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How do you measure what size bit your horse needs?
Pull a sewing tape measure (the flexible cloth or plastic kind) through your horse’s mouth, and measure the distance between the lips. Use calipers. Adjust each arm of the caliper on either side of the horse’s mouth, and measure the distance between the two arms.
What is the standard horse bit size?
between 5 and 6 inches
The average bit size for a horse size is between 5 and 6 inches, but will vary by breed, build, and genetic makeup. Horses and ponies with more refined noses such as Arabs and Welsh Cobs often need bits less than 5 inches.
How do you know if a bit fits your horse?
The bit should fit comfortably across the bars (the toothless gap between the incisors and molars) of the horse’s jaw, and that may mean there isn’t just one wrinkle or any wrinkle at all. If you fit a jointed bit, like a D-ring or loose ring snaffle, there may be no wrinkle on the lips at all.
What happens if a horse’s bit is too big?
If your horse’s bit is too big, you will find that the bit will move back and forth in your horse’s mouth which may hit your horse’s teeth. However, a bit that Is too small can cause pinching, rubbing and your horse may be unable to close their mouth properly.
What size bit does a thoroughbred need?
5 ¼
An average size for Thoroughbreds is 5 ¼.” If you don’t have access to a way to measure your horse’s mouth for correct fit, start with the 5 ¼” size, and assess how it’s sitting. You want to avoid a bit that’s too narrow that will pinch the corners of the mouth.
What is the softest bit for a horse?
snaffle bits
The softest bits are generally snaffle bits made of rubber. Rubber offers a smooth fit on the bars of the horse’s mouth, while the snaffle’s rings fit softly in the corners of the horse’s mouth without pinching.
What is the most gentle bit to use on a horse?
eggbutt
One of the most common types of snaffle bit is the eggbutt, which is considered to be the gentlest type of snaffle bit because it doesn’t pinch the corners of the horse’s mouth. It has an egg-shaped connection between the mouthpiece and the bit-ring.
How is the thickness of a horse bit measured?
The picture below, showing the NS Tranz Full Cheek bit, is a good example of the points to measure at for this type of horse bit. As you can see, the only difference is that the mouthpiece thickness of the Fixed Cheek bit is measured directly adjasent to the cheek.
How to measure for a horse bit-the spruce pets?
Measure an old bit you already know fits from the inside of each cheek piece or ring. This will be your guide for the new bit. If you’ve just acquired the horse, try asking the previous owner for the measurement and type of bit they were using.
How can I find the right bit for my horse?
Here are some general guidelines for finding the correct size bit for your horse or pony. To shop our entire selection of English bits online, click here. To find the right sized bit, you should consider both the length of the mouthpiece and the width of the mouthpiece in combination with the conformation of your horse’s mouth.
What’s the best way to measure the thickness of a bit?
Again, if you put the bit on a flat surface , you can slide a tape measure below this point and, if you look from above, you can see the thickness. The most accurate way to measure the thickness of your bit is using an set of callipers, which are widely available.