![]() The height of the palate (roof of the mouth) plus the thickness of the tongue determines the amount of space available for the bit. A bit should never be too thick in relation to the space in a horse's mouth. With this in mind, also consider the conformation of a horse's mouth when choosing bit width. Similarly, in general, the thicker the bit, the more gentle its action on the horse's mouth because the pressure is distributed over a wider surface. This measurement may be in inches or millimeters.įor most horses, the thinner the bit, the more severe its action is on the horse's mouth because the pressure from the bit is exerted on a narrower surface. Mark the spots on the string that meet the corners of the horse's mouth, then lay the string against a ruler to obtain your bit length measurement.Īs described previously, depending on the type of bit you're selecting, you may want to add 1/4 to 1/2 inch to your measurement.īit width refers to the bit circumference at the widest part of the mouthpiece. Use a piece of string in place of a Bit Sizer if your horse will cooperate.At the other side, read the inch measurement at the corner of the mouth. The end piece should rest against one cheek comfortably. Slide the Bit Sizer across the horse's tongue, resting it against the corners of his mouth. Take the reading as you would on a ruler. A Bit Sizer, simple but accurate, is a plastic device that measures in inches and corresponds to bit sizes.Measure your horse's mouth to determine the length of bit required in either of two ways: Otherwise, the horse's skin can become pinched into the holes as the action of the loose rings works with the reins. For a loose ring snaffle or any bit with moveable rings, make sure that your horse's lips completely clear the bit ring holes by 1/8 inch on each side. A full cheek snaffle, Pelham or elevator bit should sit snuggly next to your horse's cheeks, but should not squeeze or pinch. The specific type of bit you choose will influence slightly the desirable bit length. A bit that is too long can slip sideways in a horse's mouth, becoming ineffective and causing soreness. This would indicate the bit length is too short, and the horse may feel pinching at the sensitive corners of his mouth.Ĭonversely, if you see a 1/2 inch or more on each side between the lips and bit rings, the bit is too long. When attached to an appropriately adjusted bridle, a bit should rest comfortably at the corners of a horse's mouth and shouldn't press too hard against a horse's face. ![]() This measurement is usually provided in inches and fractions of an inch, such as 5 inch or 5 1/2 inch. To find the right size bit for your horse or pony, consider both the length of the mouthpiece and the width of the mouthpiece in combination with the conformation of your horse's mouth.īit length corresponds to the width of your horse's mouth. ![]()
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