How to Properly Fit a Snaffle Bit
A bit is the metal part of a horse's bridle, and goes inside the horse's mouth. If you've been riding horses for a while, you know that bits come in different shapes and sizes, and satisfy different requirements. A snaffle is one of the gentler bits available, but still comes in different sizes. The "size" of a bit is what makes it fit a horse properly. You can measure the size as how long the bit is from end to end, or ring to ring. This is a very easy process, especially since bits are usually labeled by size.
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Instructions
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Instructions
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For a bit to work properly, it needs to fit the horse the way it should. Fit happens in two ways; the first is in the bit's size. Every bit comes with a measurement in inches or centimeters. This measurement is usually marked on the bit itself when it's offered for sale. The corresponding measurement is the horse's mouth, from cheek to cheek. Check with your salesperson about the usual bit size for your horse's breed (larger breeds will need larger bits).
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Attach the snaffle bit to your bridle, and put it on the horse. A snaffle's rings should lie flat against your horse's cheeks. If the bit is too small, the rings will be partially pulled into the horse's mouth. If the bit is too big, part of the straight part will exude from the side of the horse's mouth. A properly fitted bit will cause one or two wrinkles at the corners of the horse's mouth.
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The second fitting for your snaffle bit concerns the tightness of the bridle. If the bit is causing three wrinkles or more at the corners of your horse's mouth, the cheek pieces of your bridle are too tight. Cheek pieces are the leather pieces that run up the sides of your horse's face. They attach the bit to the bridle. Loosen these pieces as needed at the buckle. You should be able to fit four fingers sideways between the cheek pieces and your horse's face. Once you're sure the cheek pieces are at the right length, you'll be able to measure the snaffle bit for true fit.
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Tips & Warnings
Once you know the size of bit your horse takes, you won't have to measure again. Most bits fit true to size.
Badly fitted bits will cause sores at the sides of your horse's mouth from rubbing.
