#20 Vogt Santa Barbara with Frog Mouth Piece

This is a beautifully crafted Vogt Santa Barbara cheek bit paired with a frog-style mouthpiece, a combination appreciated by riders who want presence and weight without harshness. Vogt is known for substantial, well-balanced cheek pieces that deliver a smooth, deliberate signal, and this example carries the characteristic engraving, domed conchos, and precise lines expected of their shop.

The frog mouthpiece is designed for horses that sit in the medium-to-sensitive range. While the bit has notable weight due to the Santa Barbara cheek design, the thickness of the bars helps distribute pressure more evenly, reducing intensity while maintaining clarity of communication. The 2-inch port offers mild tongue relief, and the frog shape provides stability and a centered feel that many horses respond well to.

With an 8.5-inch shank, this bit provides moderate leverage appropriate for horses that are already broke in the bridle or that benefit from a slower, more thoughtful pull. The 5-inch mouth width makes it suitable for most Western performance horses.

A versatile, attractive Vogt example that balances function, finish, and feel—Jim considered this a bit he genuinely liked to use.

Key Features

• Maker: Vogt
• Style: Santa Barbara cheek with engraved silver trim
• Mouthpiece: Frog-style ported mouth, mild tongue relief
• Shank Length: 8.5"
• Port Height: 2" frog port
• Mouth Width: 5"
• Action: Moderate leverage with a deliberate, weighted signal
• Function: Ideal for medium to sensitive horses, encourages lift and stability
• Category: Functional riding bit with collector appeal due to craftsmanship

Condition

• Very Good
• Excellent cheek detail with crisp engraving
• Frog mouthpiece shows light oxidation consistent with storage
• Smooth joints and clean conchos
• No structural issues
• Overall a well-maintained, ready-to-use Vogt bit