How to Tell if a Bit Fits a Horse

Not only are there many different types of bits to choose from but they also come in a variety of sizes. Making sure that you have the correctly-sized bit in your horse’s mouth along with making sure the bit fits properly are 2 crucial factors to equipping your horse to perform. If the bit is too small, it can pinch your horse’s mouth. If the bit is too large, it can be ineffective. The placement of the bit in the horse’s mouth can have various results, depending upon many different factors.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Determine the size of your horse’s mouth. The best way is to decide the horse’s actual size: pony, cob, horse or draft. After you have established your equine’s size, factor in how large or small their head and mouth are in comparison to their body.

2. Understand the variations of bit sizes. A three inch bit is the smallest bit for a miniature horse or small Shetland pony. A six inch bit is starting to reach the larger sized horses such as drafts and warmbloods. The average sized horse wears a 5-inch bit.

3. Buy or test the bit that you think will fit your horse. When you purchase the bit, talk to the sales clerk about the return policy of the bit. Discuss the sizes. Tack stores have a lot of experience with bits and size issues; so they are the best source to answer you questions.

4. Place the bit on your horse’s bridle.

5. Let down the cheek pieces a hole on each side. Make sure that the cheek pieces are almost equal on the buckle placement. For instance, if the right side buckle is 2 holes down from the top, try to have the left side match that within a hole or so.

6. Bridle your horse.

7. Notice that the bit should loosely be in your horse’s mouth after letting down the cheek pieces. This is when you check whether the bit fits properly. The bit should be evenly proportioned in the horse’s mouth without seeming too snug by pulling on the sides of the horse’s mouth or by seeming too big by sliding from left to right in the horse’s mouth.

8. Check the hinges on both side of bit. These hinges should be about a quarter of an inch away from the corner of the horse’s mouth. Any more the bit is too big and will slide through the horse’s mouth. The hinges look like they are in the horse’s mouth then the bit is too small.

9. Begin to adjust the bit in your equine’s mouth. When the bit is properly fitted in your horse’s mouth there will be two soft wrinkles in the soft skin of the corners of the horse’s mouth. To get to this point slowly take up the bridle on the cheek pieces hole by hole.

10. Decide if the bit, with the correct placement, is a good combination for your horse by riding a few times doing different exercises.

Tips & Warnings

• If your horse has a tendency to pull or hang on the bit, dropping the bit one hole with only one wrinkle in the corner of the mouth can sometimes break this habit. By dropping the bit your horse can no longer lock his jaw and brace against you. Instead, they are forced to stay light in order for you to lift the bit into their mouth for contact.
• If your horse has a hard mouth or is difficult to steer placing the bit up one extra hole creating three wrinkles in the corner of their mouth can sometimes give you extra leverage. Also play around with the type bit you are using. Older, more-seasoned horses know what they like. They will deaden sometimes to a bit they do not like.
• Never ride alone.