit to ensure your mature horse stays responsive, relaxed, and ready for the winner's circle.

Engineered by Hall of Fame horseman Bob Avila and manufactured by Professional’s Choice, this bit is a masterpiece of technical precision and ornate craftsmanship. The weighted shanks provide a subtle "pre-signal" that alerts your horse before the bit fully engages, while the independent swivel design allows you to isolate cues for superior shoulder lift and lateral flexion in reining, roping, or Western pleasure.

Key Features & Specifications:

• 5 1/8" Mouthpiece Width: Sized slightly wider than standard to provide a "standard-plus" fit that prevents pinching the bars and ensures proper curb chain alignment for average-sized horses.
• Copper Inlay & Rolling Elements: Features integrated copper to promote natural salivation, keeping the mouth moist and responsive while acting as a "fidget" tool to calm anxious or busy-mouthed horses.
• Weighted Sunflower Shanks: The decorative 6" to 8" shanks offer a deliberate, weighted feel that provides a vital pre-signal to the horse before the mouthpiece fully engages.
• Independent Side Movement: Designed with a hinged swivel that allows the rider to isolate one side of the mouth for precision bending, lateral flexion, and lifting the shoulder.
• Advanced Ported Design: Applies balanced pressure to the bars and palate, encouraging mature horses to round their backs and tuck their chins for a professional, collected frame.
• Western Finishing Bit: Specifically engineered for seasoned, well-trained horses that have mastered the basics and are transitioning into advanced neck reining and refinement.
• Professional Grade Durability: Part of the signature Bob Avila collection, featuring heavily decorated silver and copper sunflower conchos and intricate metal etching for a show-ready aesthetic.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Why is the 5 1/8" mouth width preferred over a standard 5" mouth?
A: The extra 1/8" provides a more comfortable, "standard-plus" fit for most Western horses, preventing the bit from pinching the corners of the mouth (the bars) and allowing for more precise curb chain placement.

Q: Is this bit appropriate for a young horse just starting under saddle?
A: No, this is a technical finishing bit designed for mature, well-trained horses that are already soft in the mouth and ready for advanced collection and neck reining refinement.

Q: How does the copper inlay benefit my horse's performance?
A: Copper naturally encourages salivation, which keeps the horse's mouth moist and sensitive to cues. The rolling elements also help soothe horses that tend to be nervous or "busy" with their mouths during competition.

Item Number/SKU: AVB-620