How Bits are Measured How Bits Are MeasuredTo 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.
Length of the MouthpieceBit length corresponds to the width of your horse's mouth. This measurement is usually provided in inches and fractions of an inch, such as 5 inch or 5 1/2 inch.
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 would indicate the bit length is too short, and the horse may feel pinching at the sensitive corners of his mouth.
Conversely, if you see a 1/2 inch or more on each side between the lips and bit rings, the bit is too long. A bit that is too long can slip sideways in a horse's mouth, becoming ineffective and causing soreness.
The specific type of bit you choose will influence slightly the desirable bit length. A full cheek snaffle, Pelham or elevator bit should sit snuggly next to your horse's cheeks, but should not squeeze or pinch. 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. Otherwise, the horse's skin can become pinched into the holes as the action of the loose rings works with the reins.
Measure your horse's mouth to determine the length of bit required in either of two ways:
- A Bit Sizer, simple but accurate, is a plastic device that measures in inches and corresponds to bit sizes. Take the reading as you would on a ruler. Slide the Bit Sizer across the horse's tongue, resting it against the corners of his mouth. The end piece should rest against one cheek comfortably. At the other side, read the inch measurement at the corner of the mouth.
- Use a piece of string in place of a Bit Sizer if your horse will cooperate. 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.
As 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.
Width of MouthpieceBit width refers to the bit circumference at the widest part of the mouthpiece. This measurement may be in inches or millimeters.
For 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. 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. With this in mind, also consider the conformation of a horse's mouth when choosing bit width. A bit should never be too thick in relation to the space in a horse's mouth.
The height of the palate (roof of the mouth) plus the thickness of the tongue determines the amount of space available for the bit. You can usually identify the conformation of the horse's mouth by prying open the side of the lips. A small or average sized tongue lies below or level with the bars of the mouth; a thick tongue rises above the bars or spills over the bars and between the teeth.
Your equine dentist, veterinarian or a knowledgeable trainer can help you determine whether your horse's palate is normal or high, which could allow for a thicker bit, or very low, which could reduce the thickness of the bit that may be used.
How to Clean
To clean a bit with a plastic or polymer mouthpiece, wash it in warm water using a mild soap only if needed. Rinse the bit thoroughly with running water, making sure to remove any soapy residue. Use a soft towel to dry the mouthpiece and buff the cheeks or rings.
Additional Information
A French link refers to a type of snaffle bit with a double-jointed mouthpiece. The mouth has a smooth, flat center piece shaped somewhat like a bone. This center piece lies on the horse's tongue, reducing the pinching action of a single joint, and thus helping to encourage relaxation in the horse's jaw. French link snaffles are available through Dover Saddlery in a variety of mouthpiece metals and a selection of cheek styles, including full cheek, eggbutt, loose ring, d-ring and elevator.
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Shop with 100% confidence at Dover Saddlery. If something doesn’t fit you or your horse, return your original purchase within a year, and we’ll make it right with a refund, exchange or replacement.
Our experience as riders and horse owners ourselves is that in most situations a year’s time is fair enough to evaluate proper fit and function. PLUS: For manufacturer’s defects, we’ll extend the manufacturer’s warranty to a maximum of 24 months, regardless of their individual policies. (AND: Manufacturer warranties longer than 24 months will be honored and supported by us as well up to the length of those warranties).
Exceptions: Safety items such as helmets and protective vests may only be returned within 30 days, with their original tags intact. Saddles and riding boots may be returned within the one year period, but are subject to a prorated refund based on usage. Used saddles may be returned for 30 days only. For everyone’s protection, treats and vet meds which have been opened are not returnable, and returned blankets must clean and free of debris. Underwear is not returnable or exchangeable.
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To protect all customers and ensure that every return or exchange is handled fairly, we may require a receipt or decline a return in these situations:
• Item was not purchased directly from Dover Saddlery. (It was purchased at a used tack sale or from a retailer or online seller other than Dover Saddlery.)
• Item is missing a label or has been defaced.
• No receipt and no valid identification in our stores.
• Item is wet, dirty or contaminated, or until it has been cleaned. (For health and safety reasons, we cannot accept returns on used, defective or poorly fitting blankets if they are UNWASHED.)
• Item has been lost, stolen, damaged, or misused.
• On rare occasions, based on the nature of prior transactions.
• Supplements have been opened or used.
• Multiple returns of the same item.
• Personalized items may not be returned unless defective.
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